Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers are a tasty and simple dish featuring juicy pieces of chicken glazed with a sweet and garlicky sauce. The combination of honey’s natural sweetness and the bold flavor of garlic makes these skewers a real crowd-pleaser. As they cook, the sauce caramelizes just right, giving each bite a lovely mix of sticky and tender textures.
I love making these skewers when I want something quick but still full of flavor. One of my favorite tricks is to let the chicken marinate for a little while so the honey and garlic really soak in, making every bite extra delicious. It’s also fun to grill them outside when the weather is nice, which gives the chicken a subtle smoky finish that’s hard to beat.
These skewers are great served with a side of rice or a fresh salad, making a balanced meal that’s easy to enjoy any day of the week. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a simple weekend get-together, these Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers always bring smiles to the table. I like to add a sprinkle of chopped green onions or sesame seeds on top for a bit of extra color and crunch.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I prefer chicken thighs because they stay juicy and flavorful when grilled. If you want leaner meat, chicken breasts work fine, but be careful not to overcook them.
Honey: This adds natural sweetness and helps create a sticky glaze. If you’re avoiding sugar, try maple syrup or agave nectar as a substitute.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best strong, fragrant flavor. Garlic powder can work if you don’t have fresh, but use less and add it with other spices.
Soy Sauce: It adds saltiness and depth to the marinade. For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos instead.
Red Bell Pepper: Adds color and crunch. You can swap with other veggies like pineapple chunks, onions, or zucchini for variety.
How Do I Get Tender, Flavorful Chicken on Skewers?
Marinating and grilling are key to tasty skewers. Here’s what I suggest:
- Cut chicken into evenly sized chunks to cook uniformly.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes; longer (up to 2 hours) is even better to soak up flavors.
- Use oil in the marinade to help prevent sticking and keep meat moist.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 mins before grilling to avoid burning.
- Grill over medium-high heat for about 10-12 minutes, turning often for even cooking and char marks.
- Brush with leftover marinade during grilling to keep them juicy and tasty, but discard any unused marinade afterward if it touched raw chicken.
Following these tips helped me get tender, juicy chicken with a nice balance of sweet and garlicky glaze every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Grill or grill pan – I find it gives the chicken a nice smoky flavor and grill marks.
- Medium mixing bowl – perfect for whisking together the marinade ingredients.
- Whisk or fork – makes it easy to blend everything smoothly.
- Skewers (wooden or metal) – to hold the chicken and veggies together. Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Basting brush – optional, for brushing extra marinade onto the skewers as they cook.
- Serving platter – to display your delicious skewers once done.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein option that grills quickly and absorbs flavors well.
- Add chopped chili or red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy twist.
- Incorporate pineapple chunks or zucchini for a sweeter or more vegetable-forward skewer.
- Try swapping honey for brown sugar or maple syrup if you want a different sweetness profile or a richer caramelization.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken and Marinade:
- 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh green onions
Other:
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes before use)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, 30 minutes to marinate (or longer if you have time), plus 10-12 minutes to cook the skewers. Overall, plan for about 45 minutes to an hour from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, olive oil, grated ginger (if using), and black pepper. This creates a tasty sauce that will soak into the chicken.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken chunks to the bowl and stir well so every piece is coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, marinate for 1-2 hours for even better flavor.
3. Prepare To Grill:
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If you are using wooden skewers, make sure they’ve soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, alternating with red bell pepper chunks. This adds color and a fresh crunch.
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Turn them occasionally to cook evenly and get nice grill marks. If you like, brush on some leftover marinade (only if you bring it to a boil first) during cooking for extra flavor and shine.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer the cooked skewers to a serving plate. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the top. You can also drizzle a little warmed leftover marinade if you have some safe sauce ready.
7. Enjoy!
Serve these delicious honey garlic chicken skewers with steamed rice or a fresh green salad for a simple, tasty meal.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for These Skewers?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before cutting and marinating. This helps ensure even cooking and better flavor absorption.
How Long Should I Marinate the Chicken?
At least 30 minutes is good for flavor, but marinating for 1-2 hours (or even overnight) will make the chicken more tender and flavorful. Just avoid marinating longer than 24 hours to prevent the meat from becoming mushy.
Can I Bake or Cook These Skewers Indoors?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a grill, you can broil the skewers in the oven on high for about 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through to get some caramelization. A grill pan on the stovetop also works well.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Cool leftover skewers and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven or microwave, avoiding overcooking to keep the chicken juicy.
