Tender, lightly charred, and bursting with a sweet-savory glaze, these honey garlic chicken skewers make an easy summer dinner that works beautifully on the BBQ or a hot griddle.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These skewers balance sweetness, saltiness, and gentle aromatics thanks to a simple marinade that delivers big flavor. They’re quick to cook, ideal for warm-weather meals, and versatile enough to pair with salads, rice, or grilled vegetables. Plus, they use everyday ingredients and are family-friendly.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Marinade:
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1 tsp minced ginger
3 tbsp dark soy sauce
3 tbsp honey
For the Skewers:
2 chicken breasts (approx. 350 g / 12.5 oz), chopped into bite-sized pieces
1 red bell pepper, chopped into large chunks
1 onion, peeled and cut into squares
1 tbsp sesame seeds
Small bunch of coriander (cilantro), roughly torn
Directions
In a small bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, sesame oil, minced garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and honey.
Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and pour in three-quarters of the marinade. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate for 1 hour (or up to 24 hours).
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 1 hour to prevent burning.
Preheat your BBQ or griddle until very hot.
Thread skewers by alternating chicken, red pepper, and onion until all ingredients are used. Discard any marinade left in the chicken bowl.
Grill the skewers for 8–10 minutes, turning 3–4 times. Brush with the reserved marinade halfway through cooking. Ensure the chicken is no longer pink in the center.
Remove from the heat, sprinkle with sesame seeds and coriander, and serve hot.
Servings and timing
Servings: Makes approximately 4 skewers, serving 2–3 people Prep time: 15 minutes Marinating time: 1 hour Cook time: 8–10 minutes Total time: About 1 hour 25 minutes
Variations
Add heat with a pinch of chili flakes, chili powder, or a drizzle of sriracha.
Replace the pepper and onion with mushrooms, zucchini chunks, or pineapple pieces.
Swap chicken breast for chicken thigh for a juicier result.
Add a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice for a tangier finish.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Cooked skewers can be cooled and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They can also be served cold in wraps or salads.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a covered pan over low heat or briefly in the oven at 160°C (320°F) until warmed through. Avoid overcooking to keep the chicken tender.
Freezing: Freeze marinated uncooked chicken pieces (without the vegetables) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before assembling and cooking.
FAQs
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinate for at least 1 hour, but up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work beautifully and stay very tender on the grill.
Can I cook these skewers in the oven?
Yes. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 12–15 minutes, turning halfway, until fully cooked.
Can I make the skewers ahead of time?
You can assemble the raw skewers and refrigerate them for a few hours before cooking.
Are these skewers freezer-friendly?
The marinated raw chicken is freezer-friendly, but assembled skewers with vegetables freeze less effectively.
What can I serve with honey garlic chicken skewers?
Rice, salads, grilled vegetables, flatbreads, or roasted potatoes all pair nicely.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, simply scale the ingredients up—marinating time remains the same.
How do I prevent wooden skewers from burning?
Soak them in water for at least 1 hour before grilling.
How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
Avoid overcooking and ensure the chicken pieces are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
Can I make the marinade sweeter or saltier?
Yes. Add more honey for sweetness or extra soy sauce for a saltier, deeper flavor.
Conclusion
These honey garlic chicken skewers deliver a simple yet vibrant combination of flavors perfect for warm-weather meals. With minimal prep, a reliable marinade, and quick cooking time, they’re ideal for casual dinners, outdoor grilling, or easy entertaining. Enjoy them with your favorite sides and customize the vegetables to suit your taste.
Tender, lightly charred honey garlic chicken skewers marinated in a sweet-savory glaze and grilled to perfection. These skewers are quick, flavorful, and perfect for summer meals on the BBQ or stovetop griddle.
Ingredients
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1 tsp minced ginger
3 tbsp dark soy sauce
3 tbsp honey
2 chicken breasts (approx. 350 g / 12.5 oz), chopped into bite-sized pieces
1 red bell pepper, chopped into large chunks
1 onion, peeled and cut into squares
1 tbsp sesame seeds
Small bunch of coriander (cilantro), roughly torn
Instructions
In a small bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and honey.
Place chicken pieces in a bowl, pour in ¾ of the marinade, mix well, cover, and refrigerate for 1 hour (or up to 24 hours).
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 1 hour.
Preheat BBQ or griddle until very hot.
Thread skewers alternating chicken, red pepper, and onion. Discard used marinade from the chicken bowl.
Grill skewers for 8–10 minutes, turning 3–4 times. Brush with reserved marinade halfway through cooking. Cook until chicken is no longer pink inside.
Remove from heat, sprinkle with sesame seeds and coriander, and serve hot.
Notes
Add chili flakes or sriracha for a spicier version.
Swap chicken breast for chicken thighs for more juiciness.
Use other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or pineapple for variation.
To make ahead, marinate chicken and assemble skewers a few hours in advance.
Marinated uncooked chicken (without veggies) can be frozen for up to 2 months.
