Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers

Save this recipe on:

Glazed to perfection and kissed by the grill, these Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers bring together sweet, savory, and smoky in every juicy bite. Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ, weeknight dinner, or just craving something irresistibly sticky and tender, these skewers are an easy win for flavor-packed protein on a stick.

The marinade is the secret weapon—a balance of honey and garlic, rounded out with soy sauce and a touch of acid to tenderize and caramelize. The result? Chicken so deliciously sticky and charred at the edges that you’ll find yourself licking your fingers long after the last skewer is gone.


What Kind of Chicken Should I Use for Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal if you want juicy, forgiving meat with a rich flavor that stands up well to grilling. However, boneless skinless chicken breast also works beautifully if you prefer a leaner option—just be careful not to overcook it. Cut your chicken into evenly sized chunks so they cook at the same rate and hold well on the skewer.


Ingredients for the Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers

Chicken – Choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. These soak up the marinade and grill to juicy perfection.

Honey – The natural sweetness helps create that sticky glaze and beautifully caramelizes over heat.

Garlic – Freshly minced garlic gives bold, aromatic flavor and complements the sweetness of the honey.

Soy Sauce – Adds umami richness and saltiness to balance the sweet and savory notes.

Rice Vinegar or Lemon Juice – A splash of acid brightens the marinade and helps tenderize the chicken.

Olive Oil – Helps the marinade coat the chicken and assists with grill marks.

Salt & Pepper – Simple seasoning that enhances all the natural flavors.

Fresh Parsley or Chives (optional) – For garnish and a pop of color.


How To Make the Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar (or lemon juice), olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks, roughly 1 to 1.5 inches. Add them to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2-3 hours for maximum flavor infusion.

Step 3: Soak and Skewer

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning every few minutes to get a nice char and even doneness. Baste with extra marinade halfway through if desired, but stop basting for the last few minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize safely.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once grilled, transfer the skewers to a serving plate. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or chives for color and a burst of freshness. Serve hot and enjoy every sticky, savory-sweet bite.


How to Serve and Store Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers

These skewers are a star on their own but even better when paired with sides like jasmine rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh cucumber salad. For a party platter, try adding a creamy dipping sauce like garlic aioli or yogurt dill.

To store leftovers, remove the chicken from the skewers and place in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water to keep them moist.


Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I marinate the chicken?

For best results, marinate for at least 30 minutes, but 2-3 hours gives deeper flavor. You can also marinate overnight for convenience.

Can I bake these skewers instead of grilling?

Yes! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through.

What if I don’t have skewers?

No problem! Simply cook the marinated chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Just use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make it safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

Can I freeze the marinated chicken?

Absolutely. Place the marinated chicken (before cooking) in a freezer bag and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.

Can I add vegetables to the skewers?

Yes, vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini are great additions. Just ensure everything is cut to a similar size for even cooking.


Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If these sticky-sweet skewers got your taste buds dancing, don’t stop here. Try one of these delicious and satisfying chicken meals next:

Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot for effortless weeknight comfort.
Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet with creamy richness in every bite.
Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff for a hearty, savory classic.
One Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese that brings together two ultimate comfort dishes.
Savory Chicken Wraps with Garlic Cream Sauce for a fresh and filling lunch option.


Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it when the grilling mood strikes.

And when you try it out, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you grill outdoors or use the oven? Add veggies or keep it classic?

Comment below with your twists or tips—let’s keep inspiring each other with great food!


Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers


  • Author: Olivia McKenney
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

These Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers are sweet, savory, and a little smoky with perfectly grilled pieces of juicy chicken coated in a sticky garlic glaze. Ideal for a summer BBQ or a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers flavor and ease with every skewer.


Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 11.5 inch chunks

1/3 cup honey

1/4 cup soy sauce

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons rice vinegar or lemon juice

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and black pepper to taste

Chopped parsley or chives for garnish (optional)


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar or lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until combined.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Add chicken chunks to the marinade and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 3 hours.
  3. Prepare Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes if using. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers.
  4. Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every few minutes until chicken is cooked and slightly charred. Optionally baste with extra marinade, but stop basting a few minutes before removing from heat.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped herbs if desired and serve immediately.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Dinner

Save this recipe on:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating