Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers are a simple, tasty treat that bring together tender chicken pieces glazed in a sweet and garlicky sauce. The caramelized honey coating gives each bite a perfect balance of sticky sweetness and savory garlic flavor that’s hard to resist. These skewers are great for a quick weeknight meal or a fun weekend barbecue.
I love making these skewers because they’re quick to throw together, and the smell of garlic mixed with honey cooking up on the grill always fills the air just right. A little tip I like to use is to marinate the chicken for a few hours beforehand so the flavors really sink in. It makes the chicken even juicier and more flavorful.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers is to serve them with some simple rice or a fresh salad on the side. They also make a fantastic finger food for gatherings or parties, where everyone can grab a skewer and enjoy something delicious without fuss. These skewers always bring a smile to the table, and I bet you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier skewers, but chicken breasts work fine if you want leaner meat. Just be careful not to overcook them as breasts dry out faster.
Honey: Honey adds great natural sweetness and helps create that sticky glaze on the chicken. If you need a substitute, maple syrup or agave nectar works well, just keep the sweetness balanced.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is best for bold flavor. You can use garlic powder if pressed for time but fresh really makes a difference here.
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce brings saltiness and depth. For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos as a tasty alternative.
Red Bell Pepper: It adds nice color and a bit of crunch. You can swap with green or yellow peppers, or even add chunks of pineapple for a fruity twist.
How Do You Keep Chicken Skewers Juicy and Avoid Burning the Honey Marinade?
Cooking honey garlic skewers can be tricky because honey burns easily at high heat. Here’s how I manage it:
- Marinate the chicken ahead so it soaks up flavor.
- Preheat the grill or pan to medium-high but cook over medium heat once skewers are on to avoid burning the sauce.
- Turn the skewers often for even cooking and to prevent charring.
- Brush on extra marinade early on but avoid adding raw-marinade later—marinate separately and brush on near the end if you want more glaze.
- Remove skewers as soon as chicken is cooked through to keep them juicy.
Following these tips helps get a tasty caramelized coat without bitter burnt spots. It’s all about gentle heat and attention while grilling.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Grill or grill pan – I like it because it gives a nice char and smoky flavor to the skewers.
- Small mixing bowl – perfect for whisking together the marinade ingredients.
- Whisk or fork – to blend the marinade smoothly.
- Soaking dishes or bowls – if you’re using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Cooking brush – handy for brushing extra marinade onto the skewers during grilling.
- Plate or platter – for serving your cooked skewers.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for different protein options that soak up flavors nicely.
- Add pineapple chunks or zucchini slices for extra sweetness and crunch.
- Use sriracha or chili flakes in the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Finish with a squeeze of lime and fresh cilantro for bright, fresh flavor.
Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken and Marinade:
- 1.5 pounds (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for slight heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For The Skewers:
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- Bamboo or metal skewers (if bamboo, soak in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
The total time for this recipe is about 45 minutes to 1 hour. This includes 10 minutes to prepare and marinate the chicken, at least 30 minutes of marinating time (you can marinate longer for more flavor), and about 10-12 minutes to grill the skewers.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger (if using), crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the cut chicken pieces to the marinade and stir to coat them evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or 2-3 hours for deeper flavor.
3. Prepare the Grill and Skewers:
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If using bamboo skewers, remember to soak them in water beforehand. Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, alternating with red bell pepper chunks.
4. Grill Your Skewers:
Lightly oil the grill grates or pan to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. Brush occasionally with leftover marinade during the first half of cooking, avoiding raw chicken contamination.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Remove skewers from the grill and transfer to a serving plate. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve warm with your favorite sides like steamed rice or a fresh salad.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for These Skewers?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before marinating. Properly thawed chicken will absorb the marinade better and cook more evenly.
Can I Make the Skewers Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Assemble the skewers just before grilling to keep the veggies crisp and fresh.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or on a grill pan to keep them juicy without drying out.
Can I Substitute Other Vegetables or Proteins?
Yes! Feel free to swap the red bell pepper with zucchini, mushrooms, or pineapple chunks. You can also use shrimp, tofu, or beef for different flavor options. Just adjust the grilling time accordingly.
