Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers are such a tasty treat that’s perfect for any time you want a little sweet and savory on a stick. The chicken is juicy and tender, coated in a sticky honey garlic sauce that brings just the right amount of flavor without being too much. They get a nice char when grilled, adding a bit of smokiness that makes every bite feel special.
I love making these skewers for dinner parties or quick weeknight meals. They’re super easy to throw together and cook up fast, which is a win in my book. A little tip I’ve learned is to soak wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes before grilling—this keeps them from burning and makes handling way easier. Plus, the honey garlic sauce can be doubled up as a dipping sauce, which I never skip because it just amps up the yum factor.
When I serve these, I like to keep it simple with a fresh salad or some steamed rice on the side. They’re great for sharing and always get a thumbs-up from everyone around the table. Sometimes, I even sneak a skewer as a quick snack when no one’s looking! Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers really bring people together with their cozy, comforting flavors.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work well here. Thighs stay juicier, but breasts are leaner. I often prefer thighs for more flavor and tenderness.
Honey: Honey gives the sweet, sticky glaze. You can swap it for maple syrup or agave nectar if you want a different sweetness or for a vegan option.
Soy Sauce: This adds saltiness and umami. Use tamari for gluten-free or coconut aminos for a soy-free substitute.
Garlic: Fresh garlic makes a big difference in flavor. Avoid garlic powder here for a more vibrant and fresh taste.
Rice Vinegar: Adds a light tang. Apple cider vinegar is a nice substitute that’s easy to find and adds a little fruity note.
Red Bell Pepper: This is optional but adds color and a slight crunch. You can swap for green or yellow bell peppers or even chunks of pineapple for a sweeter twist.
How Do You Get the Perfect Char Without Overcooking the Chicken?
The key to juicy and flavorful chicken skewers is balancing the grill heat with cooking time.
- Marinate chicken first to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Preheat grill to medium-high—a hot grill helps develop that tasty char quickly.
- Thread chicken and peppers evenly, so they cook at the same pace.
- Turn skewers every 2-3 minutes to get a nice char on all sides without burning.
- Baste with marinade during grilling but watch closely—the sugars in honey can burn fast.
- Cook for about 10-12 minutes total until chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
Patience is key. Keep an eye on the grill and adjust heat if flare-ups occur. A beautiful char adds flavor, but don’t let it turn black or bitter.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Grill or grill pan – I like this because it gives the chicken nice grill marks and a smoky flavor.
- Mixing bowl – perfect for whisking together the marinade ingredients.
- Soaking bowls for skewers – helps prevent the wooden skewers from burning on the grill.
- Sharp knife – makes it easy to cut chicken and vegetables into even pieces.
- Measuring spoons and cups – ensures your marinade is just right every time.
- Cooking tongs – helps turn the skewers safely and evenly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavor and juiciness.
- Add sliced pineapple or zucchini slices on the skewers for a different taste and texture.
- Switch up the herbs—try fresh thyme or basil on top after grilling.
- Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.
Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks (optional, for skewering with chicken)
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sesame seeds
Other:
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and marinate, plus 10-12 minutes to cook on the grill. It’s best to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but 1-2 hours will give you the richest flavor. Overall, you’re looking at about 45 minutes when you include marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger (if you’re using it), and black pepper. This blend makes a flavorful, sticky sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to your marinade and stir well so every chunk is covered. Cover the bowl and pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, leaving it for 1-2 hours helps the chicken soak up all those yummy flavors.
3. Get Ready to Grill:
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Meanwhile, thread the marinated chicken onto your soaked wooden skewers. To add a pop of color and sweet crunch, you can alternate chicken with pieces of red bell pepper.
4. Grill Your Skewers:
Place the skewers on the hot grill. Turn them every few minutes to make sure they cook evenly and get a beautiful, slightly charred glaze. Grill for about 10-12 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. If you want, brush the skewers occasionally with leftover marinade for an extra flavor boost—but be sure to stop basting near the end to avoid burning the sauce.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer the cooked skewers to a serving plate. Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro and sesame seeds over the top for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve right away with rice, salad, or your favorite side dish, and savor the delicious honey garlic goodness!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for These Skewers?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely in the refrigerator overnight before marinating. This ensures even cooking and better absorption of the flavors.
Can I Make the Skewers Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken and assemble the skewers a few hours ahead. Keep them covered and refrigerated until you’re ready to grill for the best results.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cooked skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the grill or in the oven to keep the chicken juicy.
What Can I Substitute for Wooden Skewers?
If you don’t have wooden skewers, you can use metal skewers which are reusable and won’t burn. Just skip soaking these in water before grilling.