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 a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, then this Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe is about to become your new go-to. It’s simple, vibrant, and feels just right for any BBQ or quick dinner at home.

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 can’t get enough of how easy these skewers are to whip up and the way that honey-garlic marinade sneaks in just the right amount of sweetness with an Asian-inspired twist. Let me share why these skewers are so special to me—and will be to you, too!

Simple but flavorful: A delicious marinade that packs a punch with just a handful of everyday ingredients.
Quick to prep and cook: You’re looking at just 20 minutes prep and 10 minutes on the grill or griddle.
Versatile and colorful: Add vibrant veggies and fresh herbs that brighten every bite.
Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a garden BBQ, these skewers always impress.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Gathering the right ingredients sets you up for success—and the best part is, you probably have most of these in your kitchen already. Choosing fresh chicken breasts and fresh veggies makes a big difference, and the combination of oils and aromatics in the marinade is what gives these skewers that irresistible 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: Provides a neutral base for the marinade, helping blend all the flavors together.
Sesame oil: Adds a lovely nutty aroma that complements the garlic and ginger perfectly.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic gives that punchy, aromatic depth essential in this recipe.
Ginger: Fresh minced ginger brightens the marinade with a subtle zing.
Dark soy sauce: Brings umami richness and a balanced saltiness to the chicken.
Honey: The star of the marinade—its natural sweetness caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
Chicken breasts: Tender and lean, chopped into bite-sized pieces for easy skewering and even cooking.
Red bell pepper: Adds sweetness and vibrant color to the skewers.
Onion: Gives a juicy, slightly sharp contrast to the sweet marinade.
Sesame seeds: Sprinkled at the end for that textural crunch and to amp up the nutty flavor.
Coriander (cilantro): Fresh torn leaves add an herbal brightness that finishes the dish perfectly.

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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 it to suit your tastes or whatever you have in the fridge. Feel free to make it uniquely yours!

Vegetable swaps: I often swap the red bell pepper and onion for mushrooms, courgette chunks, or even juicy pineapple pieces. Each brings a different flavor and adds a tasty twist to the skewers.
Spice it up: If you like a little heat, add some sriracha, chili powder, or chili flakes to the marinade. It gives the skewers a lovely spicy kick that balances beautifully with the sweet honey garlic glaze.
Make it ahead: Marinating the chicken up to a day in advance amps up the flavor—just remember to cook them fresh and avoid reheating later to keep the chicken tender and juicy.
Cold chicken options: Leftover cooked skewers are fantastic cold—toss them in a salad or wrap for a refreshing, quick meal perfect for warmer days.

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: Whip Up That Sweet and Savory Marinade

Start by mixing together 1 tablespoon each of vegetable and sesame oil, 2 cloves of peeled and minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of minced ginger, 3 tablespoons of dark soy sauce, and 3 tablespoons of honey. The combination of sesame and vegetable oil balances nuttiness and lightness, while the garlic and ginger give the marinade an aromatic depth. Stir until well blended—your chicken is about to soak in some serious flavor!

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken for a Full Hour

Chop 2 chicken breasts (around 350g or 12.5 oz) into bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl. Pour over three-quarters of the marinade, reserving the rest for brushing while cooking. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for 1 hour. This pause lets the chicken absorb all that sweet, garlicky goodness. If you're prepping ahead of time, you can marinate for up to a day for even deeper flavor.

Step 3: Thread Your Skewers with Color and Crunch

If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water before you start to prevent burning. Once your grill or griddle is sizzling hot, thread onto the skewers alternating pieces of marinated chicken with large chunks of red bell pepper and squares of peeled onion. This layering not only looks fantastic but ensures every bite has a perfect balance of juicy chicken and vibrant veggies.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection in Just 8-10 Minutes

Place the skewers on your hot BBQ or griddle and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning them 3 to 4 times to get that lovely char all over. Halfway through grilling, brush them with the reserved marinade to boost the sticky, caramelized coating. To check if the chicken is done, slice into the biggest piece to ensure there’s no pink inside — perfectly cooked chicken should be juicy but completely opaque.

Step 5: Sprinkle, Serve, and Enjoy!

Once off the grill, sprinkle your skewers with 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds and a small bunch of roughly torn coriander (cilantro). The sesame seeds add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, while the fresh coriander brings a bright, herbaceous burst. Serve hot alongside your favorite salad, or some fluffy rice or crispy potatoes — these skewers definitely shine as the centerpiece of any 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 with just the right balance of sweet and smoky.

Marinate Thoroughly: I always make sure to refrigerate the chicken for a full hour (or even overnight) to really let the honey, garlic, and soy sauce soak in. It’s the secret to tender, flavorful bites.
Keep Your Grill Hot: Having a hot BBQ or griddle is key. I learned that cooking on a medium-high heat lets the chicken caramelize beautifully without drying out.
Brush with Reserved Marinade: Brushing the skewers halfway through cooking adds an extra glossy coating of flavor that keeps the chicken moist and irresistible.
Don’t Overcook: I avoid the mistake of cooking too long by slicing open the largest piece to check for doneness. No pink meat means perfectly cooked chicken every time.

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 freshly toasted sesame seeds and torn coriander leaves over the hot skewers just before serving. You can also add a wedge of lime for a zesty finish, or drizzle a touch of extra honey for added sweetness. For a bit of heat, a light sprinkle of chili flakes makes a perfect complement.

Side Dishes

These skewers are fantastic alongside a fresh green salad, coconut rice, or simple roasted potatoes. For a fun twist, try serving with grilled pineapple slices or a crisp Asian slaw to cut through the sweetness of the chicken. A light cucumber and mint yogurt dip also pairs beautifully for a refreshing contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooked, allow the skewers to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, they will keep well for up to 2 days. Leftover skewers are delightful when sliced and added cold to salads or wraps as a quick meal.

Freezing

You can freeze the marinated raw chicken pieces before threading onto skewers. Store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. When ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. It’s best not to freeze cooked skewers, as reheating can dry them out.

Reheating

Reheat any leftover cooked skewers gently in a warm oven at 160°C (320°F) for 8–10 minutes, or briefly on a medium-hot griddle until warmed through. Avoid microwave reheating as it tends to make the chicken tough and dry.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I prepare the marinade in advance?

Absolutely! You can mix the marinade up to a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Freshly mixed marinade gives the best flavor, but advance preparation saves time.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The safest way is to cut into the largest piece and ensure there’s no pink inside. The chicken should be opaque and juices clear. Cooking for 8-10 minutes while turning ensures thorough cooking.

What if I don’t have a BBQ or griddle?

No worries! You can cook the skewers under a hot grill (broiler) in your oven, turning them regularly, or cook in a lightly oiled frying pan over medium-high heat. The key is high heat for good caramelization.

Can I swap out the vegetables on the skewers?

Definitely! Mushrooms, courgette chunks, red onion, or even pineapple pieces work wonderfully and add interesting flavors that complement the honey garlic marinade.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers — they bring a wonderful mix of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors that feel like a warm hug on a plate. Whether cooking for a casual weekend BBQ or a relaxed weeknight dinner, these skewers never fail to impress and satisfy. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I do — happy grilling!