There’s something truly irresistible about honey garlic chicken skewers — those sweet, savory bites of juicy chicken grilled or broiled to perfection. This recipe brings that magic right into your kitchen with a simple yet flavor-packed marinade blending honey, garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of sesame oil. Whether you’re planning easy weeknight dinners, prepping for a BBQ, or looking for healthy comfort food that’s quick and satisfying, these skewers fit the bill beautifully.
Perfect for meal planning chicken enthusiasts and those who love high protein meals, these skewers are easy to customize, full of flavor, and can be paired with rice, noodles, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. They’re also fantastic for meal prep microwave lunches and make great prepared meals for two or family-friendly dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, this dish is effortless yet packed with bold flavors that everyone will love. The honey caramelizes beautifully on the grill, creating a sticky glaze that clings to tender chicken chunks infused with aromatic garlic and a hint of tangy vinegar. Plus, you get the perfect balance of sweet and savory in every bite.
Whether you’re an experienced griller or just starting out, these skewers are a budget-friendly recipe that’s straightforward to make, with flexible cooking options including baking or broiling indoors. It’s a recipe that consistently wins over crowds, making it ideal for quick family meals and casual entertaining.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
The real secret is in the marinade. Using a mix of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and a splash of vinegar or lemon juice creates a depth of flavor that’s sweet, tangy, and savory all at once. The sesame oil adds a subtle nutty aroma, elevating the dish from simple to spectacular.
Grilling these chicken pieces ensures a delightful char and juicy interior, while basting with extra marinade enhances the glaze and locks in moisture. Plus, garnishing with toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions adds texture and freshness.
This dish perfectly fits into high protein keto meal plans or high protein microwave meals and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides to round out your healthy boxed meals.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
How to Make It Step-by-Step
- In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, vinegar, black pepper, and onion powder to create the marinade.
- Add the chicken cubes, toss to coat evenly, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours to soak up all those amazing flavors.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 to 30 minutes to prevent burning during cooking.
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the skewers for about 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with leftover marinade in the last few minutes to build a sticky, caramelized glaze. Ensure the chicken is cooked through and has a slight char.
- Remove from heat and let rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t rush the marinating — letting the chicken soak for a few hours really amps up the flavor.
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents burning and makes handling easier.
- Keep an eye on the grill to avoid flare-ups when the marinade drips.
- If baking or broiling, place skewers on a lined baking sheet and turn halfway for even cooking.
- Double the marinade and simmer separately to use as a dipping sauce or extra glaze.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper, richer sweetness.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
- Swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or halal beef for different proteins.
- Thread veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or red onion between chicken pieces for extra color and nutrition.
- Use tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free or soy-free options.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these honey garlic chicken skewers with fluffy jasmine rice, garlic noodles, or a fresh cucumber salad for a high carb high protein low fat meal that satisfies every craving. They also pair wonderfully with grilled vegetables or a simple Asian slaw for crunch.
For a lighter option that fits into low calorie chicken meal prep, serve with cauliflower rice and steamed broccoli or snap peas.
Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)
A chilled glass of Riesling or a crisp lager perfectly complements the sweet and savory flavors of these skewers.
For non-alcoholic choices, iced green tea or sparkling lemon water are refreshing and palate-cleansing.
Add sides like steamed edamame, pickled vegetables, or a crunchy carrot salad to elevate your meal.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. The microwave works too—heat in short bursts to prevent drying out.
If preferred, remove chicken from skewers before storing for easier reheating and portioning.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
Marinate and assemble skewers ahead of time, then cover and refrigerate until ready to cook.
Chicken skewers freeze well — store cooked or uncooked in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling or reheating.
Perfect for best meal prep plans and ready meals for two delivered options.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the grill or pan, which causes uneven cooking.
- Skipping the soak for wooden skewers, leading to burning.
- Not letting chicken marinate long enough for full flavor.
- Overcooking chicken, resulting in dryness—use a thermometer if unsure.
- Using leftover marinade as glaze without boiling first—always simmer leftover marinade before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I bake instead of grilling?
Yes! Bake or broil skewers in a preheated oven at 425°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Are chicken thighs better than breasts?
Thighs stay juicier and are more forgiving, but breasts work well too for a leaner option.
How long should I marinate?
Minimum 30 minutes; 2–4 hours is ideal. Avoid longer than 4 hours due to acid in marinade.
Can I freeze marinated chicken?
Yes, freeze in marinade in a freezer-safe bag and thaw overnight before cooking.
What sides go best?
Rice, noodles, grilled veggies, and fresh salads all complement these skewers wonderfully.
Are these skewers good for meal prep?
Absolutely. They store and reheat well, making them a great choice for high protein microwave meals or premade lunch meals.
Cooking Tools You’ll Need
- Grill or grill pan
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork for marinade
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Tongs or spatula
This Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers recipe fits perfectly into your protein eating plan, keto meal plan, or best high protein frozen meals rotation, delivering a satisfying blend of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors that everyone will love.
If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend!
Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 8 pieces wooden skewers, soaked
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, vinegar, black pepper, and onion powder.
- Add chicken pieces to the marinade, toss to coat well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
- Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
- Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with leftover marinade during the last few minutes, until chicken is cooked through and caramelized.
- Remove skewers from heat, let rest for a couple of minutes, then garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
