Description
Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into cubes
2 bell peppers (red and yellow), cut into chunks
1 large onion, cut into chunks
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup honey
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp black pepper
Skewers (wooden or metal)
Directions
Marinate the chicken:
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and black pepper. Add chicken cubes and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
Assemble the skewers:
Thread the marinated chicken, bell peppers, and onion onto skewers, alternating as you go.
Cook:
Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium heat. Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning frequently and basting with leftover marinade, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley or sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot with rice, salad, or your favorite side dish.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 280 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, thoroughly whisk together the soy sauce, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and black pepper until fully emulsified.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken breast to the bowl, ensuring all pieces are coated. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours.
3. Soak Skewers (if using wooden): While the chicken marinates, soak wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning.
4. Prepare Vegetables: Cut the bell peppers and onion into uniform, 1-inch chunks to ensure even cooking.
5. Assemble Skewers: Thread the skewers, alternating between chicken, bell pepper, and onion. Leave a small space between pieces for heat circulation.
6. Grill to Perfection: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium heat. Cook skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes. Baste with reserved marinade (not used on raw chicken) during the first half of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
These versatile skewers pair beautifully with a variety of sides. For a complete meal, serve over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up the delicious sauce. A crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast. For a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice or a grilled vegetable medley. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, cilantro, or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added color and texture.
How-to Summary
This recipe involves creating a simple honey-garlic-soy marinade, coating chicken cubes, and letting them soak up flavor for 30+ minutes. Thread the chicken with colorful bell peppers and onion onto skewers, then grill for 10-12 minutes until perfectly charred and cooked through. The result is a sweet, savory, and quick main dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake these skewers instead of grilling? Yes. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway.
How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked? The safest method is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest chicken piece; it should read 165°F (74°C). Visually, the chicken should be opaque throughout with no pink.
Can I make these ahead of time? You can assemble the skewers and keep them covered in the refrigerator for up to 8 hours before cooking. The marinade can also be prepared 1-2 days in advance.
What can I substitute for honey? Maple syrup or agave nectar are excellent 1:1 substitutes. For a sugar-free version, use a sugar-free maple syrup or a monk fruit sweetener blend.
Is it safe to baste with the leftover marinade? Only baste with marinade that has not touched raw chicken. Set aside a portion of the marinade before adding the chicken, or boil the used marinade for 2 minutes to kill any bacteria before using it as a baste.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not soaking wooden skewers: This leads to them burning and splintering on the grill.
- Overcrowding the skewers: Pieces placed too close together will steam instead of achieving a proper char.
- Using high heat: This will cause the honey to burn quickly. Maintain a consistent medium heat.
- Marinating too long: Due to the soy sauce, marinating beyond 4 hours can start to break down the chicken’s texture, making it mushy.
- Cutting vegetables too small: They will cook faster than the chicken and may fall through the grill grates.
Conclusion
These Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfectly balancing sweet and savory flavors. With minimal prep and cook time, they are an ideal solution for busy weeknights or weekend barbecues. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can achieve tender, flavorful chicken with a delicious caramelized glaze every time. Experiment with different vegetables and sides to make this versatile recipe your own.