Tender, juicy, and full of flavour, this Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe is perfect for BBQ nights or quick weeknight dinners with a hint of sweet smokiness.
Each bite of these honey garlic chicken skewers brings together sticky sweetness, mellow garlic, and a gentle char that turns simple chicken into a crowd-pleaser.
What You’ll Need for Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers
- Chicken breasts – Lean, tender pieces absorb the marinade beautifully for maximum juiciness.
- Garlic cloves – Freshly minced garlic infuses a bold, aromatic depth.
- Dark soy sauce – Provides rich umami and deep caramel colour.
- Honey – Adds sweetness that caramelises over the grill for that signature sticky glaze.
- Red bell pepper – Sweet and slightly smoky once charred, adding colour and crunch.
- Onion – Mild and savoury when grilled, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
- Sesame oil – Nutty undertones that elevate the marinade’s flavour profile.
- Sesame seeds – A finishing touch for texture and a subtle, toasty bite.
- Coriander/cilantro – Fresh herbaceous notes that brighten every skewer.
Quick Steps for Perfect Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers
Start by mixing garlic, ginger, sesame oil, vegetable oil, soy sauce, and honey to create a luscious marinade. Toss bite-sized chicken pieces into the mixture and let them soak up those sweet-savory notes for at least an hour.
When ready, heat up a BBQ or griddle until smoking hot. Thread marinated chicken, bell pepper chunks, and onion pieces alternately onto soaked wooden or metal skewers. Grill for about 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally and brushing with leftover marinade to build that glossy glaze.
Once cooked through and beautifully charred, sprinkle with sesame seeds and torn coriander. Serve straight off the grill with a crisp salad, fluffy rice, or warm flatbreads.
Tasty Tips & Twists for Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers
For extra flavour, marinate the chicken overnight — the longer it soaks, the more intense the taste. Add a sprinkle of chilli flakes or a dash of sriracha to the marinade if you’re after a spicy kick.
Feel free to swap out the red peppers and onions for mushrooms, zucchini, or juicy pineapple for a tropical touch. These skewers also taste amazing cold, so try them sliced into wraps or tossed through salads the next day.
How to Keep Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Fresh
Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To enjoy again, reheat gently on a griddle or in the oven until piping hot, but avoid the microwave to keep the chicken juicy.
Alternatively, enjoy the cold skewers chopped into a fresh salad or wrapped in warm flatbreads with a drizzle of extra sauce for a quick lunch.
Skewers Recipe
Ingredients
- Small bunch of coriander/cilantro roughly torn
- 2 chicken breasts approx. 350g/12.5 oz, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 onion peeled and cut into squares
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 cloves garlic peeled and finely minced
- 3 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tsp minced ginger
- 1 red bell pepper chopped into large pieces
Instructions
- Combine the vegetable oil, sesame oil, minced garlic, ginger, dark soy sauce, and honey in a small bowl to create the marinade. Place the chicken pieces in a separate bowl and coat with three-quarters of the marinade, reserving the remainder for basting. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water to prevent burning. Preheat your BBQ or griddle until searing hot. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, alternating with chunks of red pepper and pieces of onion. Continue this sequence until all the ingredients are used, discarding any excess marinade in the bowl. Arrange the skewers on the hot grill and cook for 8–10 minutes, turning three to four times and brushing with the reserved marinade halfway through cooking. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by slicing into the largest piece to confirm there is no pink remaining. Finish by sprinkling with sesame seeds and torn coriander, and serve immediately with a fresh salad and your choice of rice or potatoes.