Get ready for a flavor explosion with these Smoky Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers! Tender chunks of chicken are marinated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, then grilled to perfection for a delightful balance of charred edges and juicy insides. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for your next backyard BBQ or cozy weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Smoky Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers
Dive into the irresistible combination of sweet honey, savory garlic, and a hint of smokiness in every bite of these juicy, flavor-packed chicken skewers. The marinade infuses the meat with mouthwatering flavor, while the grilling process adds an irresistible char that complements the honey glaze. These skewers are a surefire crowd-pleaser, perfect for bringing people together around the table with their bold, comforting taste.
Ingredients
The key ingredients for these Smoky Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers are boneless, skinless chicken thighs, honey, garlic, smoked paprika, and a few pantry staples. The marinade comes together quickly, allowing the flavors to meld and infuse the chicken for maximum deliciousness.
- 1 lb (450g) – Boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/3 cup (80ml) – Honey
- 3 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp – Smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp – Soy sauce
- 2 tbsp – Olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken Meat: If you prefer white meat, feel free to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs.
- Spice Level: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade.
How to Make Smoky Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers
Let’s get cooking and bring these Smoky Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers to life!
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by cutting the chicken into 1-inch cubes and placing them in a large resealable bag or bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, garlic, smoked paprika, soy sauce, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure all the pieces are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to develop.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto metal or wooden skewers, leaving a little space between each piece. Grill the skewers for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred on the edges.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Once the chicken skewers are cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Brush the skewers with any remaining marinade for an extra layer of flavor. Serve the Smoky Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or green onions, if desired.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Spicy Version: For a spicier version, add a teaspoon of smoked chipotle powder or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- Protein Swap: You can also switch up the protein and use shrimp or pork instead of chicken.
- Serving Suggestions: To make these skewers even more versatile, try serving them over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa, or alongside a fresh, crunchy salad for a complete meal.
- Marinating Time: For best results, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but up to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to really penetrate the meat.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These Smoky Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers are best served hot off the grill, while the chicken is still juicy and the glaze is sticky and caramelized. They make a fantastic main dish or appetizer, and pair perfectly with grilled vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat in the oven or air fryer before serving.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the chicken skewers up to 1 day in advance by marinating the chicken and threading it onto the skewers. Store the skewers in the refrigerator until ready to grill.
Nutrition Information
Each serving of these Smoky Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers provides a satisfying balance of protein, healthy fats, and natural sweetness. The chicken is a great source of lean protein, while the honey and garlic offer antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits. Paired with a side of fresh produce, this dish is a nutritious and delicious option for your next meal.
- Serving Size: 3-4 skewers
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbs: 18 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these skewers in the oven instead of grilling?
Absolutely! If you don’t have access to a grill, you can easily bake the skewers in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and arrange the skewers on a lightly greased baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway, until the chicken is cooked through and the edges are nicely browned.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor, we recommend marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 4 hours. This allows the honey, garlic, and spices to really penetrate the meat and infuse it with delicious flavor.
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can definitely use chicken breasts instead of thighs if you prefer. The cooking time may be slightly shorter, so be sure to keep an eye on the chicken and adjust the grilling time as needed.
How can I make these skewers in advance?
You can prepare the chicken skewers up to 1 day in advance by marinating the chicken and threading it onto the skewers. Store the skewers in the refrigerator until ready to grill. When you’re ready to serve, simply grill the skewers as directed in the recipe.
Can I use wooden skewers instead of metal?
Yes, you can use wooden skewers for this recipe. Just be sure to soak the wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using them to prevent them from burning on the grill.
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Smoky Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: 🔥 BBQ, Grilling & Smokehouse
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Smoky Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers are a delicious blend of sweet and smoky flavors, perfect for your next BBQ or gathering.
Ingredients
– 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
– Skewers (wooden or metal)
Instructions
1.
2. 1. In a large bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.
3. 2. Add chicken pieces to the marinade and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
4. 3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
5. 4. Thread the marinated chicken and bell pepper pieces onto skewers, alternating between chicken and peppers.
6. 5. Brush the skewers with olive oil.
7. 6. Grill the skewers for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
8. 7. Remove from grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
You can soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before using to prevent burning on the grill. Serve these skewers with a side of rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken, skewers, BBQ, grilling, honey garlic