Skewer Recipe
Grilled to perfection, this Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe delivers tender bites of chicken infused with a smoky sweetness that captures the essence of summer BBQs. Juicy, colorful, and irresistibly sticky, these skewers are a crowd-pleasing favorite for outdoor feasts or cozy indoor grilling.
Marinated in a delicious blend of honey, garlic, and soy, each skewer bursts with bold, well-balanced flavors. Whether you’re a grill master or a kitchen novice, this recipe guarantees a mouthwatering success with minimal fuss.
Star Players: Ingredients for Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers
- Chicken Breasts – The star of the skewers, providing a juicy, meaty base that soaks up all the flavorful marinade.
- Red Bell Pepper – Brings vibrant color and a sweet crunch that pairs perfectly with the tender chicken.
- Onion – Adds a subtle sharpness that caramelizes beautifully when grilled.
- Garlic – Infuses the marinade with a rich, aromatic depth that enhances every bite.
- Fresh Ginger – Offers a zesty kick that balances the sweetness of the honey.
- Dark Soy Sauce – Provides a deep, savory umami flavor essential to the marinade’s richness.
- Honey – Creates a sticky glaze that caramelizes to a perfect golden sheen on the grill.
- Sesame Oil – Adds a nutty aroma and enhances the marinade’s silkiness.
- Vegetable Oil – Helps the marinade coat the chicken evenly for maximum flavor.
- Sesame Seeds – A final flourish of nuttiness and texture sprinkled over the finished skewers.
- Coriander/Cilantro – A fresh, herbaceous pop that brightens the entire dish.
Quick and Easy: How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers
Begin by mixing all the marinade ingredients in a bowl until smooth and glossy. Place the chicken pieces into a separate bowl, pour in three-quarters of the marinade, and refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the flavors to penetrate.
While the chicken marinates, soak your wooden skewers in water or have metal ones ready. Once marinated, thread the chicken, red pepper chunks, and onion pieces onto the skewers in a fun, alternating pattern.
Preheat your BBQ or griddle until it’s smoking hot. Grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning frequently and brushing with the reserved marinade halfway through. Check doneness by slicing into the thickest piece to ensure it’s no longer pink inside.
Sprinkle the cooked skewers generously with sesame seeds and torn coriander. Serve immediately with a fresh salad, steamed rice, or golden roasted potatoes for a complete meal.
Flavor Boost: Tips and Variations for Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers
For even juicier chicken, marinate overnight if you have the time. Adding a splash of lime juice to the marinade can also introduce a refreshing zing. If you’re a spice lover, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes will lend a fiery twist without overpowering the honey-garlic harmony. Prefer a vegetarian version? Swap the chicken for firm tofu or hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. Using a griddle indoors? Make sure it’s well-oiled and hot enough to sear the skewers quickly for the best texture.
Keeping It Fresh: How to Store and Reheat Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers
Leftover skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain their juicy texture, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. If you plan to freeze, wrap the cooked skewers tightly in foil and freeze for up to a month; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Avoid microwaving to preserve the slight char and smoky flavor from the grill.
Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 3 tbsp honey
- 3 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp minced ginger
For the Skewers:
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 chicken breasts approximately 350g/12.5 oz, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 onion peeled and chopped into squares
- 1 red bell pepper cut into large chunks
- Small bunch of coriander/cilantro roughly torn
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the sesame oil, vegetable oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, dark soy sauce, and honey to create the marinade.
- Place the chopped chicken pieces into a large bowl, pour over three-quarters of the prepared marinade, and mix thoroughly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours for enhanced flavor.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water to prevent burning during cooking; metal skewers can be used without preparation.
- Preheat a BBQ or a griddle pan over high heat until very hot.
- Assemble the skewers by threading a piece of marinated chicken, followed by a chunk of red bell pepper, another piece of chicken, and a slice of onion. Continue layering until all ingredients are used, discarding any leftover marinade in the bowl.
- Place the skewers onto the BBQ or griddle and cook for 8–10 minutes, turning them 3–4 times during cooking. Brush the skewers with the reserved marinade halfway through to enhance the flavor and maintain moisture. Ensure the chicken is cooked through by cutting into the thickest piece to check that no pink remains.
- Once cooked, sprinkle the skewers with sesame seeds and torn coriander/cilantro leaves. Serve immediately, accompanied by salad, rice, or potatoes if desired.