These Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers are a perfect mix of sweet and savory with tender, juicy pieces of chicken coated in a sticky honey garlic sauce. The flavors come together beautifully, making every bite taste fresh and satisfying with just the right hint of garlic and sweetness that isn’t overpowering.
I love making these skewers for a quick weeknight dinner or when friends come over for a casual barbecue. They’re super easy to prepare and cook up fast, which means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying good company. Plus, you can customize the skewers with veggies like bell peppers or onions for extra color and flavor.
One of my favorite ways to serve these is alongside a simple salad or with some fluffy rice to soak up the extra sauce. They’re great for a light meal, but also filling enough to enjoy as finger food at a party. The honey garlic combo always gets compliments and makes the whole table smile!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using boneless skinless chicken thighs because they stay juicy and flavorful. But chicken breasts work great too if you want leaner meat.
Honey: This adds sweetness and helps create that sticky glaze. You can substitute with maple syrup or agave if you want a different sweetener.
Soy Sauce: It brings saltiness and umami. Use tamari if you need a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a soy-free choice.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for that punch of flavor. You could use garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh really shines here.
Sesame Oil: It adds a subtle nutty aroma. If you don’t have it, a light vegetable oil works, but the sesame flavor will be milder.
Bell Pepper: Adding chunks gives color and crunch, but feel free to swap with other veggies like zucchini or onions based on what you like or have.
How Do I Get the Perfect Sticky and Charred Coating on These Skewers?
The key to that sticky glaze with charred bits is managing your heat and timing carefully:
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes so the honey and garlic flavor soak in well.
- Preheat your grill or pan to medium-high—high enough to char but not burn fast.
- Thread the chicken onto skewers, leaving a little space so heat cooks evenly.
- Grill for 4-5 minutes each side, basting with leftover marinade cautiously (to avoid raw sauce on the chicken) for extra stickiness.
- Watch closely in the last minutes to catch that perfect char without burning the honey glaze.
I find flipping once or twice until chicken is slightly caramelized and cooked through gives the best texture and flavor.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Grill or grill pan – I recommend this for that perfect char and smoky flavor. If you don’t have one, a broiler works too.
- Wooden or metal skewers – Wooden skewers need soaking in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Metal ones are reusable and super easy to handle.
- Small saucepan – useful if you want to boil any marinade for drizzling over the cooked skewers to ensure it’s safe to serve.
- Brush or spoon – helps with basting the chicken during grilling for extra flavor and moisture.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for shrimp or pork skewers for different tastes. Marinate until tender and juicy.
- Add chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds as a finish for extra crunch and aroma.
- Mix in chopped chili peppers or a splash of sriracha to spice up the glaze.
- Use lemon juice or lime for a citrus twist—great with seafood or chicken.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks (optional, for skewering)
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes prior to use)
For the Marinade:
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, plus at least 30 minutes for marinating the chicken. Grilling takes about 10 minutes, so overall plan for around 50 minutes to an hour, including marinating time. The longer the marinating, the more flavorful the chicken!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger (if using), and black pepper. Stir well so all ingredients combine evenly.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss until every piece is coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours if you have time. This helps the flavors sink in.
3. Prepare the Skewers and Grill:
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, alternating with red bell pepper chunks if you like. Grill the skewers for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has nice char marks. Baste occasionally with leftover marinade for extra flavor, but be careful to avoid cross-contamination with raw chicken marinade.
4. Garnish and Serve:
Once cooked, place the skewers on a serving plate. Sprinkle sesame seeds and freshly chopped parsley or cilantro over the top for a fresh, tasty finish. Drizzle any warmed leftover marinade over if you like (make sure to boil it first if reserved raw).
5. Serving Suggestions:
Serve your honey garlic chicken skewers hot alongside steamed rice, a crisp salad, or grilled veggies for a complete and delicious meal.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for These Skewers?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight before marinating and cooking. Pat the pieces dry to remove excess moisture for better grilling results.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
Marinate for at least 30 minutes to get good flavor, but 1-2 hours is ideal. Avoid marinating longer than 6 hours as the acidity from vinegar can start to break down the chicken texture.
Can I Bake or Broil These Instead of Grilling?
Absolutely! Arrange skewers on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through. Broiling for the last few minutes helps to get that nice char.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover cooked skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, and avoid reheating raw marinade—always cook it thoroughly before serving again.