Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers are a simple and delicious way to enjoy tender, juicy chicken bites coated in a sweet and garlicky glaze. The chicken pieces get a lovely caramelized finish from the honey, while the garlic adds just the right amount of punch. These skewers are perfect whether you’re grilling outside or cooking indoors on a pan.
I love making these skewers for a quick weeknight dinner or when friends come over because they always get gobbled up fast. One of my favorite things is how easy they are to customize—sometimes I add a little chili for some heat or sprinkle fresh herbs on top for an extra flavor boost. It’s a crowd-pleaser with minimal effort, which is a total win in my book.
Serve these skewers alongside a simple salad or some rice, and you have a meal that feels special but doesn’t take all day to make. I also like to prepare the marinade ahead of time so all I need to do is thread the chicken and cook when I’m ready. It’s an easy, tasty dish that brings a bit of sunshine to any day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using boneless, skinless chicken thighs because they stay juicy and tender when grilled. If you prefer leaner meat, chicken breasts work fine but can dry out faster, so watch the cooking time closely.
Honey: This adds sweetness and helps get that beautiful caramelized glaze. You can substitute maple syrup or agave if you want a different sweet note or a vegan-friendly option.
Soy Sauce: It provides saltiness and depth. For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos. Low-sodium soy sauce is a great swap if you’re watching salt intake.
Garlic & Ginger: Fresh garlic is essential for that bold, punchy flavor. Ginger is optional but adds a nice zing I love. Fresh is best here, but ground ginger can work in a pinch.
Red Bell Pepper: It adds a pop of color and a bit of sweetness. Feel free to swap with green, yellow, or orange peppers, or even chunks of pineapple for a tropical twist.
How Do I Get the Chicken Juicy and Avoid Burning the Skewers?
Grilling chicken on skewers can be tricky—too hot and it burns, too cool and it dries out. Here’s what helps me:
- Cut chicken into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
- Marinate at least 30 minutes—this keeps chicken moist and flavors seep through.
- Preheat grill or pan to medium-high, then brush with oil to prevent sticking.
- Turn skewers every few minutes to get an even char without burning.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water 30 minutes beforehand to stop them from catching fire.
- Watch the glaze carefully—honey burns easily. Baste towards the end of cooking or off direct heat.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Grill or grill pan – I recommend using this for that nice smoky flavor and even cooking. If you’re indoors, a grill pan on the stovetop works great.
- Mixing bowl – to whisk together the marinade ingredients. A medium-sized bowl makes mixing and tossing the chicken easy.
- Brush or silicone basting brush – for brushing on marinade or extra honey during grilling, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.
- Skewers – metal or soaked wooden skewers; metal ones are reusable and easier to handle, soaked wood skewers prevent burning.
- Meat thermometer (optional) – helps ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe temperature without overcooking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein, and they cook just as quickly on skewers.
- Add a splash of sriracha or chili flakes to the marinade for some heat, perfect if you like a little spice.
- Mix in pineapple chunks or try different vegetables like zucchini or onions for more variety and color.
- Use different herbs like cilantro or basil after cooking, or sprinkle with chopped green onions for extra freshness.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken and Marinade:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Cooking and Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water 30 minutes before use)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and marinate (at least 30 minutes recommended, up to 1-2 hours for best flavor). Cooking on the grill or grill pan takes 10-12 minutes. Overall, you’ll spend around 1 hour including marinating and cooking, and less if you marinate ahead of time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger (if you like), salt, and pepper. Whisk everything well until combined.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces into the marinade and stir gently to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours to let the flavors soak in.
3. Prepare for Grilling:
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush it lightly with olive oil to stop the chicken from sticking.
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Thread the chicken and bell pepper pieces alternately onto your skewers, making sure to leave a little space between pieces for even cooking.
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Turn them every few minutes and brush with leftover marinade to keep them juicy. Cook until chicken is done and edges are slightly charred.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Take the skewers off the heat. Sprinkle chopped cilantro or parsley and sesame seeds on top. For extra sweetness, drizzle a little warmed marinade or honey before serving.
7. Enjoy Your Meal!
Serve these tasty skewers hot with steamed rice, a fresh salad, or your favorite grilled vegetables. They’re perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or easy entertaining!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for These Skewers?
Yes, you can, but make sure to fully thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before marinating. This helps ensure even cooking and better absorption of the marinade flavors.
How Long Should I Marinate the Chicken?
At least 30 minutes is enough to get good flavor, but marinating for 1 to 2 hours is ideal for juicier, more flavorful chicken. Avoid marinating longer than 6 hours to prevent the acid in the vinegar from making the chicken mushy.
Can I Make These Skewers Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can marinate and assemble the skewers a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated. Just grill them fresh when ready to serve for best texture and taste.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have a Grill?
Use a grill pan or a broiler in your oven! Cook the skewers on medium-high heat, turning often to get a nice char without burning, and baste with marinade to keep them moist.
