HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN SKEWERS ULTIMATE

I’ll never forget the summer my family invested in a small tabletop grill, determined to make the most of our tiny apartment balcony, and the first thing we ever made was, you guessed it, skewers! The sweet, sticky aroma of garlic and honey wafting through the air as we carefully turned those little bundles of chicken was pure bliss, and now I’m going to show you how to make the ultimate Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers. Prepare to be amazed at how simple and incredibly flavorful these are to make – I promise, you’ll be grilling them all season long!

Why These Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Are a Must-Try

Okay, let’s be real for a second: there are a million chicken recipes out there. But these aren’t just any chicken skewers. These Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers are something special, and here’s why you need to add them to your regular rotation:

• Unbeatable Flavor: That sweet and savory honey garlic glaze is seriously addictive. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a little bit tangy that will leave you wanting more.
• Easy to Make: Seriously, you don’t need to be a master chef to whip these up. The marinade comes together in minutes, and the grilling is super straightforward.
• Perfect for any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, need a quick weeknight dinner, or just want something delicious and satisfying, these skewers are the answer.
• Customizable: Don’t like it too sweet? Add a dash of soy sauce for more savory goodness. Want a kick? Throw in some red pepper flakes. This recipe is your canvas!

The Key to Perfect Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers: The Marinade

The marinade is where the magic happens. It’s what infuses the chicken with all that amazing flavor and keeps it juicy and tender. Here’s what you’ll need:

Honey Garlic Marinade Ingredients:

• Chicken: About 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes. I personally love using chicken thighs because they tend to stay juicier on the grill, but breasts work just fine too.
• Honey: ½ cup. This is the star of the show! Use good quality honey for the best flavor.
• Garlic: 4-6 cloves, minced. Don’t be shy with the garlic! It adds so much depth of flavor.
• Soy Sauce: ¼ cup. This adds saltiness and umami. Low-sodium soy sauce is a good option if you’re watching your salt intake.
• Rice Vinegar: 2 tablespoons. This adds a touch of tanginess that balances the sweetness of the honey. Apple cider vinegar works as a substitute in a pinch.
• Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon. A little sesame oil goes a long way in adding a nutty, aromatic flavor.
• Ginger: 1 teaspoon, grated. Fresh ginger adds a warm, spicy note. You can use ground ginger if you don’t have fresh, but fresh is definitely better.
• Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional). Add a pinch for a little heat!
• Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon, freshly ground.

Making the Marinade:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, red pepper flakes (if using), and black pepper.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken cubes to the bowl and toss to coat evenly. Make sure every piece is nicely covered in that glorious marinade.
3. Refrigerate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be. However, don’t marinate for longer than 4 hours, as the acid in the marinade can start to break down the chicken and make it mushy.

Assembling Your Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers

Once your chicken has marinated, it’s time to assemble the skewers. Here are a few tips to make sure your skewers are perfect:

• Soak Wooden Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This will prevent them from burning on the grill. Metal skewers are a great alternative if you grill often!
• Don’t Overcrowd: Thread the chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece. Overcrowding the skewers will prevent the chicken from cooking evenly. Aim for about 4-5 pieces of chicken per skewer.
• Add Veggies (Optional): If you want to add some veggies to your skewers, bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes are all great choices. Cut the veggies into bite-sized pieces and thread them onto the skewers along with the chicken.

Grilling Your Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers: Tips and Tricks

Now for the fun part: grilling! Here’s how to get perfectly cooked, caramelized Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers every time:

• Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350-400°F).
• Oil the Grates: Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the chicken from sticking.
• Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 8-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
• Baste with Marinade: During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the skewers with the remaining marinade. This will add extra flavor and help create a beautiful caramelized glaze. Be careful not to baste too early, as the honey can burn easily.
• Rest: Once the chicken is cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier chicken.

Alternative Cooking Methods

Don’t have a grill? No problem! These Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers can also be cooked in the oven or in a skillet on the stovetop:

Oven-Baked Chicken Skewers:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
3. Bake: Place the skewers on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
4. Broil (Optional): For extra caramelization, broil the skewers for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Stovetop Chicken Skewers:

1. Heat Skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add Oil: Add a tablespoon of oil to the skillet.
3. Cook Skewers: Place the skewers in the skillet and cook for about 8-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through.
4. Baste with Marinade: During the last few minutes of cooking, brush the skewers with the remaining marinade.

Serving Suggestions for Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers

These Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers are incredibly versatile and can be served in so many ways. Here are a few of my favorite serving suggestions:

• Over Rice: Serve the skewers over a bed of fluffy rice, drizzled with extra sauce.
• In a Salad: Add the skewers to a fresh salad for a protein-packed meal.
• With Grilled Veggies: Serve the skewers alongside grilled vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini.
• As Appetizers: Cut the chicken into smaller pieces and serve the skewers as appetizers at your next party.

Variations and Add-Ins to Spice Things Up!

Want to put your own spin on these Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken: Add more red pepper flakes to the marinade, or a dash of sriracha, for extra heat.
• Lemon Honey Garlic Chicken: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the marinade for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Pineapple Honey Garlic Chicken: Add chunks of pineapple to the skewers for a tropical twist.
• Teriyaki Honey Garlic Chicken: Add a tablespoon of teriyaki sauce to the marinade for a deeper, more complex flavor. Consider making some Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta on the side! It’s a guaranteed family favourite!

Tips for the Juiciest Chicken Skewers

Let’s face it – dry chicken is a culinary crime! Here’s how to keep those skewers succulent:

• Don’t Overcook: The biggest culprit for dry chicken is overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F and pull it off the grill immediately.
• Use Chicken Thighs: As mentioned before, chicken thighs are more forgiving than chicken breasts and tend to stay juicier.
• Don’t Skip the Marinade: The marinade not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize the chicken and keep it moist.
• Rest the Chicken: Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier chicken.

Pairing Suggestions

Need some side dish inspiration? These Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers pair beautifully with a variety of sides:

• Asian-Inspired Sides: Think sesame noodles, edamame, or a simple cucumber salad.
• Grilled Vegetables: Grilled bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus are always a good choice.
• Rice or Quinoa: Fluffy rice or quinoa makes a great base for the skewers.
• Salad: A fresh green salad or a vibrant coleslaw will add some brightness to the meal.

Make-Ahead Tips

Want to get ahead of the game? Here are a few tips for prepping these Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers in advance:

• Marinate the Chicken: You can marinate the chicken up to 4 hours in advance. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
• Assemble the Skewers: You can assemble the skewers a few hours in advance. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. Make sure to keep the assembled skewers cold to prevent bacterial growth.

Leftover Storage

Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the microwave, oven, or skillet until heated through. I often use leftover chicken to make a quick salad or add it to rice bowls for lunch. You might also consider trying Cajun Honey Garlic Sausage & Rice for another easy meal!

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Even the best cooks run into snags sometimes. Here’s how to handle a few common issues you might encounter:

• Chicken is Burning: If the chicken is burning on the outside but not cooked through on the inside, lower the grill temperature and move the skewers to a cooler part of the grill. You can also tent the skewers with foil to prevent further burning.
• Chicken is Dry: If the chicken is dry, it’s likely overcooked. Make sure to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and avoid overcooking. Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes will also help to keep it moist. Think about trying Cowboy Butter Chicken Bites for a change of pace.
• Skewers are Sticking to the Grill: To prevent the skewers from sticking to the grill, make sure to oil the grill grates before placing the skewers on the grill. You can also use metal skewers instead of wooden skewers.

Final Thoughts: Your Ticket to Grilling Glory!

You’ve got all the tools and knowledge you need to create some seriously amazing Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and add-ins to find your perfect combination. And most importantly, have fun! Grilling should be a relaxing and enjoyable experience. So fire up that grill, gather your friends and family, and get ready to enjoy some delicious, homemade Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers! And if you’re looking for another guaranteed crowd-pleaser, Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is always a hit!

Perhaps, next time, you’d like to try Marry Me Chicken Pasta, or even Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken

Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Ultimate

These Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers are a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, they are marinated in a delicious honey garlic glaze and grilled to perfection, offering a customizable and incredibly flavorful grilling experience.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 32 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/2 cup honey
• 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground

Equipment

• Medium bowl
• whisk
• measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden or metal skewers
• Grill or Baking Sheet or Skillet
• Grill tongs or Spatula
• Meat thermometer (optional)
• Parchment paper or foil (optional)
• Basting brush (optional)

Method

 

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, red pepper flakes (if using), and black pepper.
2. Add the chicken cubes to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
4. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
5. Thread the chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece. Aim for about 4-5 pieces of chicken per skewer. Add vegetables if desired.
6. Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350-400°F) and lightly oil the grill grates.
7. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 8-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
8. During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the skewers with the remaining marinade.
9. Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For juicier chicken, use chicken thighs. Don’t marinate the chicken for longer than 4 hours. To prevent burning, lower the grill temperature or tent the skewers with foil. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Consider variations like Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken, Lemon Honey Garlic Chicken, Pineapple Honey Garlic Chicken, or Teriyaki Honey Garlic Chicken.