The honey garlic glaze on these chicken skewers is a dream come true. As the chicken cooks, the sugars from the honey caramelize just enough to create a gorgeous, sticky coating that clings to each tender piece. The garlic adds that perfect savory punch, balancing out the sweetness and creating layers of flavor that keep you coming back for more. It’s one of those dishes where the aroma alone will have your family or friends gathered around, eager for a taste. The best part? The glaze doubles as a dipping sauce, so you get a little extra sweetness and depth with every bite. Whether you’re grilling them for a casual weeknight dinner or serving them at a weekend barbecue, these skewers are bound to be the star of the show. It’s that perfect mix of simplicity and indulgence that makes you feel like a culinary pro without any stress.
Key Ingredients in Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors. From the sweetness of honey to the savory kick from garlic and soy sauce, these simple yet impactful components come together to make a dish that’s both easy and delicious. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
* Chicken breast – The lean, tender base of this dish, offering a mild flavor that soaks up the glaze beautifully, ensuring every bite is juicy and satisfying.
* Honey – The sweet star of the glaze, honey adds a luscious, sticky coating to the chicken and caramelizes beautifully when grilled, bringing that rich sweetness.
* Garlic – Minced for maximum flavor, garlic gives a punch of savory, aromatic depth to the glaze, balancing the sweetness of the honey and making the dish irresistibly fragrant.
* Soy sauce – The umami-rich component that adds a salty, savory edge to the glaze, enhancing the overall depth of flavor and making the chicken even more savory.
* Olive oil – Helps to keep the chicken moist and ensures the glaze adheres to each piece, adding a touch of richness to the overall flavor profile.
* Rice vinegar – A little acidity to brighten up the glaze and cut through the sweetness, rice vinegar brings a refreshing balance to the dish.
* Ground ginger – A warm, slightly spicy note that complements the savory ingredients and gives the glaze a subtle, aromatic kick.
* Black pepper – A simple yet essential spice that adds a hint of heat and sharpness to the glaze, balancing the rich sweetness.
* Red pepper flakes – For those who enjoy a bit of heat, red pepper flakes provide just enough spice to elevate the flavor without overpowering the dish.
* Green onions – Chopped and sprinkled over the skewers, green onions bring a fresh, crisp texture and a mild onion flavor that brightens up the dish.
* Sesame seeds (optional) – When used, these add a delightful crunch and a slightly nutty flavor, making the dish even more irresistible with a bit of texture.
Each of these ingredients comes together to create a dish that’s both savory and sweet, with a beautiful balance of flavors that will have you reaching for more!
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers
1. Cut the chicken breast into small, bite-sized cubes. Make sure the pieces are uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
2. Place the cubed chicken in a medium-sized bowl. This will be where you marinate the chicken, so choose a bowl large enough for tossing the chicken and sauce together.
3. In a separate small bowl, combine the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, rice vinegar, ground ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
4. Whisk the sauce ingredients together until well combined and smooth. You want the honey to dissolve into the other liquids, creating a thick yet pourable glaze.
5. Pour the sauce over the chicken cubes in the bowl. Make sure every piece gets coated with that luscious glaze.
6. Toss the chicken thoroughly in the sauce, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. You can use your hands or a spoon to mix it up, just make sure the chicken is fully submerged in the marinade.
7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This gives the flavors time to meld and makes the chicken extra flavorful.
8. While the chicken is marinating, prepare the skewers by soaking wooden skewers in water for about 15 minutes to prevent them from burning during cooking.
9. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot before adding the chicken so it can get that perfect char.
10. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the soaked skewers, ensuring they are evenly spaced. Don’t overcrowd the skewers, as you want the chicken to cook evenly on all sides.
11. Once the grill is hot, place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and has a nice char. The outside should be golden brown and crispy while the inside stays juicy.
12. During the last minute of grilling, brush any remaining marinade over the chicken to enhance the flavor and give the skewers that extra glossy, sticky finish.
13. Remove the skewers from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. The chicken should be sizzling hot and ready to be enjoyed.
14. Sprinkle the chopped green onions over the grilled chicken skewers. This adds a burst of freshness and color to the dish.
15. For an extra touch, sprinkle sesame seeds over the top of the skewers if desired. The sesame seeds give a delightful crunch and a slight nutty flavor that takes the dish up a notch.
16. Serve the honey garlic chicken skewers immediately while they are hot and enjoy! The best part is the combination of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors that everyone will love.
Serving Suggestions for Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers
– Serve with a side of jasmine rice – The fluffy, slightly fragrant rice complements the sticky glaze on the skewers beautifully. It’s the perfect vehicle to soak up any extra sauce, making every bite that much better. You can even sprinkle some chopped cilantro on top for a pop of freshness.
– Pair with a crisp salad – A simple, refreshing cucumber and avocado salad would be a great way to balance out the richness of the skewers. The cool crunch of the cucumber, paired with the creamy avocado, offers a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory chicken.
– Serve as an appetizer – If you’re hosting a gathering, these skewers make an excellent appetizer. Serve them with a small bowl of the leftover honey garlic glaze for dipping. It’s always fun to let your guests enjoy their own little skewers with extra sauce on the side for an interactive, flavor-packed experience!
How to Store Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers
If you have any leftover honey garlic chicken skewers (lucky you!), there are a few easy ways to store them while keeping them fresh and flavorful for later.
– In the refrigerator: Allow the skewers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The glaze will stay sticky, and the chicken will remain juicy. To reheat, you can either warm them in the microwave or give them a quick sizzle on a grill pan for that perfect crispy edge.
– In the freezer: For longer storage, these skewers freeze wonderfully! Place the cooled skewers on a baking sheet in a single layer, and freeze them for about 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the skewers to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge and then warm them up on the grill or in the oven.
– With extra glaze: If you’ve got some leftover glaze, store it in a small container in the fridge. It’ll keep for about a week and can be used to drizzle over the skewers when reheating or even for dipping. It’s a great way to add that freshly made flavor back into the dish!
These simple storage tips help you enjoy these tasty skewers even when you’re not grilling them fresh.
Conclusion
And there you have it! These honey garlic chicken skewers are the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and smoky, making them a crowd-pleasing dish that’s as easy as it is delicious. Whether you’re grilling them up for a weeknight meal or serving them at a weekend barbecue, you’ll find that this recipe brings out the best in every bite. From the sticky, caramelized glaze to the tender, juicy chicken, it’s one of those dishes that feels special without requiring hours of prep.
Now, I’d love to hear from you! If you try out this recipe, let me know how it turns out. Was it a hit with your family? Any tweaks you made to personalize it? Feel free to drop a comment or ask me any questions if you need help along the way. Happy cooking, and enjoy those delicious skewers!
Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers
Description
Juicy, tender chicken skewers glazed with a sticky-sweet honey garlic sauce that caramelizes to perfection. Each bite is a savory-sweet explosion of flavor with a hint of garlic and a slight tang, making it an irresistible crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Start by cutting the chicken breast into small, bite-sized cubes.
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Place the cubed chicken in a medium-sized bowl.
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In a separate small bowl, combine the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, rice vinegar, ground ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
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Whisk the sauce ingredients together until well combined and smooth.
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Pour the sauce over the chicken cubes in the bowl.
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Toss the chicken thoroughly in the sauce, ensuring all pieces are well-coated.
-
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld.
-
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the skewers by soaking wooden skewers in water for about 15 minutes to prevent them from burning during cooking.
-
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
-
Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the soaked skewers, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
-
Once the grill is hot, place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and has a nice char.
-
During the last minute of grilling, brush any remaining marinade over the chicken to enhance the flavor.
-
Remove the skewers from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter.
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Sprinkle the chopped green onions over the grilled chicken skewers.
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For an extra touch, sprinkle sesame seeds over the top of the skewers if desired.
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Serve the honey garlic chicken skewers immediately while they are hot and enjoy!
Note
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but longer for more flavor.
- For a sweeter taste, increase the honey by a tablespoon.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels.
- If using bamboo skewers, ensure they are soaked for 15 minutes to prevent burning.
- For a smokier flavor, cook the skewers on a charcoal grill instead of a grill pan.
