Description
These Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers are a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. Made with a flavorful marinade of honey, garlic, soy sauce, and spices, they’re tender, juicy, and ideal for grilling, baking, or stovetop cooking. Perfect for BBQs, weeknight dinners, and meal prep!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, vinegar, sesame oil (if using), black pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Place chicken in a zip-top bag or bowl. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, coat evenly, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 8 hours).
- Reserve the remaining marinade for basting.
- Soak Wooden Skewers (If Using):
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Assemble the Skewers:
- Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, spacing pieces slightly apart.
- Cook the Skewers:
- Grill: Preheat to medium-high (375–400°F). Grease grates, then grill skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken reaches 165°F.
- Oven: Preheat to 425°F. Bake skewers on a lined baking sheet for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway. Broil for 2 minutes for char.
- Stovetop: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning frequently.
- Thicken the Reserved Sauce (Optional):
- Heat reserved marinade in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in cornstarch slurry and simmer until thickened.
- Baste and Serve:
- Brush cooked skewers with thickened sauce (if using). Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.
Notes
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to skewers for extra flavor.
- For a spicier kick, increase red pepper flakes or add Sriracha.
- Swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or beef for variety.
- Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: main dish
- Method: Grilling, Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Keywords: honey garlic chicken, grilled skewers, BBQ chicken, easy dinner recipe, meal prep