Name: Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American with Asian influence
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 1/4 cup honey; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Fresh cilantro or green onions

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving something that’s juicy, savory, and just packed with a sweet punch, these Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers are an absolute must-try. The combination of tender chicken thighs soaked in a luscious honey garlic marinade creates an irresistible glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. Whether you’re cooking up a quick weeknight feast or impressing guests at your next backyard party, this recipe captures that perfect balance of sticky-sweet flavor and savory warmth, making every bite a delight.

Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, yet flavor-packed ingredients is the secret to pulling off these scrumptious Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers. Each component plays a starring role, from the sticky sweetness of honey to the savory depth of soy sauce, and the aromatic punch of fresh garlic.

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Tender and juicy, thighs absorb marinades better than breasts for ultimate flavor.
1/4 cup honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps caramelize the chicken beautifully on the grill.
1/4 cup soy sauce: Brings umami richness and balances the honey’s sweetness perfectly.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Keeps the chicken moist and helps distribute the marinade evenly.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Provides aromatic depth that’s essential to the signature honey garlic flavor.
1 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds subtle warmth and a hint of spice that livens up the marinade.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Offers a gentle kick and balances sweetness with subtle heat.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors and ensures the chicken isn’t bland.
Fresh cilantro or green onions (for garnish): Lends fresh color and a burst of brightness to finish the dish.

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Prepare Your Skewers

If you’re using wooden skewers, soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling is key to preventing any burning. This small prep step makes sure your skewers hold up nicely without charring while your chicken grills to perfection.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Flavorful Marinade

Combine honey, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, ground ginger, black pepper, and salt in a mixing bowl. Whisk them thoroughly until you get a smooth, harmonious blend. This marinade is what brings the magic to your chicken, infusing it with a fantastic balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic notes.

Step 3: Cut and Marinate the Chicken

Slice your boneless chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces to ensure quick, even cooking. Toss these juicy morsels into the marinade, making sure every piece is fully coated. Letting them soak in this flavorful bath for at least 15 minutes—or up to 2 hours in the fridge—really amps up the taste.

Step 4: Thread the Chicken Onto Skewers

Carefully thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers. Pack them nicely but leave a bit of space so heat can circulate evenly, ensuring thorough cooking without steaming or overly squeezing the meat.

Step 5: Grill to Glorious Perfection

Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the chicken skewers on it and cook for about 5 minutes per side. Keep a basting brush handy to reapply marinade while grilling; this builds layers of sticky, flavorful glaze that make the dish so addictive. Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and has those beautiful grill marks.

Step 6: Rest and Garnish

Once grilled, let the skewers rest for a few minutes. This step locks in juices and keeps each bite tender. Before serving, sprinkle fresh cilantro or chopped green onions on top to add a fresh, vibrant finish that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro or green onions are the perfect finishing touches—they bring a bright, herbaceous element that cuts through the sweet richness of the honey garlic glaze. Feel free to add a squeeze of lime or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds if you want to elevate the presentation and flavor even more.

Side Dishes

Keep your meal balanced and colorful by pairing these Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers with simple sides like jasmine rice, a fresh cucumber salad, or grilled vegetables. The sweetness of the skewers contrasts beautifully with crisp, refreshing sides, making each bite feel balanced and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the skewers on a bed of leafy greens drizzled with a light sesame dressing. You can also cut the chicken off the skewers and toss it into tacos or rice bowls with avocado and pickled onions—it’s versatile and sure to impress any crowd.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the cooked skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool them to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze uncooked marinated chicken skewers for up to 1 month. Lay them flat on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling for a convenient, make-ahead option.

Reheating

When reheating, use a grill pan or oven at medium heat to keep the chicken juicy and avoid drying it out. A quick brush of olive oil before warming helps retain moisture and keeps those Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers tasting freshly grilled.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work, but because they’re leaner, be sure not to overcook them. The thighs remain juicier and soak up the marinade better for maximum flavor.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

For the best taste, aim for at least 15 minutes. If you have more time, marinating up to 2 hours intensifies the flavors wonderfully without making the chicken mushy.

Can I bake these instead of grilling?

You sure can! Bake the skewers at 400°F (200°C) on a foil-lined tray for about 20 minutes, turning once halfway through. Finish with a broil if you want caramelization that mimics grilling.

Are wooden skewers necessary?

Wooden skewers are traditional and convenient, but metal skewers work just as well and don’t require soaking. Just handle them carefully to avoid burns.

What can I use to make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply swap the regular soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. This won’t impact flavor much and keeps the dish friendly for gluten-sensitive guests.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend these Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers enough—they’re just that good! The bold flavors, the tender chicken, and the ease of preparation make them a true crowd-pleaser anytime of year. Give this recipe a go and watch how fast they disappear from the plate, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a lively get-together with friends.

Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 9 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

These Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers are a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors with a hint of ginger and garlic. Juicy chicken thighs marinated in a honey-soy mixture, grilled to perfection, and garnished with fresh cilantro or green onions make for an easy and delicious meal suitable for weeknights or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Marinade

1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt

Garnish

Fresh cilantro or green onions

Instructions

Soak Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning during cooking.
Prepare Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, ground ginger, black pepper, and salt. Whisk the ingredients together until well blended to create a flavorful marinade.
Cut Chicken: Cut the boneless chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking and easy threading onto skewers.
Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. For best results, marinate for at least 15 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours to develop deeper flavors.
Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and gains a nice char.
Thread Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, packing them close but not too tight to allow for even cooking.
Grill Chicken: Place skewers on the grill and cook for about 5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Baste occasionally with leftover marinade for extra flavor and moisture.
Rest and Garnish: Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or green onions before serving.

Notes

Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from catching fire on the grill.
Marinating the chicken longer enhances the flavor but avoid exceeding 2 hours to prevent the texture from becoming mushy due to the acidic marinade components.
Use a food thermometer to ensure chicken is safely cooked to 165°F (74°C).
Adjust the amount of honey for sweeter or less sweet skewers based on your preference.
For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Dish, Grill
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American with Asian influence