Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers are a simple and tasty treat that brings together juicy pieces of chicken glazed with a sweet and garlicky sauce. The skewers have a perfect mix of tender meat and sticky honey, making each bite flavorful and fun to eat. They’re a great choice for a quick dinner or a tasty snack.
I love making these skewers on a busy night because they come together quickly and don’t make a mess in the kitchen. The honey and garlic combo always reminds me of summer barbecues with friends, where the smells of grilling fill the air. I find that letting the chicken marinate a bit helps the flavors sink in and makes the meat super tasty every time.
These skewers are great served with a simple side like rice or a fresh salad, but I also like to put them on some warm pita bread with a little extra sauce for a quick and easy meal. Plus, they’re perfect for sharing, so they always bring a little extra joy to the table when friends and family are around.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using boneless, skinless chicken thighs because they stay juicy and tender. If you want leaner meat, chicken breast works fine too, just watch the cooking time to avoid dryness.
Honey: This adds the perfect sweetness and helps the glaze stick. If you’re out of honey, maple syrup or agave nectar can be good alternatives.
Soy Sauce: It adds saltiness and depth. Low sodium soy sauce is my choice to keep the salt balanced. For a gluten-free option, tamari or coconut aminos work well.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor here. Garlic powder could work if needed, but fresh is definitely tastier.
Bell Pepper & Red Onion: These add crunch and a mild sweetness that pairs well with the chicken. Swap bell peppers for other veggies like zucchini or mushrooms if you prefer.
How Do You Get the Perfect Sticky Honey Garlic Glaze?
The key to a shiny, sticky glaze is cooking down the marinade after grilling. Here’s how I do it:
- After marinating the chicken, don’t toss out the leftover marinade—it’s full of flavor.
- Pour it into a small pan over medium heat, stirring often.
- If you want it thicker, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a bit of water and stir it in while the sauce heats up.
- Keep cooking and stirring until it becomes glossy and thick enough to coat a spoon.
- Brush this glaze on the hot skewers right after grilling for that irresistible sticky coating.
Doing this helps the honey caramelize just right without burning, giving your skewers that perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Grill or grill pan – I recommend this because it gives the chicken a nice char and smoky flavor. You can also use an oven broiler if needed.
- Medium mixing bowl – perfect for whisking together the marinade ingredients to get everything well combined.
- Small saucepan – you’ll need this to cook the leftover marinade into a thick glaze for brushing on the skewers.
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 mins) – soak before threading the chicken; it keeps the skewers from burning on the grill.
- Tongs or grilling spatula – helpful for turning the skewers and removing them from the grill safely.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for shrimp or firm tofu for different proteins—each cooks quickly and pairs well with the honey garlic flavor.
- Add sliced pineapple or zucchini to the skewers for extra sweetness and crunch.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra flavor and crunch after grilling.
- Change up the marinade by adding a dash of ginger or sriracha for a spicy twist.
Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Skewers:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 red onion, cut into chunks
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning)
For The Marinade and Glaze:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening sauce)
- 2 tbsp water (for cornstarch slurry)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of active prep time. Plan for at least 30 minutes to marinate the chicken, and about 15 minutes for grilling and glazing. Overall, you’ll need roughly 55 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make The Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, olive oil, vinegar, sesame oil, and black pepper until well combined. This will serve as both your marinade and glaze.
2. Marinate The Chicken:
Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, cover the bowl, and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes – or up to 2 hours for even better flavor.
3. Assemble The Skewers:
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers, alternating with chunks of red bell pepper and red onion for a colorful, tasty mix.
4. Grill The Skewers:
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Grill the skewers for 3-4 minutes on each side, turning gently, until the chicken is cooked through and has beautiful grill marks.
5. Prepare The Glaze:
While grilling, pour the remaining marinade into a small saucepan. If you want a thicker glaze, mix the cornstarch with water and stir it into the pan. Cook over medium heat, stirring often until the sauce thickens and becomes sticky, about 3-5 minutes.
6. Glaze The Skewers:
Brush the thickened glaze all over the cooked chicken skewers, making sure each piece gets a nice sticky coating.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skewers from the grill, then sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top. Serve the skewers hot, with any extra glaze on the side for dipping.
Enjoy your Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers with steamed rice, fresh salad, or your favorite side!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for These Skewers?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight and pat it dry before marinating to avoid extra moisture that can affect the grilling.
How Long Should I Marinate the Chicken?
At least 30 minutes is great for flavor, but marinating for up to 2 hours will deepen the taste. Avoid marinating longer than 4 hours to prevent the acid in the vinegar from breaking down the chicken texture too much.
Can I Make These Skewers Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can marinate and assemble the skewers a few hours in advance and keep them covered in the fridge until ready to grill. Just bring them to room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking.
How Should I Store Leftover Skewers?
Place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or on a skillet to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.