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 dish that’s bursting with sweet and savory flavors, then this Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender chicken pieces glazed in a sticky honey garlic sauce, grilled until they’re smoky and irresistible—perfect for any casual dinner or BBQ night with friends.

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’ve made these skewers countless times, and I still get excited every time I brush on that honey garlic marinade and see the grill marks form. They’re super satisfying to eat, and so easy to customize depending on what veggies you have on hand.

Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes prep and 10 minutes cooking, you’ll have skewers ready in no time.
Flavor-Packed: The marinade blends sweet honey and savory garlic with a touch of ginger and soy sauce — a total flavor jackpot.
Fresh and Versatile: Toss in your favorite veggies like bell peppers and onions, or swap them for mushrooms or pineapple for a twist.
Perfect for Entertaining: These skewers are a crowd-pleaser, great for BBQs or an easy weeknight dinner served alongside rice or salad.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you dive into cooking, let’s talk about the ingredients that make this honey garlic chicken so delicious. You’ll want to choose fresh chicken breasts, ripe bell peppers, and a good quality dark soy sauce to really get that depth of flavor.

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 the marinade coat the chicken evenly and prevents sticking on the grill.
Sesame oil: Adds a subtle nutty aroma that pairs perfectly with the garlic and honey.
Garlic: Freshly minced for that punch of savory goodness in every bite.
Ginger: A little zing that brightens the marinade and complements the soy sauce.
Dark soy sauce: Brings richness and that salty depth to balance the sweetness of the honey.
Honey: The star sweetener that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
Chicken breasts: Boneless and cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking.
Red bell pepper: Adds a pop of color and fresh sweetness.
Onion: Provides a mild sharpness and soaks up the marinade flavors wonderfully.
Sesame seeds: Toasted on top for that extra crunch and nutty flavor.
Coriander/cilantro: Fresh leaves torn over the skewers add a refreshing herbal note.

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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 tweak it to match your flavor preferences or what’s in season. Feel free to get creative and make it truly your own!

Variation: I love swapping out the onion and red bell pepper for juicy pineapple chunks and slices of courgette when summer rolls around. The pineapple adds a lovely burst of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the honey garlic glaze.
Spicy twist: To turn up the heat, I sometimes mix a teaspoon of sriracha or chili flakes into the marinade. It adds just the right amount of kick without overpowering the honey’s sweetness.
Vegetarian option: Try replacing chicken with firm tofu or halloumi cubes—just be sure to marinate them well so they soak up all those delicious flavors.
Make it ahead: For a busy weeknight, prep the skewers a day in advance by marinating the chicken overnight. Just remember to cook them fresh for the best juicy results.

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 Perfect Marinade

Start by combining 1 tablespoon each of vegetable oil and sesame oil with 2 cloves of peeled, minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of minced ginger in a small bowl. Add 3 tablespoons of dark soy sauce and 3 tablespoons of honey for that sweet-savory punch. Mix thoroughly until the honey is well incorporated and you have a smooth, fragrant marinade ready to go. The aromas of garlic and ginger here really set the stage for the entire dish.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken Pieces

Chop 2 chicken breasts (about 350g or 12.5 oz) into bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl. Pour over three-quarters of your marinade, reserving the rest for basting later. Cover the bowl tightly and pop it in the fridge to marinate for 1 hour. This resting time lets the chicken soak up all those beautiful flavors, making each bite tender and tasty.

Step 3: Prep Your Skewers and Grill

If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes beforehand to keep them from burning on the grill. Metal skewers don’t need soaking. When ready to cook, heat your BBQ or griddle until it’s very hot—this will give your chicken that perfect sear and those gorgeous grill marks.

Step 4: Assemble Your Colorful Skewers

Thread your skewers by alternating a piece of marinated chicken, a large red bell pepper chunk, another chicken piece, and a square slice of onion. Keep going until all your ingredients are used up. Make sure to discard any leftover marinade to avoid contamination but keep the reserved marinade close—you’ll use it soon!

Step 5: Grill to Juicy Perfection

Place your skewers on the hot grill or griddle and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning them 3 to 4 times for even cooking. Halfway through, brush the skewers with the reserved marinade to enhance that honey garlic flavor and keep the chicken moist. Check the largest piece of chicken by slicing into it—you’re looking for no pink in the center to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve with Love

Once off the grill, sprinkle the skewers with 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds and a small bunch of roughly torn coriander (cilantro). Serve them piping hot alongside a fresh salad and your favorite rice or potatoes for a complete meal. Every bite bursts with sweet, savory, and smoky goodness!

Top Tip

These tips will help you get the most delicious results from your Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe and make the cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Marinate for Maximum Flavor: I always let the chicken sit in the marinade for the full 1 hour to really let those sweet and savory notes soak in. It makes a huge difference in taste and tenderness.
Use High Heat for a Perfect Sear: Whether you're grilling or using a griddle, heating it until very hot ensures you get that beautiful smoky flavor and lovely caramelization on the honey garlic glaze.
Alternate Ingredients on Skewers: Threading chicken pieces alternately with bell peppers and onion keeps every bite juicy and packed with a burst of flavor and texture contrast.
Brush with Reserved Marinade: Don’t forget to baste the skewers halfway through cooking with the leftover marinade to keep them moist and flavorful – but discard any unused marinade afterward to avoid contamination.

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

Sprinkle your cooked skewers generously with toasted sesame seeds and torn fresh cilantro (coriander) for that extra burst of color and fresh herbal aroma. A squeeze of lime juice over the top right before serving can also brighten all the flavors wonderfully.

Side Dishes

These skewers pair beautifully with simple yet satisfying sides like jasmine rice, fluffy couscous, or creamy mashed potatoes. For something lighter, go with a crisp green salad, cucumber salad with a rice vinegar dressing, or grilled vegetables. Greek potatoes are also a fantastic hearty accompaniment if you want something comforting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooked, allow the skewers to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. Keep them refrigerated and enjoy within 2-3 days for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked honey garlic chicken skewers by wrapping them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat the skewers on a medium grill or in a hot oven preheated to 180°C (350°F) for 8-10 minutes. You can also warm them up in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until heated through. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the smoky grilled flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are great for Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers as they stay juicy and tender. Just cut them into similar bite-sized pieces and marinate as directed.

Do I have to use wooden skewers?

No, you can also use metal skewers which don’t require soaking. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.

Can I make the marinade spicier?

Yes! Feel free to add sriracha, chili powder, or chili flakes into the marinade to give your skewers a spicy kick that suits your preference.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The best way is to slice open the largest piece of chicken from a skewer. It should have no pink in the middle and the juices should run clear. Cooking time is usually 8-10 minutes on a hot grill with regular turning.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making and sharing this Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe as much as I do. It’s a wonderful blend of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors that works perfectly for a quick BBQ dinner or a casual weekend feast. With fresh ingredients, simple steps, and a little love, these skewers can become a family favorite you come back to again and again. Happy grilling!