Name: Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
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 350g/12.5 oz), chopped into bite-sized pieces; 1 red bell pepper, chopped into large chunks; 1 onion, peeled and sliced into squares; 1 tbsp sesame seeds; small bunch of coriander/cilantro, roughly torn

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 136 reviews

If you are craving a dish that bursts with flavor and is perfect for both casual weeknight dinners and lively weekend barbecues, this Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. Juicy chicken pieces marinated in a luscious blend of honey, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil, skewered alongside vibrant red bell peppers and onions, then grilled to perfection. Each bite offers a delightful balance of sweetness, savoriness, and a subtle zing from fresh ginger, making these skewers incredibly addictive and irresistibly tasty.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a series of six pictures of making chicken vegetable skewers. The first two pictures show a clear glass bowl with three layers: the bottom layer is a golden yellow liquid with minced garlic, the middle layer has black and green dried herbs and spices, and the top layer has an unblended mix of liquids and herbs, stirred with a silver whisk. The third picture shows a white marbled surface with a clear plastic bag filled with small cubes of raw chicken in a green herb marinade. The fourth picture shows chopped vegetables laid out on a white marbled surface in three layers from left to right: bright green zucchini slices, bright red bell pepper pieces, and purple onion chunks, with a woman’s hand pouring olive oil over the vegetables. The fifth picture shows a white surface holding wooden skewers laid on a black baking tray; each skewer has layers of raw chicken pieces in off-white with green herbs, red pepper pieces, green zucchini slices, and purple onion pieces arranged alternately, with a woman’s hand threading the ingredients. The sixth image shows several cooked skewers on a grill, with golden and slightly charred chicken cubes and vibrant red, green, and purple vegetables. The whole series is shown on a white marbled textured surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe lies in its simple, yet essential ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, bringing together unique flavors, textures, and color that make the dish pop on your plate and delight your palate.

Vegetable oil: Helps keep the chicken moist and prevents sticking while cooking.
Sesame oil: Adds a rich, nutty depth that complements the garlic and soy perfectly.
Fresh garlic cloves: Provides that punchy aroma and savory base that gives the marinade its signature flavor.
Minced ginger: Brightens the dish with a mild spiciness and fresh zing.
Dark soy sauce: Brings umami richness and a deep color to the marinade.
Honey: Balances the saltiness with natural sweetness and helps caramelize the chicken as it grills.
Chicken breasts: Tender, lean protein that soaks up the marinade beautifully.
Red bell pepper: Offers vibrant color and a crisp sweetness to contrast the savory chicken.
Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and a satisfying texture when grilled.
Sesame seeds: A finishing touch that adds delicate crunch and visual appeal.
Fresh coriander/cilantro: Bright, herbaceous notes that lift the entire dish.

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Start by mixing the vegetable oil, sesame oil, minced garlic, ginger, dark soy sauce, and honey in a small bowl. This marinade is where all the magic begins. It combines rich, savory, and sweet elements that will soak perfectly into your chicken, imparting a beautiful depth of flavor.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the bite-sized chicken breasts into a bowl and pour three-quarters of the marinade over them. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour, allowing the flavors to infuse the meat thoroughly. If you have more time, letting it marinate for up to a full day makes the chicken even more tender and flavorful.

Step 3: Prepare Your Skewers

If you’re using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water while your chicken marinates. This step is key to prevent them from burning or catching fire on the grill. Metal skewers do not require soaking, so they’re a convenient alternative.

Step 4: Thread the Skewers

Once marinated, thread your skewers by alternating pieces of marinated chicken with chunks of red bell pepper and slices of onion. This layering not only looks gorgeous but also ensures you get a perfect bite of meat and veggies every time.

Step 5: Grill the Skewers

Heat your BBQ or griddle until it’s very hot. Place the skewers on the grill, cooking them for 8 to 10 minutes in total. Turn the skewers frequently to ensure even cooking on all sides. Halfway through grilling, brush the skewers with the remaining marinade to lock in moisture and intensify the flavor.

Step 6: Check for Doneness and Garnish

Check that the chicken is cooked through by slicing open the thickest piece — there should be no pink inside. Finally, sprinkle your skewers with sesame seeds and torn fresh coriander for a fabulous, fragrant finish.

How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe

The image shows several metal skewers filled with grilled chunks of orange-brown meat with charred edges, green zucchini slices, red bell pepper pieces, whole cherry tomatoes, and slices of dark purple-red onion. The skewers are placed on a bed of bright yellow rice with some white crumbles sprinkled on top, likely cheese. There are small bits of green herbs scattered across the food. The dish is served in a white dish with a thin dark rim, which sits on a white marbled surface. On the side, parts of two white bowls with sauces or dips can be seen. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and fresh coriander leaves takes these skewers from delicious to dazzling, adding some crunch and a burst of herbal brightness that really complements the richness of the glaze.

Side Dishes

Serve these skewers alongside fluffy steamed rice or Greek-style potatoes for a hearty meal. A crisp garden salad or grilled vegetables will add freshness, balancing out the sweet and savory flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe with dipping sauces like a tangy yogurt-cucumber raita or a spicy sriracha mayo. You can also place the skewers over a bed of couscous or quinoa for an elegant yet approachable presentation that’s sure to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (though that rarely happens), store the cold skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They keep their flavor well and make for a quick, protein-packed lunch the next day.

Freezing

The uncooked marinated chicken pieces can be frozen before threading onto skewers. Simply portion them into freezer bags, label, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge before skewering and grilling.

Reheating

To reheat cooked skewers, warm them gently in an oven set to 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain the perfect grilled texture and avoid sogginess.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are great for skewers because they are a bit fattier and remain juicy even when grilled. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and marinate as instructed.

Do I have to grill these skewers, or can I bake them?

You can bake the skewers in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway through. While grilling adds a delicious smoky char, baking still delivers tasty, tender chicken.

Is it important to soak wooden skewers?

Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes helps prevent them from burning on the grill, making your cooking experience safer and the skewers reusable.

How sweet are these honey garlic skewers?

The honey adds a lovely subtle sweetness balanced by the savory soy and the zing of garlic and ginger. It’s sweet but never overpowering — just enough to create that irresistible glaze.

Can I prepare the skewers ahead of time for a party?

Definitely! You can marinate and assemble the skewers a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to cook. This makes entertaining stress-free and allows you to enjoy the party as much as your guests.

Final Thoughts

Trying this Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe is like inviting a little burst of joy into your kitchen. It’s straightforward, packed with incredible flavor, and perfect for sharing with friends or family. Whether you’re an experienced griller or a curious beginner, these skewers will brighten any meal with their sweet, savory, and fragrant glory. So grab your skewers and dive right in — your taste buds will thank you!