Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers are a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Marinated in a mouthwatering blend of honey, garlic, soy sauce, and spices, these skewers are tender, juicy, and grilled to perfection. Whether for a summer barbecue or a cozy family dinner, this versatile dish is a guaranteed hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sweet, savory, and a hint of spice for a flavor-packed bite.
Perfect for grilling, broiling, or even a stovetop grill pan.
Easy to prepare with a simple yet flavorful marinade.
Versatile—ideal for gatherings, meal prep, or a quick weeknight dinner.
Customizable with your favorite herbs or vegetables.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon ground ginger
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Wooden or metal skewers
Directions
- Prepare the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground ginger, olive oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). - Marinate the Chicken
Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes, about 1-1.5 inches in size.
Add the chicken to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor). - Preheat and Prepare Skewers
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20-30 minutes to prevent burning.
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. - Assemble the Skewers
Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking. - Cook the Skewers
Grill the skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, rotating to ensure even cooking. Chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). - Serve and Garnish
Remove the skewers from the grill and sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro. Serve hot.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Marinating time: 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours)
Total time: 1 hour
Variations
Vegetable Additions: Thread bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or red onions onto the skewers alongside the chicken.
Sweet and Spicy: Add a splash of sriracha or extra red pepper flakes for more heat.
Herbal Twist: Swap parsley or cilantro for fresh thyme or rosemary.
Teriyaki Style: Replace honey with brown sugar and soy sauce with teriyaki sauce for a twist.
Oven-Baked Option: Bake the skewers at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat on a grill, in a skillet, or in the microwave until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use a different protein for this recipe?
Yes! Shrimp, pork, or tofu work well as substitutes for chicken.
Do I need to soak metal skewers?
No, metal skewers don’t require soaking, but wooden skewers should be soaked to prevent burning.
Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
Yes, marinating overnight enhances the flavor, but avoid exceeding 24 hours to prevent the chicken from becoming mushy.
What if I don’t have a grill?
You can use a stovetop grill pan or broil the skewers in the oven on high for a similar effect.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?
Brush the grill grates with oil or spray them with non-stick cooking spray before grilling.
What side dishes pair well with these skewers?
Serve with steamed rice, grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or pita bread.
Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Yes, place the chicken in a freezer-safe bag with the marinade and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.
How do I know the chicken is cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, simply scale up the ingredients and cook in batches if needed.
Conclusion
Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers are a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Perfect for grilling enthusiasts or home cooks looking for a quick, delicious dinner, this recipe is as versatile as it is satisfying. Serve them at your next barbecue or enjoy them as a weeknight meal—you can’t go wrong!
Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Marinate Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Sweet, savory, and irresistible, these Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers are perfect for any occasion! Juicy chicken marinated in honey, garlic, soy sauce, and spices is grilled to tender perfection. Whether for a family BBQ or a quick dinner, these skewers are sure to impress!
Ingredients
For the Skewers:
1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Wooden or metal skewers
For the Marinade:
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For Garnish:
2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
Instructions
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and mix well to coat.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor).
3. Assemble the Skewers:
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
4. Grill the Skewers:
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Cook the skewers for 4–5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has a slight char (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
5. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.
Serve hot with a side of rice, salad, or grilled vegetables.
Notes
Cooking Alternatives: If you don’t have a grill, these skewers can be baked at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Marinade Tip: Reserve a small amount of marinade before adding the chicken, and brush it on during grilling for extra flavor. Do not reuse marinade that touched raw chicken.
Customization: Add bell peppers, onions, or pineapple chunks to the skewers for a colorful, flavorful twist.
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