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Juicy Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers (Grilled or Baked)

Close-up of several glistening, glazed chicken skewers coated in honey garlic sauce, resting on a white plate.

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Make these easy Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers for a quick weeknight dinner or your next summer BBQ. This recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken kabobs with a sweet and savory glaze, and you can choose to grill them or bake them in the oven.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 Tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp minced fresh garlic
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1/2 tsp sesame oil
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Instructions

  1. If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper to create the marinade.
  3. Place the cubed chicken into a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, reserving the other half for basting later. Toss to coat evenly. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
  4. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
  5. For Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Lightly oil the grates. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, brushing occasionally with the reserved marinade during the last few minutes of cooking. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
  6. For Oven Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Arrange the skewers on the rack. Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through and brushing with the reserved marinade during the last 5 minutes of cooking. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
  7. Remove the chicken skewers from the heat. Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, thread vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or pineapple chunks between the chicken pieces to make full chicken kabobs.
  • If you prefer a thicker glaze, simmer the reserved marinade in a small saucepan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until it reduces slightly. Do not use this reduced sauce for basting raw chicken; use it only as a finishing drizzle.
  • This recipe works well with chicken thigh skewers for extra moisture.

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