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!
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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.
- 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.
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
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
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:
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.
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.
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.
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!
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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: 5 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American, Asian, British
Description
Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers feature tender pieces of chicken marinated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, then grilled to perfection on a BBQ or griddle. This flavorful recipe combines Asian influences with American BBQ style, perfect for a delicious dinner served with salad, rice, or potatoes.
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: In a small bowl, mix together the vegetable oil, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, dark soy sauce, and honey until well combined.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the bite-sized chicken pieces in a bowl and pour over three-quarters of the marinade, reserving the rest for later. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour to allow flavors to develop.
- Prep the skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning. When ready to cook, heat your BBQ or griddle until very hot.
- Assemble the skewers: Thread a piece of chicken onto a skewer, then a chunk of red bell pepper, followed by another piece of chicken and a slice of onion. Continue alternating until all chicken and vegetables are used.
- Cook the skewers: Place the assembled skewers on the hot BBQ or griddle. Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning 3-4 times to ensure even cooking. Brush the reserved marinade onto the chicken halfway through grilling for extra flavor. Check doneness by slicing the largest piece to ensure no pink remains.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle cooked skewers with sesame seeds and torn coriander leaves. Serve hot alongside a fresh salad and your choice of rice or potatoes for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can marinate the chicken up to one day in advance for deeper flavor.
- Cooking chicken ahead and reheating is not recommended as it can dry out the meat; however, cooked skewers can be served cold as part of a salad or wrap.
- Substitute onion and red bell pepper with mushrooms, red onion, courgette chunks, or pineapple pieces for variety.
- For a spicy kick, add sriracha, chili powder, or chili flakes into the marinade.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
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