Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings together tender chunks of chicken coated in a sweet and garlicky sauce. The marinade’s blend of honey and garlic gives the chicken a shiny, sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully when grilled. These skewers are perfect for a quick dinner or a fun party appetizer.
I love making these skewers when I want something flavorful but don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen. The honey adds just the right amount of sweetness, while the garlic gives a nice punch without being overpowering. It’s one of those recipes where the ingredients come together effortlessly but taste like you put in a lot of work.
My favorite way to serve these is with a simple side of grilled veggies or over a bed of rice to soak up every bit of that tasty sauce. They’re great for sharing, and I always notice how everyone appreciates the balance of sweet and savory flavors. Plus, using skewers makes them super fun to eat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I prefer boneless, skinless thighs because they stay juicy and tender. If you like leaner meat, breasts work well too, just be careful not to dry them out.
Honey: Honey gives a lovely sweetness and helps create that nice sticky glaze. You can swap it for maple syrup or agave if you need a vegan option.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a sharp, aromatic flavor that’s hard to replace. If you’re in a hurry, garlic powder works but use less—about half a teaspoon per clove.
Soy Sauce: This brings saltiness and umami to balance the sweet honey. For gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos as a good alternative.
Red Bell Peppers: They add crunch, color, and mild sweetness. You can change it up with chunks of pineapple, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for variety.
How Can I Get the Perfect Sticky Glaze on These Skewers?
The key to that sticky, shiny glaze is balancing cooking time and temperature.
- Use medium-high heat on your grill or pan for quick caramelizing without burning.
- Turn the skewers often so the sauce cooks evenly and doesn’t burn.
- Baste with leftover marinade a couple of times while cooking for extra flavor and to build up the glaze.
- Don’t put raw marinade on the cooked skewers to avoid contamination; instead, reserve some separately before adding chicken.
- Rest the cooked skewers briefly before serving so juices lock in and the glaze settles.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Skewers (bamboo or metal) – I like bamboo skewers soaked in water to prevent burning during grilling.
- Grill or grill pan – perfect for achieving those nice char marks and smoky flavor.
- Small bowl – for whisking together the marinade ingredients.
- Tongs – to turn and handle the skewers easily.
- Brush or spoon – for basting the glaze onto the chicken while cooking.
- Plate or tray – for marinating the chicken and serving the finished skewers.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for shrimp or beef strips for different textures and flavors.
- Mix in pineapple chunks or zucchini slices to add some extra veggies and sweetness.
- Use different spices like chili powder, cumin, or ginger in the marinade for a heat or extra flavor boost.
- Add a splash of lime juice or sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving for a fresh, tangy twist.
Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 red bell peppers, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/3 cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped for garnish
- Bamboo or metal skewers (if bamboo, soak in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare, 30 minutes to 2 hours to marinate for best flavor, plus 10-12 minutes to grill the skewers. Overall, plan for about 1 hour including marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, olive oil, soy sauce, vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed and the marinade is smooth.
2. Marinate the Chicken
Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, tossing to coat all the pieces evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For richer flavor, marinate for 1-2 hours if you have time.
3. Assemble the Skewers
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, alternating them with chunks of red bell pepper. This adds color and a sweet crunch to every bite.
4. Preheat the Grill
Heat your grill or a grill pan to medium-high. Lightly oil the grates or pan surface to keep the skewers from sticking during cooking.
5. Grill the Skewers
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning every few minutes so all sides get a chance to brown nicely. Brush with any leftover marinade while cooking to build a sticky, flavorful glaze. Check that the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Serve and Garnish
Transfer the cooked skewers to a serving plate. Drizzle any juices from the grill pan or tray over the top for extra flavor. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley to add a fresh, bright touch.
7. Enjoy Your Meal!
These skewers are delicious served hot with rice, grilled vegetables, or a crisp salad. Enjoy the sweet and garlicky flavors, combined with the smoky grill marks—perfect for any occasion!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for These Skewers?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the chicken before marinating and cooking. Thaw it safely in the fridge overnight or use the cold water method for quicker thawing. Pat the chicken dry before marinating to avoid extra moisture.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
Marinate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors soak in. For even better taste, 1 to 2 hours is ideal. Avoid marinating longer than 8 hours as the honey’s acidity can start to break down the chicken too much, affecting texture.
Can I Make These Skewers Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the skewers a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. Grill right before serving for the best texture and flavor. If pre-cooked, store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently.
What Can I Substitute for Red Bell Peppers?
If you don’t have red bell peppers, try using yellow or orange peppers, cherry tomatoes, zucchini slices, or even pineapple chunks for a sweet variation. Just make sure the veggies are cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.