These Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers are a tasty treat! With juicy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, they are perfect for grilling or baking.
I love making these for gatherings! They disappear quickly, and I might munch on a few while cooking. Who can resist that sweet smell? 😄
They are super easy to whip up, just grill, bake, or cook in a pan. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a party! Enjoy them with a side of rice or veggies.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Chicken breast is juicy and tender, perfect for skewers. You can use chicken thighs for a richer flavor, or even shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and helps caramelize the chicken. If you’re looking for a substitute, maple syrup works great too, or agave syrup for a vegan option.
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce provides umami flavor. If you’re gluten-free, you can use tamari instead. Coconut aminos is another mild alternative that’s also soy-free.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the skewers a strong flavor. If you’re short on time, garlic powder can be a quick substitute, using about 1/4 teaspoon per clove.
Vegetable Oil: This helps the marinade cling and prevents sticking on the grill. Olive oil is a good substitute, or sesame oil for added flavor.
Rice Vinegar: It adds a tangy taste. Apple cider vinegar is a great swap, but use white wine vinegar for a different twist.
How Do I Make Sure the Chicken Skewers Are Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking chicken skewers can be tricky, but with a few easy steps, you can get it just right. Ensuring the chicken cooks evenly is key.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes; this not only flavors it but also tenderizes the meat.
- When skewering, leave some space between the pieces to allow heat circulation. This helps them cook evenly.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures a nice sear and grill marks while keeping inside moist.
- Cook the skewers for about 10-15 minutes, but keep an eye on them! Turn them occasionally for even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature. It should read 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Skewers:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (for garnish)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus at least 30 minutes for marinating the chicken. Cooking the skewers on the grill takes around 10-15 minutes. So, you can have a delicious meal ready in about 50 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, vegetable oil, rice vinegar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Use a whisk to mix everything together until it’s well combined and smooth.
2. Add Chicken:
Take your bite-sized chicken pieces and add them to the marinade. Stir well to make sure all the chicken is nicely coated in that delicious mixture. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For even more flavor, let it marinate for up to 2 hours if you have the time!
3. Preheat the Grill:
If you’re using wooden skewers, now’s the time to soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill. Meanwhile, heat your grill to a medium-high setting.
4. Skewer the Chicken:
Once your chicken has marinated, take it out of the fridge. Carefully thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, making sure to leave a little space between each piece for even cooking. This helps them grill nicely and evenly!
5. Cook the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for around 10 to 15 minutes, turning them occasionally so they get nice grill marks. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked through; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
6. Garnish and Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked, take the skewers off the grill. Sprinkle them with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro for a tasty finish. Serve your skewers warm with some extra honey garlic sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your tasty Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers!
Can I Use Thigh Instead of Breast for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work great in this recipe. They are juicier and can be more flavorful. Just be sure to dice them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking, and follow the same marinating and grilling instructions.
What If I Don’t Have Honey?
No worries! You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar sweetness. Keep in mind that the flavor profile might change slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How to Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave, but for the best texture, warm them on a grill or stovetop skillet until heated through.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the marinade a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before adding the chicken. It’s a great time-saver for meal prepping!
