Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe

If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing dish that truly sings with flavor, the Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe is your answer! Imagine tender chunks of juicy chicken bathed in a sweet, garlicky marinade, caramelized to perfection over a hot grill. Each bite bursts with a harmony of honey, garlic, and savory soy, all balanced by a hint of tanginess. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or craving an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe brings pure joy to the table and is sure to become one of your most requested meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This brilliantly simple ingredient list is all about maximizing taste with minimum fuss. Each item lends a unique touch, creating the dynamic flavors and glossy finish that make these skewers so irresistible.

  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose your favorite cut—breasts for a leaner bite or thighs for extra juiciness.
  • ¼ cup soy sauce: This brings the ideal salty, umami foundation and helps tenderize the chicken.
  • ¼ cup honey: Adds sweetness and helps create those gorgeous grill marks.
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced: The real star here! Use freshly minced garlic for the boldest flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar: A dash of tang cuts through the sweetness and balances the marinade.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil: Smooths out the marinade and keeps the chicken moist as it grills.
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional): If you like a little warmth and zing, ginger’s a wonderful touch.
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds the perfect hint of spice.
  • Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish: These finish the dish with color, crunch, and a fresh pop of flavor.
  • Wooden or metal skewers: Essential for assembling your chicken bites—just don’t forget to soak wooden skewers if you’re grilling!

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Skewers

If you’re using wooden skewers for your Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe, give them a good soak in water for at least 30 minutes. This simple step ensures they won’t scorch on the grill, keeping everything picture perfect and easy to handle.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Marinade

Grab a large bowl and whisk together the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, vinegar, olive oil, ginger (if you’re in the mood for extra zing), and black pepper. Watching these golden, syrupy ingredients blend together is honestly satisfying, and this marinade is where all the magic begins.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Add your cubed chicken to the bowl and toss until every piece is beautifully coated. Cover the bowl and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have a little extra time, marinate up to 4 hours for truly profound flavor—the marinade tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with all those sweet and savory notes.

Step 4: Thread and Grill

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium heat. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, packing them just close enough to get that crave-worthy char. Place them on the grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally. Brush with any remaining marinade as they cook for a glossy, caramelized finish—the hallmark of a great Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe. Cook until the chicken is cooked through with a slight char on the edges.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the skewers are beautifully grilled, slide them onto a platter. Sprinkle generously with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. These finishing touches make your skewers look as good as they taste, adding crunch, color, and a fresh pop of flavor with every bite.

How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe

Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A little garnish goes a long way! Scatter chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top of your skewers for a restaurant-worthy look and a final layer of flavor. If you’d like to add a bit of heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha does the trick.

Side Dishes

This Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe is versatile and pairs like a dream with fluffy jasmine rice, nutty brown rice, or even stir-fried noodles. Want to add some greens? Lightly charred bok choy, snap peas, or a crunchy cucumber salad all make amazing accompaniments for a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual entertaining, serve the skewers on a rustic wooden platter and let everyone help themselves. Tuck the skewers into warm pita or lettuce leaves with a dollop of yogurt, or even slice the chicken off the skewers and pile onto salads or rice bowls. There’s no wrong way to showcase these beauties!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, pop the cooled chicken skewers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and tender for up to 3 days, making weekday lunches a breeze.

Freezing

To freeze, simply remove the grilled chicken from the skewers and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe leftovers will keep well for up to 2 months. Be sure to label and date the container for easy meal planning!

Reheating

For the juiciest results, gently reheat the chicken in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth. You can also microwave in 30-second bursts, but be careful not to overdo it, as that can dry out the meat. If reheating from frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight before warming.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are fantastic here, offering extra juiciness and richness. You can use both, or stick with your favorite—just cut them into even pieces for uniform cooking.

Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?

You bet! For a vegetarian twist, swap the chicken for firm tofu cubes or even hearty veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini. Marinate and grill them just the same way for fabulous results.

Do I have to grill the skewers?

Grilling is classic, but you can use a grill pan on the stove or even broil the skewers in your oven if that’s more convenient. Both methods will give you the caramelized edges and deep flavor that make the Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe so irresistible.

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the marinade a day or two early and keep it refrigerated. This makes the skewers come together especially fast when you’re ready to cook—just toss in the chicken and start marinating.

What if I don’t have fresh ginger?

No worries! The ginger is optional. If you want a hint of warmth but don’t have fresh ginger, a pinch of ground ginger works in a pinch, or you can simply leave it out. The skewers are still loaded with flavor.

Final Thoughts

Get ready to fall in love with how easy and flavorful this Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe truly is. It’s the kind of dish you’ll look forward to making again and again, perfect for both special gatherings and everyday weeknight dinners. Give it a try and watch your friends and family ask for seconds (and the recipe)!

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Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe

Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe

4.7 from 13 reviews

These Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers are a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, with tender chicken pieces marinated in a delicious honey garlic sauce and grilled to perfection. Easy to make and great for a summer barbecue or weeknight dinner.

  • Author: nadia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 27 minutes (plus marinating)
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Asian
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Ingredients

Units Scale

Chicken Skewers:

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
  • Wooden or metal skewers

Instructions

  1. Prepare Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
  2. Marinate Chicken: Whisk together soy sauce, honey, garlic, vinegar, olive oil, ginger, and black pepper in a bowl. Add chicken, coat evenly, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
  3. Grill Skewers: Preheat grill or grill pan over medium heat. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers. Grill for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally until cooked through and charred. Brush with marinade while grilling.
  4. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

  • Pair with rice, noodles, or grilled vegetables.
  • For added spice, include a teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes in the marinade.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 skewers
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 680 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg

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