Name: Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 2 cloves garlic peeled and minced; 1 tsp minced ginger; 3 tbsp dark soy sauce; 3 tbsp honey; 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 tbsp sesame seeds; small bunch of coriander/cilantro roughly torn

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.

There are five wooden skewers laid diagonally on a white oval plate, each skewer filled with grilled pieces of golden brown chicken with dark grill marks, red bell pepper chunks, and light yellow onion slices, all sprinkled with small white sesame seeds and green chopped cilantro leaves. There are small pools of sauce and some cilantro leaves scattered on the plate. In the top right corner, a round white plate holds a fresh salad made of sliced green cucumbers, thin red onion strips, radish slices, chopped green beans, and red chili rings. The background shows a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe

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.

Flat lay of two raw chicken breasts chopped into bite-sized pieces, a whole fresh red bell pepper cut into large chunks, a peeled onion sliced into squares, two peeled garlic cloves, a small piece of fresh ginger root sliced, a small bunch of bright green coriander leaves roughly torn, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden honey, a small white ceramic bowl with dark soy sauce, a small white ceramic bowl holding amber vegetable oil, a small white ceramic bowl containing sesame oil, and a small white ceramic bowl with white sesame seeds, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

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.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

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

The image shows several grilled skewers on a white plate, each skewer with three main layers repeated: large chunks of dark brown grilled chicken with char marks and a shiny glaze, bright red bell pepper pieces with a smooth texture, and translucent white onion layers with light browning. Each skewer is sprinkled with white sesame seeds and small green cilantro leaves. The background is a white marbled surface, and light sauce drips are visible on the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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

The image shows several wooden skewers placed closely side by side in a white dish with dark brown sauce. Each skewer is loaded with layers of marinated raw meat that appear shiny and moist, with colors ranging from light pink to dark brown due to the marinade. The meat pieces are folded and stacked unevenly on the sticks, showing some texture and slight translucence. The dark brown sauce pools around the base of the skewers, creating a rich backdrop that enhances the glistening look of the marinated meat. The whole setup rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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:

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Pork tenderloin or firm tofu chunks both work really well with this honey garlic marinade and grilling method.

Do I need to soak wooden skewers?

Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes helps prevent them from burning on the grill.

How can I make these skewers spicier?

Try adding chili flakes, sriracha, or chili powder to your marinade for a spicy kick that complements the sweet honey and savory garlic flavors.

Can I prepare the skewers in advance?

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!