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/12.5 oz) 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

If you’re craving a perfect balance of sweet and savory, you’re going to love this Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe. Tender chicken pieces soaked in honey garlic goodness, grilled alongside fresh veggies—it's a surefire winner for BBQs or cozy weeknight dinners.

The image shows four skewers arranged on a white plate, each skewer has alternating pieces of grilled chicken with a charred, golden-brown texture, red bell pepper slices, and light yellow onion chunks. The skewers are sprinkled with white sesame seeds and fresh green cilantro leaves, and a brown sauce is lightly drizzled on the plate beneath them. In the top right corner, there is another white plate filled with a fresh salad made of sliced green cucumbers, red radish rounds, thin purple onion strips, and green chili pieces. The surface underneath both plates is a white marbled texture with scattered cilantro leaves for decoration. 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 honestly can’t get enough of how the honey and garlic marry so beautifully here, giving the chicken a caramelized, flavorful crust every time. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up, even on busy days.

Sweet & Savory Magic: The honey garlic marinade creates a mouthwatering glaze that’s both sticky and flavorful.
Quick & Easy: With just 20 minutes prep and 10 minutes cooking, it’s perfect for a fast yet impressive meal.
Versatile Skewers: Swap veggies or add spices to suit your mood — the recipe is super flexible.
Great for Gatherings: These skewers are a crowd-pleaser, ideal for BBQs or family dinners.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When you’re gathering ingredients for these honey garlic chicken skewers, fresh, quality components really make a difference. Look for firm chicken breasts and vibrant veggies to get that perfect juicy bite and colorful presentation.

Flat lay of two whole uncut chicken breasts, a whole red bell pepper cut in large chunks, a whole peeled onion sliced into squares, two uncracked brown garlic cloves, a small pile of freshly grated ginger root, a small white ceramic bowl filled with dark soy sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of golden honey, a small white ceramic bowl with light amber sesame oil, a small white ceramic bowl with clear vegetable oil, a small white ceramic bowl holding white sesame seeds, and a small bunch of fresh green coriander leaves roughly torn, all arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed 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: A neutral base oil that helps blend the marinade and prevents sticking during cooking.
Sesame Oil: Adds a subtle nutty aroma, elevating the Asian-inspired flavor profile.
Garlic: Freshly minced to infuse the marinade with pungent, aromatic depth.
Ginger: Brightens the marinade with a gentle warmth and zing.
Dark Soy Sauce: Brings umami richness and a beautiful dark color to the chicken.
Honey: The star sweetener that balances savory and helps caramelize the chicken.
Chicken Breasts: Tender, lean protein that soaks up the marinade perfectly.
Red Bell Pepper: Offers sweetness and vibrant color, plus a pleasant crunch.
Onion: Adds mild sharpness and moisture, complementing the chicken and pepper.
Sesame Seeds: A final sprinkle giving texture and a toasty finish.
Coriander (Cilantro): Fresh herbal notes that brighten and balance the richness.

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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 things about this Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you're craving bold heat, fresh veggies, or a different twist, these skewers are a perfect canvas for your culinary creativity.

Spicy Kick: I love adding a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade when I want a little heat—it adds a lovely contrast to the sweet honey without overpowering the flavors.
Veggie Swaps: Sometimes I swap out the onion and bell pepper for mushrooms and courgette chunks to change up the texture; the mushrooms soak up the marinade beautifully for an earthy tone.
Fruity Flair: For a tropical vibe, adding pineapple pieces on the skewers is a game changer—its juiciness pairs amazingly with the savory honey garlic sauce.
Make it Ahead: Marinating your chicken up to a day ahead goes a long way in deepening flavor, perfect for prepping ahead for a BBQ or a busy weeknight dinner.

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

The image shows several grilled skewers on a white rectangular plate, each skewer layered with three main components alternating in sequence: golden-brown grilled chicken pieces with charred grill marks, shiny red bell pepper chunks, and translucent cooked onion slices. The chicken pieces look juicy and caramelized with a glossy sauce coating. The red peppers add bright color and a slightly softened texture, while the onions appear soft and slightly browned. The skewers are garnished with scattered white sesame seeds and fresh, small green coriander leaves on top, adding texture and color contrast. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with some sauce droplets around it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Whisk Together Your Marinade

Start by combining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of minced ginger, 3 tablespoons of dark soy sauce, and 3 tablespoons of honey in a small bowl. Stir everything until it's well blended. This sauce is your flavor powerhouse—sweet, savory, and bursting with umami.

Step 2: Marinate That Chicken

Place your bite-sized chicken pieces (about 2 chicken breasts, roughly 350g) in a bowl. Pour over three-quarters of the marinade, reserving the rest for basting later. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 1 hour to let those lovely flavors soak in. If you have time, marinating up to a day ahead really amps up the taste.

Step 3: Prepare Your Skewers and Heat the Grill

If you're using wooden skewers, soak them in water to prevent burning. Meanwhile, get your BBQ or griddle piping hot—that high heat is key to sealing in juices and getting that perfect char on the chicken.

Step 4: Assemble the Skewers with Colorful Goodness

Thread a piece of marinated chicken onto each skewer, then follow it with a large chunk of red bell pepper, then a square slice of onion. Keep alternating chicken and vegetables until you've used everything. Any leftover marinade in the bowl should be discarded for food safety.

Step 5: Grill and Glaze to Perfection

Place your skewers on the hot BBQ or griddle and cook for about 10 minutes, turning them 3 to 4 times so they cook evenly. Halfway through cooking, brush the skewers generously with the reserved marinade to keep them juicy and flavorful. To check for doneness, slice through the largest chicken piece—it should be white with no pink center.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve Up a Feast

Once cooked, sprinkle the skewers with 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds and roughly torn fresh coriander leaves for a fresh, nutty finish. Serve them hot alongside a crisp salad and your favorite rice or potatoes for a full meal—and don’t forget to soak in all those delicious aromas!

Top Tip

These handy tips will help you get the best results with your Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe, ensuring juicy, flavorful bites every time.

Marinate Thoroughly: Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, or even up to a day in advance, to let the sweet and savory flavors really soak in without over-marinating.
Soak Wooden Skewers: If you're using wooden skewers, soaking them beforehand prevents burning and keeps those beautiful grill marks intact.
Even Cooking: Turn your skewers 3-4 times during cooking and brush with the reserved marinade halfway through for that extra humid, sticky glaze.
Check Doneness: Always slice into the largest piece of chicken to ensure there’s no pink inside before serving, so your meal is safe and perfectly cooked.

How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe

The image shows several wooden skewers holding dark brown marinated pieces of raw meat, likely chicken, arranged close together in a white tray. The meat looks thick and coated in a shiny, thick sauce that pools around the bottom of the tray. Each skewer contains multiple large chunks of the marinated meat with visible folds and texture. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle your freshly grilled skewers generously with toasted sesame seeds and roughly torn fresh coriander (cilantro) leaves. For an additional pop of color and texture, you could also try thinly sliced spring onions or a light drizzle of extra honey garlic marinade served on the side.

Side Dishes

Serve the skewers alongside fluffy steamed rice or some crispy roasted potatoes for a comforting, hearty meal. A fresh green salad or grilled vegetables also pair beautifully to keep the meal light and balanced. For a Mediterranean twist, Greek potatoes tossed in herbs complement the honey garlic flavors wonderfully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow any leftover chicken skewers to cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, making them perfect for easy meals later in the week.

Freezing

You can freeze uncooked marinated chicken pieces threaded on skewers separated by parchment paper or plastic wrap. Freeze in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before grilling.

Reheating

Reheat cooked skewers gently in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 8-10 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the chicken. You can also enjoy the skewers cold, tossed into a salad or wrapped in a flatbread for a tasty, refreshing lunch.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I prepare the skewers ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to a day ahead and even thread the skewers in advance, covering and refrigerating until you're ready to cook.

What if I don’t have a grill or BBQ?

No worries! You can cook these skewers on a hot griddle pan, cast-iron skillet, or under the oven broiler to get delicious caramelization similar to grilling.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Absolutely! Just add a dash of sriracha, chili powder, or chili flakes to the marinade to give your skewers a nice spicy kick.

How do I know when the chicken is properly cooked?

Check the largest piece by slicing it open—the meat should be white with no pink remaining inside. Cooking time is typically 10 minutes over high heat, turning frequently.

Final Thoughts

Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers are such a joy to make and share — bursting with flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for those warm evenings with friends and family. Whether you’re grilling outside or cooking inside on the griddle, this recipe delivers a tender, juicy meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. So grab your skewers, fire up the grill, and enjoy the simple pleasure of good food made with love!