There’s something downright irresistible about these Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe — tender, marinated chicken kissed with a sweet and smoky glaze, perfect for your next BBQ or weeknight dinner. Let me show you how to get that perfect balance of honey, garlic, and a hint of ginger working together in every bite.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I absolutely love making these honey garlic chicken skewers whenever friends come over. The marinade is quick to whip up, the skewers cook fast, and the flavors hit that spot between sweet, savory, and just a little smoky from the grill.
- Perfectly balanced flavors: The honey’s sweetness pairs beautifully with garlic and a touch of ginger for a punchy glaze.
- Quick prep and cook time: With just 20 minutes prep and 10 minutes cooking, it’s great for busy days.
- Versatile and colorful: Bright red peppers and onions threaded with chicken make these skewers as pretty as they are tasty.
- Great for any grill or griddle: Whether you’re outdoors or using your stovetop, these skewers cook up beautifully.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Let’s chat about the star players in this recipe. I always recommend fresh chicken breasts and vibrant veggies for the best taste and texture. Also, grabbing dark soy sauce rather than the lighter stuff makes a huge difference in that rich, umami flavor.
- Vegetable oil: A neutral oil perfect for marinade base to keep flavors balanced.
- Sesame oil: Adds a toasty, nutty aroma that pairs beautifully with garlic and ginger.
- Garlic: Fresh minced cloves pack that essential punch of savory goodness.
- Ginger: A teaspoon of minced ginger brings a subtle warmth and zing.
- Dark soy sauce: For deep umami that works magic with the sweetness of honey.
- Honey: Naturally sweet, it helps caramelize the chicken beautifully on the grill.
- Chicken breasts: Bite-sized to ensure quick and even cooking.
- Red bell pepper: Adds a pop of color and juicy sweetness.
- Onion: Sliced into squares for a tasty, slightly crunchy contrast.
- Sesame seeds: Sprinkled at the finish for an extra nutty crunch.
- Coriander/cilantro: Fresh leaves torn on top to brighten every bite.
Make It Your Way
The beauty of this Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe is how adaptable it is to your tastes and what's in your kitchen. Feel free to mix and match veggies or spice things up to make this dish authentically yours!
- Veggie Swap: I love swapping out the red bell pepper and onion for mushrooms and courgette pieces when I want something earthier and a little lighter. The mushrooms soak up that honey garlic glaze beautifully!
- Spicy Twist: For those who crave a kick, adding a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade instantly elevates these skewers. It’s become my go-to when I want that perfect sweet heat combo.
- Fruit Flair: Once, I tossed in some pineapple chunks alongside the chicken for a tropical flare. The sweetness of pineapple complements the marinade in a delightful way, especially on a hot summer BBQ.
- Make Ahead: Marinating the chicken up to a day in advance is a game changer—flavors deepen and the meat turns incredibly tender. Just be sure to cook them fresh for the best juicy results!
Step-by-Step: How I Make Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Whisk together that luscious marinade
Start by combining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon minced ginger, 3 tablespoons dark soy sauce, and 3 tablespoons honey in a small bowl. Stir everything together until it’s nice and smooth. The aroma of garlic and ginger soaking in the sweet soy-honey mix is such a tease for what’s coming!
Step 2: Marinate your chicken with care
Place your 2 chicken breasts (chopped into bite-sized pieces) into a bowl, then pour about three-quarters of your marinade over them. Save the rest for basting later—it’s all about layering those flavors. Cover and pop the chicken into the fridge for 1 hour to let those beautiful flavors infuse and the chicken absorb all that goodness.
Step 3: Prep your skewers and assemble
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water to keep them from burning on the grill. Then, alternate threading chicken pieces with generous chunks of 1 red bell pepper and 1 onion sliced into squares. This way, every bite gets a perfect balance of juicy chicken and caramelized veggies. Discard any leftover marinade in the bowl—only use the reserved one for basting.
Step 4: Heat up your BBQ or griddle
Get your BBQ or griddle smokin’ hot—this is key for locking in juices and getting that irresistible slight char. A very hot cooking surface means those skewers cook quickly and evenly.
Step 5: Grill your skewers to perfection
Place the skewers onto the hot surface and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning them 3 to 4 times. Halfway through cooking, brush the skewers with the reserved marinade to keep them moist and flavorful. Check doneness by slicing open the largest chicken piece—it should be completely white with no pink inside. That’s your cue that they’re perfectly cooked!
Step 6: Garnish and serve with love
Once off the grill, sprinkle your skewers with 1 tablespoon sesame seeds and a small bunch of roughly torn coriander/cilantro. Serve them up hot alongside a fresh salad, fluffy rice, or some crispy potatoes for a satisfying meal that pleases everyone at the table.
Top Tip
These simple tips can really elevate your Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers recipe experience, making sure the flavors shine and the texture stays juicy every time you grill.
- Marinate Longer for More Flavor: I’ve found that letting the chicken soak in the marinade for up to a full day deepens the sweet, garlicky notes deliciously without overpowering the meat.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skewers: Thread the pieces loosely so they cook evenly and get that perfect char without steaming in their own juices.
- Brush During Cooking: Brushing with the reserved marinade halfway through cooking locks in moisture and helps build that glossy, sticky glaze everyone loves.
- Check Doneness Carefully: Always slice open the biggest chicken piece to confirm there’s no pink center—that’s the best way I avoid dry or undercooked bites.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling sesame seeds and torn fresh coriander/cilantro over the hot skewers adds wonderful texture and a fresh herbal brightness. For an extra pop, try a squeeze of lime juice or some finely sliced red chili for mild heat and color contrast.
Side Dishes
These skewers pair beautifully with vibrant side dishes like a crisp Asian slaw or a refreshing cucumber salad. Steamed jasmine rice or fragrant basmati are perfect for soaking up the sweet garlic sauce, while crispy roasted potatoes (like Greek Potatoes) add a satisfying crunch to your meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooked, let your Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They keep well and can be enjoyed cold in salads or wraps for a tasty lunch option.
Freezing
You can freeze the marinated, uncooked chicken pieces on skewers by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling as usual to maintain that juicy tenderness.
Reheating
I recommend reheating cooked skewers gently on a low grill or in a warm oven to avoid drying out the chicken. Alternatively, enjoy them cold straight from the fridge as part of a light salad or wrap for a quick meal.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Pork tenderloin or firm tofu chunks both work really well with this honey garlic marinade and grilling method.
Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes helps prevent them from burning on the grill.
Try adding chili flakes, sriracha, or chili powder to your marinade for a spicy kick that complements the sweet honey and savory garlic flavors.
You can marinate the chicken up to a day ahead for deeper flavor, but I recommend grilling just before serving to keep the meat juicy and delicious.
Final Thoughts
Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers are one of those wonderfully simple yet impressive dishes that bring people together—whether it’s a casual BBQ or a cozy weeknight dinner. The balance of sweet honey, savory garlic, and subtle spice creates a flavor combination that keeps you coming back for more. With a little prep and these handy tips, you’ll have juicy, flavorful skewers ready to impress every time. So grab those skewers, fire up your grill, and enjoy this delicious crowd-pleaser!
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Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Marinating Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 skewers
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American, Asian, British
Description
Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers are tender pieces of marinated chicken cooked on a BBQ or griddle, delivering a perfect balance of sweet and smoky flavors with a hint of ginger and garlic.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic peeled and minced
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 3 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 3 tablespoon honey
Skewers:
- 2 chicken breasts (approx 350g/12.5 oz) chopped into bite sized pieces
- 1 red bell pepper chopped into large chunks
- 1 onion peeled and sliced into squares
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- small bunch of coriander/cilantro roughly torn
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: Mix all the marinade ingredients together in a small bowl, combining vegetable oil, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, dark soy sauce, and honey until smooth.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chopped chicken breasts in a bowl and pour on three-quarters of the marinade, reserving the rest for brushing during cooking. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour to allow flavors to infuse.
- Prepare the skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water to prevent burning; otherwise, prepare metal skewers. Thread chicken pieces alternately with red bell pepper chunks and onion squares onto the skewers.
- Preheat the cooking surface: Heat your BBQ or griddle until it is very hot and ready for cooking.
- Cook the skewers: Place the skewers on the hot BBQ or griddle, cooking for 8 to 10 minutes, turning 3 to 4 times. Brush with the reserved marinade halfway through to maintain moisture and enhance flavor. Make sure chicken pieces are fully cooked with no pink inside.
- Finish and serve: Sprinkle the cooked skewers with sesame seeds and torn coriander/cilantro. Serve hot alongside salad, rice, or your choice of potatoes.
Notes
- You can marinate the chicken up to a day ahead for enhanced flavor. Avoid cooking in advance and reheating to prevent dryness.
- Cooked chicken kebabs can be cooled and served cold in salads or wraps.
- Substitute onion and red bell peppers with mushrooms, red onion, courgette pieces, or pineapple chunks for variety.
- Add sriracha, chili powder, or chili flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
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