Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers are a simple and tasty treat that combine juicy chicken pieces with a sweet and garlicky sauce. These skewers have a beautiful golden glaze that makes them look as good as they taste. The blend of honey’s sweetness and garlic’s punch gives the chicken a flavor that’s hard to forget.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to put together. I love threading the chicken onto skewers and marinating it just long enough for the flavors to soak in. It’s a recipe that feels special but doesn’t take a lot of work, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend barbecues.
I like to serve these skewers with a side of rice or a fresh salad, and sometimes I add a little extra drizzle of honey garlic sauce on top before serving. They’re always a hit whether I’m sharing them with family or friends, and I find they bring a little bit of summer to any meal, no matter the season.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Thighs are juicier and more forgiving on the grill, but breasts work fine if you prefer leaner meat. Just watch the cooking time to keep them from drying out.
Honey: This adds natural sweetness and helps create a nice glaze. Maple syrup or agave nectar can work if you need a substitute.
Soy Sauce: This gives saltiness and depth. For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos instead.
Rice Vinegar: Adds a mild acidity to balance the sweetness. Apple cider vinegar is a good swap if you don’t have rice vinegar on hand.
Garlic: Fresh and minced garlic is best for strong flavor. Garlic powder could work, but fresh gives a tastier bite.
Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way to add a toasty, nutty note. If you don’t have any, a small amount of toasted sesame seeds can bring some of that flavor.
How Can I Grill Chicken Skewers Without Drying Them Out?
Grilling chicken can be tricky because lean pieces like breasts dry out fast. Here’s how to keep them juicy:
- Cut chicken into uniform cubes so they cook evenly.
- Marinate to add flavor and moisture—don’t skip this step.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high for a good sear without burning.
- Oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Turn skewers every 4-5 minutes to brown all sides.
- Use a meat thermometer; chicken is done at 165°F (75°C).
- Brush on extra glaze or marinade near the end to lock in moisture.
- Remove from heat as soon as they’re cooked—rest a few minutes before serving.
These tips make your skewers flavorful and juicy every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Grill or grill pan – I prefer this because it gives the chicken nice char marks and a smoky flavor.
- Medium mixing bowl – helps you mix the marinade easily.
- Whisk or fork – makes blending the marinade ingredients simple.
- Skewers (wooden or metal) – for threading the chicken and veggies. If wooden, soak in water 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.
- Basting brush – handy for applying extra sauce or glaze during grilling.
- Tongs or grilling spatula – to turn and handle the skewers safely.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use chicken thighs for juicier skewers, or try shrimp for a seafood option.
- Add chopped green onions or cilantro on top for extra freshness.
- Mix in chopped pineapple or zucchini on the skewers for additional flavor and texture.
- Switch up spices by adding a dash of ginger or red pepper flakes in the marinade for a little heat.
Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Marinade:
- 2 lbs (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Grilling and Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling)
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces (optional, for skewering)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes before using)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, 30 minutes to marinate, and 10 minutes to grill — so around 50 minutes total. You can marinate up to 2 hours ahead for deeper flavor if you like!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and black pepper. This mix creates a sweet, savory, and garlicky flavor that will soak into your chicken.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss so every piece is covered well. Cover the bowl and pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have extra time, marinating for up to 2 hours will give even more flavor.
3. Prepare Your Grill:
Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Brush the grill grates with olive oil to stop the chicken from sticking and help with browning.
4. Thread the Skewers:
Skewer the chicken pieces, alternating with red bell pepper chunks if you’re using them. This adds color and a little crunch.
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, turning carefully until the chicken is cooked through and has those lovely grill marks. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to be safe to eat.
6. Glaze and Finish:
During the last minute of cooking, brush the skewers with some extra marinade or honey glaze for a shiny, sticky finish. Then remove them from the heat.
7. Serve:
Put the skewers on a serving plate, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of freshness and texture. Serve warm alongside steamed rice, a crisp salad, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for These Skewers?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure it’s fully thawed before marinating. Thaw it safely in the fridge overnight or use the cold water method to speed things up. This ensures even cooking and better flavor absorption.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors soak in, but no more than 2 hours. Too long can start to break down the meat and change its texture.
Can I Cook These Skewers Indoors?
Absolutely! Use a grill pan or a broiler in your oven. Just watch closely and turn the skewers often to get even cooking and avoid burning.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the oven to keep the chicken tender and juicy.
