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 love that irresistible mix of sweet and savory with a hint of smoky char, you’re going to adore this Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe. It’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for any BBQ or weeknight dinner when you want something quick yet impressive.

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

Every time I make these skewers, they’re the star of the table—and I’m sure you’ll feel the same. The balance of honey sweetness with garlic’s punch, plus the vibrant veggies, hits all the right notes.

Quick to prep: Only 20 minutes of hands-on time before it marinates beautifully.
Perfectly balanced flavors: Sweet honey and savory garlic with a touch of smokiness from the grill.
Customizable: Swap in your favorite veggies or add heat for a spicy twist.
Great for gatherings: Makes about 6 skewers that everyone will reach for.

Ingredients & Why They Work

As with any great dish, the secret starts with your ingredients. Fresh garlic and ginger create that wonderful aromatic base, while dark soy sauce adds depth and umami. Remember to pick the freshest chicken breasts for the best texture and juiciness, and don’t shy away from colorful veggies—they brighten the dish and add crunch.

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 that helps carry the other flavors and prevents sticking.
Sesame oil: Brings a subtle nutty aroma that complements the Asian-inspired marinade beautifully.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives that punchy, savory note essential to this recipe.
Ginger: Adds warmth and a little zest, balancing the honey’s sweetness.
Dark soy sauce: This deep, rich soy sauce provides bold umami nuances, enhancing the overall flavor.
Honey: The star sweetener that glazes the chicken while caramelizing slightly on the heat.
Chicken breasts: Tender and lean; chopping into bite-sized pieces ensures even cooking on the skewers.
Red bell pepper: Sweet and crunchy, adding color and freshness.
Onion: Its natural sweetness when grilled pairs perfectly with the honey garlic marinade.
Sesame seeds: A final sprinkle for texture and toasty flavor bursts.
Coriander/cilantro: Torn fresh over the cooked skewers to add bright, herbaceous notes.

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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 like it spicy, sweet, or packed with veggies, there’s always a way to make it your own.

Vegetable swaps: I love swapping out the red bell pepper and onion for mushrooms or chunks of pineapple for a juicy, tropical twist. It adds a lovely contrast to the sweet and smoky chicken.
Spicy kick: When I’m craving some heat, I toss in a teaspoon of sriracha or a dash of chili flakes into the marinade. It really wakes up the flavors without overpowering the sweetness of the honey.
Make it ahead: I often marinate the chicken the night before a BBQ. It ensures the flavors really soak in, and you’re ready to grill as soon as guests arrive.
Serving ideas: Sometimes I serve the cooked skewers cold in a wrap with crunchy lettuce and a drizzle of yogurt sauce. It makes for a super satisfying lunch or picnic treat.

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 flavorful marinade

Start by combining 1 tablespoon each of vegetable oil and sesame oil with 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of freshly minced ginger. Add in 3 tablespoons of dark soy sauce and 3 tablespoons of honey, then give everything a good stir until the marinade is perfectly blended. Smelling those garlic and honey notes coming together is always a little moment of joy!

Step 2: Marinate your chicken for tender, flavorful bites

Chop 2 chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, then place them in a bowl. Pour in three-quarters of your marinade mixture, reserving the rest for basting later. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1 hour to let the chicken soak up all those beautiful flavors. If you’re prepping ahead, you can marinate it up to a day in advance—just don’t cook it too early to keep the chicken juicy.

Step 3: Prepare your skewers and veggies

If you're using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to avoid burning on the grill. Next, preheat your BBQ or griddle until it’s piping hot — this heat seals in juices and marks that gorgeous grill char on the chicken.

Thread the chicken pieces on the skewers, alternating with large chunks of red bell pepper and squares of onion. This mix cooks evenly and adds vibrant color and texture to your skewers. Any leftover marinade in the bowl should be discarded for safety.

Step 4: Grill and baste for that perfect glaze

Place the skewers on your hot grill or griddle. Cook them for 8 to 10 minutes total, turning them 3 to 4 times to ensure even cooking and those tempting grill marks. Halfway through, generously brush the skewers with the reserved marinade — this step adds an irresistible sticky glaze and enhances the flavor.

To check if they’re done, slice the largest chicken piece. The meat should be white all the way through with no pink remaining.

Step 5: Garnish and serve your delicious skewers

Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds and a handful of roughly torn fresh coriander (cilantro) leaves over your cooked skewers. The pop of sesame adds a lovely crunch, while the herbs bring freshness to every bite. Serve your skewers hot alongside a crisp salad, fluffy rice, or even your favorite potato side for a full, satisfying meal.

Top Tip

These tips will help you get the most out of your Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe, ensuring juicy, flavorful chicken every time and a stress-free cooking experience.

Marinate Thoroughly: I’ve found that letting the chicken sit in the marinade for the full hour makes a huge difference—every bite is infused with that sweet garlic goodness.
Turn Often: Turning the skewers 3 to 4 times during cooking keeps the chicken evenly cooked and beautifully caramelized without burning.
Brush with Reserved Marinade: Brushing the skewers halfway through cooking locks in extra moisture and boosts that glossy, sticky glaze we all love.
Don’t Skip Soaking Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, soaking them in water ahead helps prevent them from catching fire on the grill—trust me, it’s worth the extra step!

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 finished skewers with toasted sesame seeds and fresh torn coriander (cilantro) leaves for a beautiful presentation and an herby, nutty punch that complements the marinade perfectly.

Side Dishes

Serve these skewers alongside a fresh green salad, fluffy steamed rice, or crispy roasted potatoes to create a balanced and satisfying meal. For something extra special, try pairing with Greek-style potatoes or a tangy cucumber-yogurt salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover cooked skewers in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They taste great cold or can easily be reheated.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze uncooked marinated chicken skewers by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before grilling.

Reheating

Reheat cooked skewers gently in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid high heat to keep the chicken tender and juicy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I prepare the marinade and chicken in advance?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to a day ahead, which actually enhances the flavor. Just be sure to cook it fresh rather than cooking ahead and reheating, to keep the chicken juicy.

What should I do if I don’t have a BBQ?

No worries! A griddle pan or a hot oven grill works just as well. Just be sure it’s very hot before cooking and turn the skewers regularly to get that delicious char.

Can I use other vegetables on the skewers?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap the onion and red bell pepper with mushrooms, red onion, courgette chunks, or even pineapple for a sweet twist.

How spicy can I make this recipe?

You can easily add heat by incorporating sriracha, chili powder, or chili flakes into the marinade. Adjust to your taste for a gentle kick or a fiery punch!

Final Thoughts

This Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe is one of those perfect dishes that brings together simplicity and incredible flavor. Whether grilling outdoors on a sunny afternoon or cooking indoors on a griddle, these skewers never fail to impress. The sticky, sweet, and garlicky marinade paired with tender chicken and fresh veggies makes for a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy every bite!