Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe for Easy BBQ Dinners

Why you’ll love this Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers recipe

Picture this: tender pieces of chicken, caramelized and sticky with a sweet savory honey garlic glaze, fresh off the grill. These Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers are a guaranteed hit at any barbecue or weeknight dinner. They are incredibly easy to make, require only simple ingredients, and deliver bold flavor every time. Whether you are hosting a backyard party or feeding your family on a busy Tuesday, these skewers come together quickly and impress everyone. The combination of pure honey, fresh garlic, and soy sauce creates a glaze that is both rich and balanced. Plus, you can cook them on the grill, in the oven, or even on the stovetop, making them a versatile choice for any home cook.

Key ingredients and expert tips

The success of these skewers starts with choosing the right ingredients. Boneless skinless chicken thighs are the best choice because they stay juicy and flavorful during cooking. Cut the thighs into uniform 1.5 inch cubes so they cook evenly. Pure honey gives natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. Freshly minced garlic is non negotiable for that punchy garlic kick. Low sodium soy sauce keeps the salt level in check while adding savory depth. Olive oil helps the chicken brown and prevents sticking. A splash of rice vinegar and a hint of sesame oil bring brightness and nuttiness. Ground ginger and black pepper round out the marinade. For a touch of heat, add red pepper flakes. Before marinating, pat the chicken dry with paper towels so the marinade clings better. If you prefer a milder flavor or want to try a different protein, check out our Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts recipe for another delicious option.

How to make Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers

The process is straightforward and rewarding. Begin by whisking together the marinade ingredients in a bowl. Add the chicken cubes and toss to coat evenly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes, but for the best flavor, aim for 1 to 2 hours. While the chicken marinates, soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill. Thread the chicken onto the skewers, leaving a small gap between pieces for even cooking. Cook over medium high heat (about 400°F) for 4 to 5 minutes per side if grilling, or bake at 425°F for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, brush on some reserved marinade for an extra sticky glaze. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Let the skewers rest for 2 to 3 minutes before garnishing with green onions and sesame seeds.

Ingredients for Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers

• 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1.5 inch cubes
• 1/4 cup pure honey
• 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
• 8 10 skewers (wooden, soaked 30 minutes, or metal)

Step by Step Instructions for Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers

Follow these easy steps for perfect skewers every time:

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1. In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, 1 tablespoon olive oil, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of the marinade for basting later.
2. Add the chicken cubes to the bowl and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
3. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
4. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, leaving a little space between pieces.
5. Preheat your grill to medium high heat (400°F) or preheat your oven to 425°F. Brush the grates or a baking sheet with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil.
6. Grill the skewers for 4 to 5 minutes per side, or bake for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
7. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, brush the reserved marinade onto the skewers for a sticky, caramelized glaze.
8. Remove from heat and let rest for 2 to 3 minutes. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Variations and personalization ideas

These skewers are easy to customize. Add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes by threading them between the chicken pieces. Swap the chicken for shrimp (reduce cooking time to 2 3 minutes per side). For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a drizzle of sriracha to the marinade. You can also substitute rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a slightly different tang. If you want to try another delicious twist, our Honey Harissa Chicken Skewers With Garlic Mint Sauce offers a bold, spicy alternative.

What to serve with it

These honey garlic chicken skewers pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Serve them over steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa for a hearty meal. A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette balances the sweetness. Creamy coleslaw adds crunch and coolness. Grilled corn on the cob, brushed with butter and sprinkled with chili, makes a fantastic summer side. You can also serve the skewers as an appetizer at parties, with a dipping sauce like extra honey garlic glaze or a creamy ranch.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

Storage

Remove the chicken from the skewers and place in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. You can also reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it moist. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken tough.

Anti waste tip

Don’t throw away leftover marinade that hasn’t touched raw chicken. Use it as a quick salad dressing or drizzle it over roasted vegetables. If you have extra unused marinade, whisk in a little extra oil and vinegar for a tasty vinaigrette.

Meal prep tips

Marinate the chicken a day ahead for even deeper flavor. You can also thread the skewers the night before and store them covered in the fridge. When ready to cook, simply grill or bake as directed. This makes weeknight dinners or party prep a breeze.

FAQ About Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers

Conclusion

These Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers are the perfect blend of sweet and savory, easy to prepare, and loved by everyone. Whether you fire up the grill for a summer barbecue or turn on the oven for a quick dinner, this recipe delivers restaurant quality results with minimal effort.

Try it for your next gathering and watch them disappear. Share your creation on Pinterest and let us know how it turned out. Happy cooking, and may your table be filled with good food and great company.

Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers

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🍯 Sweet, sticky honey garlic glaze caramelizes perfectly on tender chicken skewers for an irresistible barbecue favorite.
🍗 Quick to prep with simple pantry ingredients and versatile enough for grilling, baking, or stovetop cooking any night of the week.

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

boneless skinless chicken thighs

pure honey

freshly minced garlic

low sodium soy sauce

olive oil

rice vinegar

sesame oil

ground ginger

black pepper

red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1-Whisk marinade: Whisk together the marinade ingredients in a bowl.

2-Coat chicken: Add chicken cubes and toss to coat evenly.

3-Marinate chicken: Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes, ideally 1 to 2 hours.

4-Soak skewers: While the chicken marinates, soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.

5-Thread skewers: Thread the chicken onto skewers, leaving small gaps for even cooking.

6-Cook skewers: Cook over medium-high heat (about 400°F) on the grill for 4 to 5 minutes per side, or bake at 425°F for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

7-Glaze with marinade: During the last 2 minutes of cooking, brush on reserved marinade for a sticky glaze.

8-Check doneness: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

9-Rest and garnish: Let skewers rest for 2 to 3 minutes, then garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Last Step:

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Notes

🍗 Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before marinating so the marinade clings better and promotes better browning.
🔥 For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a drizzle of sriracha to the marinade.
🥕 Thread vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes between chicken pieces for a complete meal on a stick.

• Author: Ruby Bennett
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Marinating Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Grill
• Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 skewers
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 17g
• Sodium: 460mg
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 130mg