Name: Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
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) 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

Nothing beats the sweet, smoky goodness of grilled chicken, especially when it’s kissed with honey and garlic. This Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe is truly one of my go-to BBQ dishes because it strikes that perfect balance of easy prep and incredible flavor — I can almost guarantee it’ll be a crowd-pleaser at your next dinner or casual get-together.

There are five wooden skewers laid diagonally on a white oval plate, each skewer filled with grilled pieces of golden brown chicken with dark grill marks, red bell pepper chunks, and light yellow onion slices, all sprinkled with small white sesame seeds and green chopped cilantro leaves. There are small pools of sauce and some cilantro leaves scattered on the plate. In the top right corner, a round white plate holds a fresh salad made of sliced green cucumbers, thin red onion strips, radish slices, chopped green beans, and red chili rings. The background shows a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t get enough of how the marinade soaks right into the chicken, making each bite juicy with that irresistible honey garlic glaze. Plus, it’s super adaptable – perfect for any occasion!

Quick and Easy: A simple marinade and quick grilling means dinner’s on the table in less than 2 hours, including marinating time.
Bold Flavor Balance: Sweet honey blends beautifully with savory soy sauce and fragrant garlic for a crowd-pleasing taste.
Fresh & Colorful: Chunks of red bell pepper and onion add crunch and vibrant color to your skewers.
Perfect for Any Gathering: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a backyard BBQ, these skewers always impress.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When picking ingredients, aim for fresh, quality produce and chicken for the best results. The marinade is straightforward but packs a punch thanks to simple pantry staples, and I love how the sesame oil and seeds add a subtle nutty note that just lifts the whole dish.

Flat lay of two raw chicken breasts chopped into bite-sized pieces, a whole fresh red bell pepper cut into large chunks, a peeled onion sliced into squares, two peeled garlic cloves, a small piece of fresh ginger root sliced, a small bunch of bright green coriander leaves roughly torn, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden honey, a small white ceramic bowl with dark soy sauce, a small white ceramic bowl holding amber vegetable oil, a small white ceramic bowl containing sesame oil, and a small white ceramic bowl with white sesame seeds, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Vegetable oil: Helps balance the richer sesame oil and keeps the marinade smooth and easy to coat the chicken.
Sesame oil: Adds a delicious, toasted flavor that pairs perfectly with garlic and soy sauce.
Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic injects a punch of aromatic flavor — the star of the marinade.
Ginger: Just a hint of minced ginger brightens the marinade with a little zing and warmth.
Dark soy sauce: Brings depth and umami to the marinade, helping balance the sweetness of honey.
Honey: The key to that glossy, sticky, sweet coating that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
Chicken breasts: Tender and lean, perfect for quick grilling and soaking up the marinade.
Red bell pepper: Adds juicy sweetness and vibrant color to each skewer.
Onion: Sliced into squares, it softens on the grill and lends a mild savory flavor.
Sesame seeds: Sprinkled on top, they give a lovely crunch and nutty finish.
Coriander/cilantro: Fresh, bright, and herbaceous – the perfect garnish to balance those rich flavors.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts about this Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you like it spicy, extra veggie-packed, or with a tropical twist, there’s plenty of room for creativity to suit your taste buds!

Spicy Kick: I love adding a spoonful of sriracha or a sprinkle of chili flakes to the marinade. It elevates the sweet and savory flavors, giving the skewers a lively punch that’s perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
Veggie Variations: Sometimes I swap out the red bell pepper and onion for mushrooms, red onion slices, courgette chunks, or even juicy pineapple pieces. This adds an exciting texture and flavor contrast on the grill.
Make Ahead Marinate: Marinating the chicken up to a day in advance really deepens the flavor. Just be sure to cook the skewers fresh to keep them wonderfully juicy and tender.
Serving Ideas: Besides the classic serve with rice or potatoes, I like to chill the cooked skewers and toss them in a salad or wrap for a fresh, flavorful lunch option.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe

The image shows several grilled skewers on a white plate, each skewer with three main layers repeated: large chunks of dark brown grilled chicken with char marks and a shiny glaze, bright red bell pepper pieces with a smooth texture, and translucent white onion layers with light browning. Each skewer is sprinkled with white sesame seeds and small green cilantro leaves. The background is a white marbled surface, and light sauce drips are visible on the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Whisk together the marinade

Start by combining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon minced ginger, 3 tablespoons dark soy sauce, and 3 tablespoons honey in a small bowl. Stir until everything is well blended and aromatic. This magical mix is the heart of your chicken’s flavor, so give it a good whisk to get all those sweet, salty, and garlicky notes perfect.

Step 2: Marinate your chicken

Place 2 chicken breasts, chopped into bite-sized pieces, into a bowl. Pour in three-quarters of your marinade, reserving the rest for later. Cover the bowl and pop it into the fridge for 1 hour. This step lets all those flavors sink deep into the chicken, making every bite bursting with taste. If you’re tight on time, an hour works great, but leaving it overnight is a bonus if you have it!

Step 3: Prepare your skewers and veggies

If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning over the grill. Meanwhile, chop your veggies: 1 red bell pepper into large chunks and 1 onion peeled and sliced into squares. These add both color and a lovely charred sweetness that pairs beautifully with the chicken.

Step 4: Thread the skewers

Alternate pieces of marinated chicken with chunks of red bell pepper and slices of onion onto each skewer. This makes every bite a delicious combo of tender meat and fresh vegetables. Once all skewers are ready, discard any leftover marinade in the bowl to avoid contamination.

Step 5: Fire up the grill

Preheat your BBQ or griddle to a high temperature. You want it hot enough to sear the chicken nicely, locking in all those juices and creating a slight char for extra flavor. A hot grill is key to getting that perfect caramelized edge on the honey garlic marinade.

Step 6: Grill the skewers to perfection

Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes. Turn them 3-4 times during cooking to ensure even grilling on all sides. Halfway through, brush the skewers with the reserved marinade to boost flavor and keep the meat moist. You’ll notice a beautiful glossy shine and enticing aroma developing as the honey caramelizes.

Step 7: Check for doneness and serve

Slice open the largest chicken piece to make sure it’s cooked through — no pink inside means you’re good to go! Scatter 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds and a handful of roughly torn coriander/cilantro on top for that final fresh and nutty hit. Serve your skewers hot alongside a crisp salad and some fluffy rice or potatoes for a truly satisfying meal.

Top Tip

These tips will help you get the best out of your Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe, ensuring juicy, flavorful results every time with minimal fuss.

Marinate patiently: I always make sure to marinate the chicken for at least an hour. This not only infuses those rich honey and garlic flavors but also keeps the chicken tender and juicy on the grill.
Don’t skip soaking wooden skewers: Early on, I forgot to soak wooden skewers and ended up with charred sticks. Soaking them for at least 30 minutes stops that and makes turning easier.
Brush with reserved marinade: Brushing the skewers with the leftover marinade halfway through grilling locks in moisture and enhances that delicious glaze, giving you a perfect sweet and smoky finish.
Check chicken doneness carefully: Instead of guessing cooking times, I slice open the biggest piece to ensure no pink remains – a foolproof way to avoid undercooked chicken while keeping it moist.

How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe

The image shows several wooden skewers placed closely side by side in a white dish with dark brown sauce. Each skewer is loaded with layers of marinated raw meat that appear shiny and moist, with colors ranging from light pink to dark brown due to the marinade. The meat pieces are folded and stacked unevenly on the sticks, showing some texture and slight translucence. The dark brown sauce pools around the base of the skewers, creating a rich backdrop that enhances the glistening look of the marinated meat. The whole setup rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Finish off the skewers with a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and freshly torn coriander (cilantro) leaves. For a burst of freshness, squeeze a little lime juice over the top just before serving—it brightens the sweet and savory flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

These skewers pair wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp garden salad or steamed jasmine rice. To keep things comforting and hearty, serve alongside roasted or Greek-style potatoes. You can also add a chilled cucumber salad or a tangy coleslaw to balance the rich marinade flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any cooked skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They keep well and make for a yummy cold snack or addition to wraps and salads.

Freezing

You can freeze uncooked marinated chicken skewers by threading them and wrapping tightly in cling film or placing in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling.

Reheating

Reheat cooked skewers gently in the oven at 180°F (82°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the chicken and soften vegetables too much.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of meat for this Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe?

Absolutely! While chicken breasts are recommended for their tenderness and quick cooking time, you can substitute with chicken thighs for more juiciness, or even small pork or beef cubes. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Can I prepare the skewers completely ahead of time?

You can marinate the chicken and thread the skewers up to a day in advance, storing them covered in the fridge. However, it’s best to grill the skewers fresh when ready to serve for the best texture and flavor.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The safest way is to cut open the thickest piece of chicken and ensure there is no pink inside. The juices should run clear. Cooking the skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning regularly, usually achieves this perfectly.

Can I make these skewers spicy?

Definitely! Add sriracha, chili powder, or chili flakes to the marinade to give your skewers a spicy kick. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference.

Final Thoughts

I love how this Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe brings together sweet, savory, and smoky flavors so effortlessly. Whether you're cooking for a casual family dinner or entertaining friends at a backyard BBQ, these skewers are sure to impress. Enjoy the process, soak up the delicious aroma, and most importantly—savor every juicy, flavorful bite!