These Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers are perfect for a quick and tasty meal! The chicken pieces are marinated in a sweet and sticky honey garlic sauce that makes every bite full of flavor.
These skewers are a fun way to impress your friends at a BBQ or family dinner. Just grill them until they’re golden and enjoy—who knew cooking could be so simple? 😂
I love serving these with rice or a fresh salad. The leftovers, if you have any, are great for lunch the next day! Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are great for tenderness, but you can use breasts if you prefer. Veggie fans can try firm tofu or hearty mushrooms for a meatless option!
Honey: For a healthier sweetener, agave syrup or maple syrup can replace honey. Remember that flavors will vary slightly, but they’ll still be delicious!
Soy Sauce: If you need a lower-sodium option, go for reduced-sodium soy sauce or tamari (great for gluten-free diets). Coconut aminos is another tasty alternative.
Vinegar: Rice vinegar offers a mild flavor, but you can also use cider vinegar or white wine vinegar if that’s what you have on hand. Both work wonderfully!
How Do I Get the Chicken to Cook Evenly on Skewers?
Threading chicken onto skewers can be simple with a few tips. Cut chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly. Aim for similar sizes—this helps them cook through at the same rate!
- Leave a little space between each piece on the skewer. This allows heat to circulate, ensuring even cooking.
- For best results, preheat your grill or grill pan well. This gives the chicken nice grill marks and a lovely sear!
- Turn the skewers carefully; avoid flipping too often, as this can cause the pieces to come loose. Allow them to sear for a couple of minutes before turning.
Remember, these tips will help you enjoy perfectly cooked chicken skewers every time!
Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
For Garnishing:
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- Crushed peanuts or cashews (optional)
Skewers:
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes before use)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare the marinade and chicken, plus 30 minutes to 2 hours for marinating time. Grilling takes about 8-10 minutes. So, plan for around 50 minutes to 2 hours until you’re ready to enjoy these tasty skewers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, vinegar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This delicious marinade is the secret to flavor-packed chicken!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and stir gently to coat each piece evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer everything to a zip-top bag for a more straightforward cleanup. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but 1-2 hours is best for maximum flavor!
3. Prepare for Grilling:
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. This ensures your chicken will cook evenly and get those lovely grill marks! If you’re using a grill pan indoors, get it nice and hot.
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Once marinated, thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a bit of space between pieces. This helps them cook perfectly without steaming each other. You want that nice char, after all!
5. Grill the Chicken Skewers:
Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Carefully turn them to avoid breaking the chicken pieces. Grill until the chicken is cooked through and has lovely charred edges. Aim for about 165°F (75°C) internal temperature.
6. Brush with Marinade (Optional):
If you like, you can brush the skewers with some leftover marinade while grilling to add even more flavor and glaze!
7. Serve and Garnish:
Once cooked, transfer the skewers to a serving plate. Sprinkle the chopped parsley or cilantro on top and add crushed peanuts or cashews for extra crunch and flavor.
8. Enjoy Your Meal:
Serve your delicious honey garlic chicken skewers hot off the grill with steamed rice, a fresh salad, or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy every flavorful bite!
Happy cooking and enjoy your hearty honey garlic chicken skewers!
FAQ for Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers
Can I Use Different Types of Meat for These Skewers?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with other proteins like shrimp, beef, or pork. Just adjust the cooking time: shrimp will cook faster, while beef should be marinated similarly for flavor.
What Should I Do if I Don’t Have Honey? Can I Use a Different Sweetener?
Yes, you can use agave syrup, maple syrup, or brown sugar as a substitute for honey. Just keep in mind that sweetness levels may vary slightly, so adjust to taste if needed.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Skewers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on a skillet until heated through.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Of course! You can prepare the marinade a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just add the chicken when you’re ready to cook; marinating overnight can enhance the flavor even more!
