Honey Garlic Asian Chicken Kabobs

Honey Garlic Asian Chicken Kabobs are a delicious and vibrant way to enjoy grilled chicken with bold, sweet-and-savory flavors. Marinated in a rich honey garlic soy sauce blend and grilled to juicy perfection, these kabobs are perfect for summer barbecues, family dinners, or meal prep. Threaded with colorful vegetables, they’re as beautiful as they are tasty.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These kabobs are loaded with mouthwatering flavor from a simple but powerful marinade. The combination of honey, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil creates a sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. They’re easy to assemble, customizable, and cook quickly—making them ideal for busy weeknights or outdoor gatherings. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free with the right soy sauce and can be made ahead for convenience.

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)
• Bell peppers (various colors)
• Red onion
• Zucchini (optional)
• Pineapple chunks (optional for sweetness)
• Wooden or metal skewers

For the marinade:

• Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• Honey
• Garlic (minced)
• Ginger (minced or grated)
• Sesame oil
• Rice vinegar or lime juice
• Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• Green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish)

directions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
2. Add chicken pieces to the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2–4 hours.
3. Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes if using.
4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
5. Thread marinated chicken, bell peppers, onion, and other desired vegetables or fruit onto skewers.
6. Grill for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is fully cooked and slightly charred.
7. Brush with additional marinade (that’s been simmered to thicken, if desired) during the last few minutes of grilling.
8. Remove from grill and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.

Servings and timing

Prep time: 20 minutes
Marinate time: 30 minutes–4 hours
Cook time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: 1 hour minimum (including marination)
Servings: 4 servings

Variations

• Spicy kick: Add Sriracha or more red pepper flakes to the marinade.
• No grill?: Cook kabobs in a grill pan or broil in the oven.
• Vegetarian option: Replace chicken with tofu or mushrooms.
• Low-sugar: Reduce honey or substitute with a sugar-free syrup.
• Teriyaki style: Use teriyaki sauce as a base and thicken into a glaze.

storage/reheating

Store cooked kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or microwave until hot. You can also eat leftovers cold in salads or wraps.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, thighs are juicier and more flavorful—just trim excess fat and cut into even pieces.

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Absolutely. Mix and store the marinade in the fridge for up to 5 days before using.

How do I keep kabobs from sticking to the grill?

Brush the grill with oil before cooking, and don’t turn the kabobs too early—let them sear and release naturally.

Can I bake these in the oven?

Yes. Bake at 425°F on a foil-lined sheet for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Can I freeze the chicken in the marinade?

Yes, freeze the raw chicken in the marinade in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before grilling.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

At least 30 minutes, but for best flavor, marinate for 2–4 hours. Don’t marinate more than 24 hours.

What vegetables go well with this?

Bell peppers, red onions, zucchini, mushrooms, and pineapple are all great choices.

Are these kabobs gluten-free?

Use tamari or certified gluten-free soy sauce to make the recipe gluten-free.

Can I cook these on a stovetop?

Yes, use a grill pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and turn kabobs to sear all sides.

What can I serve with these kabobs?

Serve with rice, noodles, a green salad, or grilled corn for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Asian Chicken Kabobs are a delicious way to combine vibrant flavors, juicy grilled chicken, and fresh vegetables into a fun, easy-to-make meal. With a sweet and savory marinade that caramelizes perfectly on the grill, these kabobs are perfect for warm weather cooking or year-round indoor grilling. Quick to prepare and endlessly customizable, they’ll become a favorite for your table or backyard cookout.

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