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

If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with sweet, savory, and smoky goodness, then I’ve got the perfect treat for you. This Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe brings together tender chicken pieces soaked in a luscious honey garlic marinade, then grilled to juicy perfection—trust me, it’s like a little taste of Asian-inspired BBQ heaven!

The image shows four skewers arranged on a white plate, each skewer has alternating pieces of grilled chicken with a charred, golden-brown texture, red bell pepper slices, and light yellow onion chunks. The skewers are sprinkled with white sesame seeds and fresh green cilantro leaves, and a brown sauce is lightly drizzled on the plate beneath them. In the top right corner, there is another white plate filled with a fresh salad made of sliced green cucumbers, red radish rounds, thin purple onion strips, and green chili pieces. The surface underneath both plates is a white marbled texture with scattered cilantro leaves for decoration. 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 can’t get enough of these skewers. They’re easy to whip up, deliver big on flavor, and have just the right balance of sweet honey and savory garlic that'll keep you coming back for more. Plus, they’re perfect whether you’re firing up the BBQ or just using a griddle pan indoors.

Simple yet flavorful: The marinade uses pantry staples but results in an incredibly tasty punch.
Perfectly tender chicken: Marinating for an hour means juicy, melt-in-your-mouth bites every time.
Flexible veggies: Easily swap or add to the red pepper and onion to suit your mood or fridge contents.
Great for gatherings: These skewers serve 5, making them ideal for feeding family or friends effortlessly.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Here’s the scoop on the key ingredients you’ll need. Grab good-quality chicken breasts for tender meat, and make sure to get fresh garlic and ginger to really lift the flavors in the marinade. Using both vegetable and sesame oil gives the sauce a nice depth and that subtle nutty aroma typical of Asian-inspired dishes.

Flat lay of two whole uncut chicken breasts, a whole red bell pepper cut in large chunks, a whole peeled onion sliced into squares, two uncracked brown garlic cloves, a small pile of freshly grated ginger root, a small white ceramic bowl filled with dark soy sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of golden honey, a small white ceramic bowl with light amber sesame oil, a small white ceramic bowl with clear vegetable oil, a small white ceramic bowl holding white sesame seeds, and a small bunch of fresh green coriander leaves roughly torn, all arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed 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: Provides a neutral base for the marinade to blend all the flavors together smoothly.
Sesame oil: Adds that signature toasty richness without overpowering the dish.
Garlic (peeled and minced): Packs a punch of sharp and aromatic flavor that complements the sweetness of honey perfectly.
Ginger (minced): Offers a fresh, zesty note that brightens up the sauce and balances the soy’s saltiness.
Dark soy sauce: Gives umami depth and color, enriching both marinade and grilled chicken.
Honey: The star sweetener that caramelizes beautifully when grilled, creating that irresistible glaze.
Chicken breasts: Choose fresh, boneless pieces for easy cutting and quick cooking on the skewers.
Red bell pepper: Adds vibrant color and a mild sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the chicken.
Onion (sliced into squares): Offers slight crunch and a savory contrast to the tender chicken and pepper.
Sesame seeds: Sprinkled at the end, they bring an extra nutty crunch and an attractive finishing touch.
Coriander/cilantro: Adds fresh herbaceous notes that brighten up the whole dish before serving.

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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

One of the best things about this Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe is how easy it is to customize to fit your taste buds or what you have on hand. Whether you want to dial up the heat, swap veggies, or turn it into a colorful party platter, there are plenty of delicious ways to make it your own.

Spicy Twist: I love adding a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of chili flakes into the marinade for a lovely spicy kick that balances out the sweet honey. It gives the skewers a vibrant flavor that wakes up your palate.
Veggie Swaps: Sometimes I swap out the red bell pepper and onion for mushrooms and courgette chunks. It adds earthiness and freshness, and it grills beautifully alongside the chicken.
Fruity Flair: On warmer days, adding pineapple pieces to the skewers gives a juicy, tropical sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the honey garlic sauce – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Make It Ahead: For busy weeknights, I sometimes marinate the chicken up to a day in advance to really let those flavors deepen. Just be sure to cook it fresh to keep the chicken tender and juicy.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe

The image shows several grilled skewers on a white rectangular plate, each skewer layered with three main components alternating in sequence: golden-brown grilled chicken pieces with charred grill marks, shiny red bell pepper chunks, and translucent cooked onion slices. The chicken pieces look juicy and caramelized with a glossy sauce coating. The red peppers add bright color and a slightly softened texture, while the onions appear soft and slightly browned. The skewers are garnished with scattered white sesame seeds and fresh, small green coriander leaves on top, adding texture and color contrast. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with some sauce droplets around it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Whisk Together the Flavorful Marinade

Start by combining 1 tablespoon each of vegetable oil and sesame oil with the minced garlic and ginger. Then stir in 3 tablespoons of dark soy sauce and 3 tablespoons of honey until everything is nicely blended. The aroma of garlic and ginger mixing with honey and soy sauce instantly sets the tone for a sweet and savory treat.

Step 2: Let the Chicken Soak Up the Goodness

Place your bite-sized chicken breast pieces into a bowl and pour over three-quarters of the marinade. Give it all a good toss to coat everything evenly. Cover the bowl with cling film and pop it into the fridge for 1 hour. This rest time lets the chicken soak up all those delicious flavors, making every bite flavorful and juicy.

Step 3: Prepare Your Skewers and Preheat the Grill

If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes to keep them from burning during cooking. Meanwhile, get your BBQ or griddle hot and ready — it should be nice and sizzling to lock in those lovely grill marks and flavors.

Step 4: Thread the Skewers Like a Pro

Alternate threading a piece of marinated chicken, a large red bell pepper chunk, another piece of chicken, and a square slice of onion onto each skewer. Repeat this pattern until all your chicken and veggies are used up. This layering not only looks beautiful but helps keep the chicken moist as the veggies release their juices during grilling.

Step 5: Grill and Glaze to Perfection

Place the skewers on your hot grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning them 3-4 times to ensure they cook evenly. About halfway through, brush the reserved marinade over the chicken pieces — this gives them an extra glossy, flavorful boost. A good tip is to slice the largest chicken piece at the end to check there’s no pink inside before serving.

Step 6: Finish with a Touch of Sesame and Fresh Herbs

Once off the grill, sprinkle your skewers generously with toasted sesame seeds and torn coriander (cilantro) leaves. Serve them hot with a crisp salad and your favorite side — rice or roasted potatoes make fantastic companions for these smoky, sweet, and garlicky bites.

Top Tip

Making perfect Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers is all about balancing flavor, timing, and technique. These tips come from hands-on experience to help you get the tastiest, juiciest skewers every time.

Marinate Thoroughly: Allowing the chicken to marinate for a full hour really lets the honey garlic flavors seep in deeply, giving you that rich, sweet-savory bite.
Preheat Your Grill: A hot BBQ or griddle is key. If it’s not high enough heat, the chicken won’t get that lovely caramelized exterior that makes these skewers a standout.
Brush with Reserved Marinade: Brushing on the leftover marinade halfway through grilling boosts flavor and adds extra gloss — just remember to reserve some marinade before soaking the chicken!
Check Doneness Carefully: Cutting into the largest piece to check there's no pink ensures your chicken is safely cooked but still juicy, avoiding the all-too-common mistake of drying it out.

How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe

The image shows several wooden skewers holding dark brown marinated pieces of raw meat, likely chicken, arranged close together in a white tray. The meat looks thick and coated in a shiny, thick sauce that pools around the bottom of the tray. Each skewer contains multiple large chunks of the marinated meat with visible folds and texture. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly toasted sesame seeds over the skewers right after cooking for a wonderful nutty crunch. Add a handful of torn coriander (cilantro) leaves to bring a bright, herbaceous freshness that complements the sweet-savory sauce beautifully. For an extra zing, serve with a wedge of lime to squeeze on just before eating.

Side Dishes

These skewers pair beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette, fluffy steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the sauce, or crispy oven-roasted potatoes like Greek potatoes for a heartier meal. You can also add grilled veggies such as asparagus or corn on the cob to complement those BBQ vibes perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cooked Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 2 days. This way, you can enjoy the flavors again without sacrificing quality.

Freezing

If you want to freeze these skewers, it's best to freeze the marinated, uncooked chicken pieces threaded on skewers. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling as usual.

Reheating

Reheating grilled chicken skewers can dry them out, so it’s best to enjoy them freshly cooked. However, if needed, gently reheat in a low oven or covered pan to preserve juiciness. Alternatively, serve the cooked skewers cold — they make a fantastic addition to salads or wraps.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other meats besides chicken?

Absolutely! While this Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe is designed for chicken breasts, you can try it with pork or firm tofu chunks—but cooking times may vary slightly.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinating for 1 hour is perfect to infuse great flavor without changing the texture. You can marinate up to a day in advance if you want an even deeper taste.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Definitely! Add sriracha, chili powder, or chili flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the sweet honey and savory soy.

Is it necessary to soak wooden skewers?

Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes before grilling prevents them from burning or catching fire while cooking.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about homemade Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers — the way the honey caramelizes, the garlic infuses every bite, and the fresh garnishes brighten each mouthful. Whether you’re firing up the BBQ for a weekend feast or making a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do. Happy grilling!