Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers

Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers are sweet, savory, and perfectly charred bites of juicy chicken grilled to perfection. Marinated in a flavorful blend of honey, garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of sesame oil, these skewers are ideal for summer cookouts, family dinners, or meal prep. They’re simple to make and bursting with mouthwatering flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These skewers are quick to prepare and packed with bold flavor thanks to a delicious honey garlic marinade. They’re great for grilling or baking, and they pair well with rice, noodles, or a crisp salad. Whether you’re entertaining or just want an easy weeknight dinner, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into chunks)
• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Garlic (minced)
• Ginger (grated, optional)
• Sesame oil
• Rice vinegar or lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper
• Wooden or metal skewers
• Sesame seeds and green onions (optional, for garnish)

directions

1. In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, sesame oil, and vinegar or lemon juice. Add grated ginger if using.
2. Add chicken pieces to the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
3. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning.
4. Preheat your grill (or oven broiler) to medium-high heat.
5. Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers.
6. Grill skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning every few minutes and basting with extra marinade, until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
7. (If baking, place skewers on a lined baking sheet and broil for 10–12 minutes, flipping once.)
8. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marinate Time: 30 minutes to 4 hours
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour (including marinating)

Variations

• Add vegetables like bell peppers, red onion, or zucchini between chicken pieces on the skewers.
• Use maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper sweetness.
• Add crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
• Try this marinade with shrimp, tofu, or pork instead of chicken.
• Serve with coconut rice, quinoa, or a fresh cucumber salad.

storage/reheating

Storage:
Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
Reheat on a skillet over medium heat, in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Remove chicken from skewers for easier storage and reheating if preferred.

FAQs

Can I bake these instead of grilling?

Yes, bake or broil the skewers in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely. Thighs are juicier and work perfectly in this recipe.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

At least 30 minutes, but 2–4 hours gives the best flavor. Avoid marinating too long as the acid can break down the chicken too much.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, marinate and assemble skewers in advance. Keep them refrigerated until ready to cook.

Is the marinade safe to use as a glaze?

Boil any leftover marinade for a few minutes to make it safe for glazing after grilling.

What’s the best type of honey to use?

Any liquid honey works. Clover, wildflower, or local varieties all add slightly different notes.

Can I freeze the marinated chicken?

Yes, freeze the chicken in the marinade in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight before grilling.

Can I use metal skewers?

Yes, metal skewers are reusable and don’t require soaking.

What sides go well with these skewers?

Serve with rice, noodles, grilled veggies, coleslaw, or a light cucumber salad.

Are these good for meal prep?

Yes, cooked skewers store and reheat well, making them perfect for lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers are a delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors with a slight charred edge that makes them irresistible. Perfect for grilling season or a quick weeknight meal, these skewers are easy to prep and even easier to enjoy. Whether you’re serving them fresh off the grill or reheating for lunch, they’re sure to be a hit every time.

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