These Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers are super tasty! They’re sticky, sweet, and filled with garlic goodness. What more could you want on a grill?
I love how easy they are to whip up. Just marinate the chicken, pop it on skewers, and grill. Perfect for summer BBQs or a quick weeknight treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I prefer boneless, skinless thighs for their tenderness and flavor. If you have chicken breast on hand, that works too but might be drier, so watch the grilling time.
Honey: It adds sweetness to balance the saltiness of soy sauce. For a vegan option, maple syrup or agave syrup can be great substitutes! You’ll still get that lovely glaze.
Soy Sauce: Traditional soy sauce enhances the umami flavor. If you’re avoiding soy, try coconut aminos for a mellow, sweet taste that’s also gluten-free!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for a robust flavor. In a pinch, use garlic powder—1 clove of fresh is about 1/8 teaspoon of powder, but it won’t be as strong.
Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a warm spice that brightens the marinade. If fresh isn’t available, use 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger instead.
Cilantro: A fresh garnish that adds a burst of color and flavor. If you’re not a fan, green onions or parsley work as tasty alternatives.
How Do I Grill Chicken Skewers to Perfection?
Grilling chicken skewers can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll get juicy, perfectly charred pieces every time!
- Preheat the grill to medium-high—this helps with that delightful char. If your grill is too hot, you may burn the chicken before it cooks through.
- Leave a little space between the chicken pieces on the skewers for even cooking. This helps the heat circulate.
- Turn the skewers every few minutes to cook evenly and prevent sticking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C). No guesswork here!
- Let the skewers rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps keep them juicy!
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Marinade:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For Garnish:
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ¼ cup crushed peanuts
For Skewering:
- Skewers (soaked in water if wooden)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and marinating, and then around 15 minutes to cook. In total, you will need about 30 minutes to enjoy these amazing skewers, plus some optional extra marinating time for more flavor! Perfect for a quick but tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, sesame oil, grated ginger, rice vinegar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Use a whisk to mix everything together until it’s well blended. This yummy marinade is what brings all the flavors together!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and make sure they’re all coated nicely. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For a more intense flavor, you can let it marinate for up to 2 hours.
3. Get the Grill Ready:
While your chicken is marinating, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. This will help to give your skewers a nice char!
4. Assemble the Skewers:
After marinating, take the chicken out of the fridge. Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a bit of space between each piece to ensure they cook evenly.
5. Grill the Chicken Skewers:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Make sure to turn them occasionally so they get evenly cooked and a little charred. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You want them juicy and delicious!
6. Serve and Garnish:
Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and place them on a serving platter. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and crushed peanuts for a tasty garnish.
7. Optional Dipping Sauce:
If you have reserved any marinade, you can heat it up and serve it on the side for dipping. This adds an extra layer of flavor to every bite!
Enjoy your homemade Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers! They’re perfect for sharing or when you just want to treat yourself!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts in place of thighs. Just keep in mind that breasts may cook a bit faster, so check the internal temperature at around 8-10 minutes on the grill to ensure they don’t dry out.
What Vegetables Can I Add to the Skewers?
Great question! You can add bell peppers, zucchini, onions, or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and color. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes as the chicken pieces for even cooking.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a microwave-safe plate and warm gently in the microwave, or you can reheat them in a grill pan over medium heat for added crispness.
Can I Make the Marinade in Advance?
Yes, you can make the marinade ahead of time! Prepare it up to 2 days in advance, store it in the fridge, and when you’re ready, just marinate your chicken before grilling. This also helps the flavors meld beautifully.
