Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers: A Delightful Recipe for Every Occasion

Need a crowd-pleaser that’s easy and super tasty? These honey garlic chicken skewers are your new go-to. Sweet, sticky, and packed with flavor.

I made them for a weekend BBQ, and they were gone so fast. The honey garlic glaze is just the right mix of sweet and savory.

Perfect for grilling, baking, or even the air fryer. Whether it’s dinner, a picnic, or game night—these skewers totally fit in.

Ready to impress with something simple and delicious? Let’s make these chicken skewers—you’re gonna want extras.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold Sweet-Savory Flavor: The honey and soy sauce bring the sweet and salty. The garlic brings the punch.
• Perfect for All Occasions: Serve these at family dinners, summer BBQs, or game-day spreads.
• Grill or Pan-Ready: Works beautifully on both grill and stovetop.
• Kid-Approved: That sticky glaze is irresistible.
• Meal-Prep Friendly: Marinate ahead for easy weeknight meals.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: About 40 minutes (plus marinating time)

Servings:
This recipe serves about 4 to 6 people (roughly 10–12 skewers). Multiply as needed for larger gatherings.

Difficulty:
Simple enough for a beginner. Flavorful enough to impress a seasoned cook.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Mixing bowls
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Skewers (wooden or metal)
• Grill or stovetop skillet
• Tongs
• Basting brush (optional)
• Foil or parchment (for easy cleanup if baking)

Ingredients for the Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring these juicy skewers together. Exact amounts are in the recipe card.

Marinade Ingredients:

• Vegetable oil – For a smooth base
• Sesame oil – Adds toasty flavor
• Garlic (minced) – For bold savory depth
• Ginger (minced) – Brightens the flavor
• Dark soy sauce – Deep, umami-rich saltiness
• Honey – Sweetness that caramelizes perfectly

Skewers Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts – Chopped into bite-sized pieces
• Red bell pepper – For color and crunch
• Onion – Cut into chunks for smoky-sweet flavor
• Sesame seeds – For a light garnish
• Fresh cilantro – Roughly torn for a bright finish

Variations for Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers

• Make it Spicy: Add a teaspoon of chili paste or crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade.
• Use Chicken Thighs: Thighs stay juicy even if slightly overcooked.
• Add Pineapple Chunks: For a sweet, tropical vibe.
• Try Hoisin Sauce: Sub half the soy sauce with hoisin for a more complex flavor.
• Oven Baked Option: Don’t have a grill? Bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, flipping once.

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers (Step-by-Step Instructions)

1. Make the Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, dark soy sauce, and honey until fully combined.

2. Marinate the Chicken

Add your bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade. Toss until every piece is well coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours if you’ve got time.

3. Prep the Skewers

While the chicken marinates, soak wooden skewers in water (if using) for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning.
Then, thread chicken, bell pepper, and onion onto the skewers, alternating for color and texture.

4. Cook the Skewers

Grill Method:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C).
2. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
3. Grill the skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning every few minutes until charred and fully cooked (internal temp: 165°F / 74°C).
4. Brush with extra marinade in the last 2 minutes for a sticky glaze.

Stovetop Method:

1. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Add a drizzle of oil.
2. Cook skewers in batches, turning every 2–3 minutes. Total cook time: 10–15 minutes.
3. Optional: Cover the pan briefly to help cook the chicken through if it’s browning too quickly.

How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers

These skewers are super versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion:

• With Rice or Noodles: Serve over jasmine rice, brown rice, or garlic noodles.
• With a Salad: Pair with a fresh cucumber salad, mango slaw, or sesame-dressed greens.
• In Wraps or Bowls: Remove chicken and veggies from skewers and wrap in a tortilla or toss in a grain bowl.
• As Appetizers: Serve smaller skewers with toothpicks at parties or gatherings.

Sprinkle with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro just before serving for that final pop of flavor and color.

Storing Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers

Leftovers? No problem. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

• Refrigerator: Store cooked skewers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Remove chicken and veggies from skewers. Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet or microwave. Add a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Cut Chicken Evenly: Uniform pieces help ensure even cooking.
• Don’t Skip the Soak: Soak wooden skewers so they don’t burn on the grill.
• Marinate Long for Flavor: At least 30 minutes is good—but 4–8 hours brings out even deeper flavor.
• Use a Thermometer: Internal temp should hit 165°F (74°C).
• Double the Marinade: Use half for marinating, save the other half for brushing during cooking (just keep it separate for safety).

Nutrition

Nutrient	Per Serving (1 skewer)
Calories	170
Protein	18g
Carbohydrates	9g
Sugars	7g
Fat	7g
Saturated Fat	1g
Cholesterol	45mg
Sodium	430mg

Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.

Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving. Just adjust the cook time slightly—they may take a few minutes longer.

Can I bake these instead of grilling?
Absolutely. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 18–20 minutes, turning halfway through. For extra caramelization, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.

Can I freeze the skewers before cooking?
Yes, marinated uncooked chicken (without veggies) can be frozen. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then skewer and cook.

Is it safe to reuse marinade for basting?
Only if it hasn’t touched raw chicken. Otherwise, make extra marinade just for brushing during cooking.

What veggies work well in place of bell peppers and onions?
Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms make great substitutes—just make sure they’re cut to similar sizes for even cooking.

Conclusion

Whether you’re planning a laid-back dinner, prepping for a party, or just craving something sweet, garlicky, and satisfying—these Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers deliver every single time. They’re easy, versatile, and full of that sticky-sweet magic everyone loves.

Now that you’ve got the step-by-step, all that’s left is to fire up the grill (or pan) and get cooking.
Save this recipe, share it with a friend, and make dinner a little more delicious tonight.