Sweet, savory, and slightly smoky, these Grilled Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers are the perfect dish for your next barbecue or family dinner. Tender, juicy chicken is marinated in a flavorful honey garlic sauce, grilled to perfection, and topped with fresh herbs for a vibrant finish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: Sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and garlic create a delicious glaze.
- Tender and Juicy Chicken: The marinade ensures the chicken stays moist and flavorful.
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and simple ingredients.
- Versatile: Great for outdoor grilling or indoor grilling pans.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for family dinners, parties, or meal prep.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Wooden or metal skewers
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 spice)
Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Skewers
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning.
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece for even cooking.
Step 4: Grill the Skewers
- Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks (internal temperature of 165°F).
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Marinating Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Variations
- Vegetable Additions: Add bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to the skewers for extra color and nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Pineapple Twist: Add chunks of pineapple to the skewers for a sweet and tangy flavor.
- Herb Substitutes: Swap parsley or cilantro with basil or mint for a fresh twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on a grill or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
- Freezing: Freeze the marinated chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before threading onto skewers and grilling.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are an excellent choice and stay extra juicy when grilled.
2. Can I cook these in the oven?
Yes, bake the skewers on a lined baking sheet at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
3. How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?
Brush the grill grates with oil before cooking, and avoid flipping the skewers too early.
4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, marinate the chicken up to 4 hours in advance, and grill just before serving.
5. What can I serve with these skewers?
Pair them with rice, a fresh salad, grilled vegetables, or pita bread for a complete meal.
6. Can I substitute honey with another sweetener?
Yes, maple syrup or brown sugar works well as a substitute for honey.
7. Can I add sesame seeds?
Absolutely! Sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving for added flavor and texture.
8. Are these skewers spicy?
They have a mild heat from the red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the spice level to your preference.
9. Can I use this marinade for other proteins?
Yes, it works well with shrimp, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
10. Do I need to baste the skewers while grilling?
The marinade is flavorful enough, but you can brush any remaining marinade onto the skewers during the last few minutes of grilling for extra flavor.
Conclusion
Grilled Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers are a delicious, versatile, and crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With their tender, flavorful chicken and smoky char, these skewers are easy to prepare and sure to impress. Pair them with your favorite sides, and enjoy a meal that’s both simple and satisfying!
O
Print
Grilled Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Sweet, savory, and slightly smoky, these Grilled Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers are the ultimate crowd-pleaser! With tender chicken marinated in a zesty honey garlic sauce and grilled to perfection, they’re perfect for any occasion, from summer cookouts to weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Meat:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into 1-inch cubes)
Produce:
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
Condiments:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Baking & Spices:
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
Oils & Vinegars:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Other:
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Place the chicken cubes in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
- Preheat the Grill:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the Skewers:
- Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece for even cooking.
- Grill the Skewers:
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char (internal temperature of 165°F). Brush with leftover marinade during the first few minutes of grilling, then discard any remaining marinade.
- Serve:
- Transfer the skewers to a platter and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro. Serve hot with rice, grilled veggies, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- For added flavor, include chunks of bell peppers, red onions, or pineapple on the skewers.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- This recipe can also be cooked on a stovetop grill pan or in the oven using the broiler.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired