Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers

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Sweet, sticky, garlicky, and smoky – these Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers are a flavor bomb in every bite. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a weekend BBQ or tossing them under the broiler on a weeknight, these skewers deliver a savory punch with minimal effort. Tender chunks of chicken marinated in a bold honey garlic sauce caramelize beautifully on the outside while staying juicy and flavorful inside.

This dish is perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners when you want something crowd-pleasing without fuss. Pair them with a fresh salad, rice, or warm flatbreads, and you’ve got a meal that balances sweet and savory with a hint of char. The irresistible aroma alone will have everyone hovering around the grill.

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Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe

• Perfectly balanced sweet and savory marinade
• Quick to prep and cook – ideal for weeknights or entertaining
• Customizable: use chicken breast, thighs, or even tofu
• Kid-friendly and great for meal prepping
• Works great on an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools:

• Sharp knife & cutting board: For clean, even cuts of chicken that ensure even cooking.
• Mixing bowl: To combine the marinade ingredients and coat the chicken thoroughly.
• Whisk or fork: To fully emulsify the honey, soy sauce, and garlic for a smooth marinade.
• Wooden or metal skewers: Wood skewers need soaking to prevent burning; metal ones are reusable and heat evenly.
• Grill or grill pan: A charcoal or gas grill imparts smokiness, but a stovetop grill pan works just as well.
• Tongs: For safe and easy flipping of skewers.

Each of these tools plays a role in making sure the chicken is flavorful, cooked evenly, and presented beautifully.

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Preparation Tips

Cut the chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook at the same rate. Let the meat marinate for at least 30 minutes (but preferably a few hours) to allow the flavors to fully absorb. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling. Make sure the grill or pan is hot before placing the skewers – this helps achieve that golden, slightly charred exterior. And don’t crowd the skewers on the grill – give each one enough space to cook properly and develop those perfect grill marks.

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Ingredients for this Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe

• 1.5 pounds (about 700g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1.5-inch chunks
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth)
• 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)
• Skewers (wooden or metal)

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Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, olive oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Make sure the honey is fully dissolved and the mixture is well emulsified.

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Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken chunks into the bowl with the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water during this time.

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Step 3: Thread the Chicken

After marinating, thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a bit of space between each chunk for even cooking. Discard the used marinade.

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Step 4: Preheat the Grill or Grill Pan

Heat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C). Lightly oil the grill grates or brush your grill pan with a bit of oil to prevent sticking.

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Step 5: Grill the Skewers

Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes to get an even char and cook through. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

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Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce or side.

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Notes

This recipe works beautifully with both chicken breasts and thighs—breasts offer a leaner bite, while thighs remain juicier on the grill. If you love spice, add a dash of chili flakes or sriracha to the marinade. You can double the marinade and reserve some before adding the chicken to use as a dipping sauce or glaze after grilling (just be sure to keep it separate from the raw chicken). Fresh herbs like cilantro or mint also pair well as garnishes, and you can mix up the sides to suit the occasion—from couscous and rice to grilled veggies or pita bread.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the skewer soak: If using wooden skewers and you forget to soak them, they can burn on the grill.
• Overcrowding the grill: This leads to uneven cooking and steaming instead of searing.
• Turning too early: Let the skewers sear before flipping—if they stick, they’re not ready to turn.
• Over-marinating: Chicken marinated too long in acidic ingredients like vinegar can start to break down and get mushy.
• Not checking internal temperature: Always use a thermometer to confirm the chicken is fully cooked at 165°F (74°C).

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Storage Instructions

Store any leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through, or microwave in short intervals. For freezing, remove chicken from skewers, place in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition

• Calories: ~280 kcal per skewer (based on 6 skewers total)
• Protein: 26g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Sugar: 9g
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5g
• Sodium: 410mg
• Fiber: 0g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

What cut of chicken is best for skewers?

Both chicken breasts and thighs work. Thighs are juicier, while breasts are leaner and cook faster.

Can I bake these skewers instead of grilling?

Yes! Bake at 425°F (220°C) on a lined baking sheet for 15–20 minutes, turning once halfway through.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Definitely. Marinate the chicken the night before and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to skewer and cook.

Is the marinade reusable?

Not once it’s touched raw chicken. If you want extra for basting or serving, reserve some before marinating.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Don’t overcook! Use a thermometer and pull the chicken off the grill at 165°F (74°C).

Can I add vegetables to the skewers?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, onions, and zucchini pair wonderfully and can be threaded alongside the chicken.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Only if you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

What can I serve with these skewers?

Try rice, quinoa, flatbread, grilled corn, a simple salad, or even tzatziki or chimichurri sauce.

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Conclusion

Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers are a go-to when you want bold flavors with simple prep. The combination of sticky honey, savory garlic, and the charred grill flavor makes this dish irresistible every time. Whether you’re serving them for a quick weeknight dinner or grilling up a platter for guests, these skewers are always a hit. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few easy steps, you can bring this dish to life in your own kitchen—juicy, sweet, garlicky goodness on a stick.

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