When it comes to easy and flavorful grilling recipes, Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers are hard to beat. These skewers combine tender marinated chicken with the natural sweetness of honey and the aromatic punch of garlic and ginger. Whether you’re planning a summer BBQ, a cozy family dinner, or just looking for something quick and delicious, this recipe checks all the boxes. The combination of smoky grill flavors and the sweet-savory marinade gives these skewers a universal appeal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and Quick: With just a few minutes of preparation and a short cook time, these skewers are an easy go-to option for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Versatile: You can customize the ingredients based on what’s in your pantry. Plus, it’s adaptable to different cuisines and flavor preferences with just a few ingredient swaps.
- Delicious and Nutritious: Packed with protein, vitamins, and just enough sweetness to satisfy your cravings, these skewers are healthy without sacrificing taste.
Key Ingredients
The beauty of these skewers lies in the simplicity of the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Marinade:
- Vegetable Oil & Sesame Oil: A blend that offers a neutral base with a touch of nuttiness from the sesame oil.
- Garlic & Ginger: These two aromatics infuse the chicken with a bold, rich flavor.
- Dark Soy Sauce: Adds depth, umami, and a salty-sweet touch to the marinade.
- Honey: This is the key to achieving that perfect balance of sweet and savory. As the skewers cook, the honey caramelizes, giving the chicken a gorgeous glaze.
For the Skewers:
- Chicken Breasts: A lean, tender protein that absorbs the flavors beautifully.
- Red Bell Pepper & Onion: They add a crunch and natural sweetness, which complement the chicken perfectly.
- Sesame Seeds & Coriander: Garnishes that add texture and freshness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, sesame oil, minced garlic, ginger, dark soy sauce, and honey. This creates a fragrant and flavorful marinade that will transform your chicken.
2️⃣ Marinate Chicken
Place the chicken pieces in a bowl, and pour three-quarters of the marinade over the top, reserving the rest for later. Toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least an hour (or up to 24 hours if you’re prepping ahead).
3️⃣ Soak Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water while the chicken marinates. This prevents the wood from burning on the grill.
4️⃣ Preheat Grill
When you’re ready to cook, heat up your BBQ or griddle until it’s very hot.
5️⃣ Assemble the Skewers
Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, alternating with red bell pepper and onion. This creates a colorful, delicious combination. Discard any leftover marinade from the bowl.
6️⃣ Cook the Skewers
Place the skewers on the BBQ or griddle and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning them several times to ensure even cooking. Halfway through, brush the skewers with the reserved marinade to enhance the flavor. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked by cutting into the largest piece to check that it’s no longer pink in the center.
7️⃣ Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, sprinkle the skewers with sesame seeds and torn coriander leaves. Serve them hot with your favorite sides like salad, rice, or roasted potatoes. The honey caramelization combined with the savory marinade will leave you wanting more!
Recipe Notes
- Make Ahead Tip: You can marinate the chicken up to a day ahead to save time. If you’re planning to serve the skewers cold as part of a salad or wrap, cook them in advance and refrigerate.
- Ingredient Variations: Feel free to mix things up by swapping the onions and peppers for mushrooms, courgette (zucchini), or pineapple chunks. If you’re in the mood for a spicy kick, add a bit of sriracha or chili flakes to the marinade.
Nutritional Information (Per Skewer)
- Calories: 202 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 17g
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 688mg
- Potassium: 383mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 13g
- Vitamin A: 901 IU
- Vitamin C: 34mg
- Calcium: 30mg
- Iron: 1mg
Final Thoughts
These Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers are a surefire way to impress your guests or family. They pack the perfect punch of flavor, and their simplicity makes them a great dish for both beginner cooks and seasoned grill masters. Whether you’re serving them up for a weekend BBQ or a weeknight dinner, these skewers are guaranteed to be a hit!
Try them today and elevate your grilling game to the next level!