If you’re craving something sweet, savory, and utterly irresistible, let me introduce you to my Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers. Tender strips of chicken are glazed with a sticky honey-garlic sauce, then baked to juicy perfection. They’re quick to assemble, even quicker to disappear, and you’ll be hooked after just one bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unbelievably Flavorful: Each bite bursts with the harmonious balance of sweet honey, savory garlic, and a hint of tang from the vinegar.
- Effortlessly Easy: Simple steps and minimal prep make these skewers the perfect weeknight treat—or a crowd-pleaser at casual gatherings.
- No Grill Required: The oven gives you beautifully caramelized, juicy chicken—no need to fuss with the grill!
- Customizable for All: It’s a breeze to tweak the sauce or use your favorite proteins and veggies—ideal for picky eaters or dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This ingredient list is refreshingly short, which means every item truly shines in flavor and texture. Each element elevates the Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers to the next level, ensuring juicy chicken with a sticky, glossy finish and plenty of savory-sweet punch!
- Honey: The sweet backbone of the glaze, honey creates a gorgeous golden color and signature stickiness in every bite.
- Soya sauce: Provides that deep umami undertone and a welcome saltiness to balance out the sweetness.
- Vinegar: Just a splash brings brightness and a little tang, keeping the sauce from being overly sweet.
- Ginger: A pinch of ground ginger wakes up the whole dish with gentle warmth and aroma.
- Garlic powder: Makes the sauce deeply savory and satisfying, blending perfectly into the glaze.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the marinade into a glossy, clingy sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
- Chicken breasts: Lean and tender, sliced into strips for maximum flavor absorption and bite-sized fun.
- Skewers: Soaked before baking, they keep everything together and make eating downright delightful!
Variations
One of my favorite things about Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers is how endlessly adaptable they are! Whether you want to add extra crunch, spice things up, or adjust for dietary needs, these skewers welcome every creative touch.
- Vegetable Power: Thread bell peppers, red onion, or zucchini between the chicken pieces for added color, nutrition, and flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a squirt of sriracha to the marinade if you like your skewers with a gentle heat.
- Protein Swap: Try boneless thighs for extra juiciness, or substitute tofu for a vegetarian twist—just adjust cooking time as needed.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make these skewers naturally gluten-free and allergy-friendly.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Soak the Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for at least 10 minutes before assembling. This splashy trick keeps the ends from burning in the oven and ensures your chicken slides off easily when it’s time to eat.
Step 2: Mix the Honey Garlic Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, vinegar, ginger, and garlic powder. Stir until it’s smooth and glossy—this sauce is pure magic! Sprinkle in cornstarch and whisk again until it’s just thick enough to cling to the back of a spoon.
Step 3: Prep and Skewer the Chicken
Slice the chicken breasts into eight even, one-inch-wide strips. Thread each piece carefully onto a skewer, kind of like threading beads—leave a little space so the sauce can find its way between every curve and edge.
Step 4: Marinate
Pop the skewers into a shallow dish or zip-top bag. Pour the luscious honey garlic marinade over the top, making sure each strip gets plenty of coverage. Set aside a little sauce for basting later, then let the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours in the fridge—overnight gets you max flavor!
Step 5: Bake and Baste
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated skewers on a parchment-lined baking sheet to keep things tidy. Bake for 14 minutes, flipping halfway and basting with that reserved marinade at the 7 minute mark. This ensures juicy, caramelized perfection on all sides!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Hot out of the oven, these glossy, fragrant Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers are ready to devour! Serve right away with your favorite sides—or let them cool slightly and pile onto a party platter for easy sharing.
Pro Tips for Making Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers
- Marinade Magic: The longer you let the chicken soak (think overnight), the deeper the honey garlic flavor—just remember to reserve a little extra sauce for basting.
- Cornstarch Consistency: Add cornstarch slowly to the marinade, whisking constantly, until you reach a syrupy finish that will really cling to the chicken.
- Perfect Baking: Rotate the skewers and baste halfway through to guarantee even caramelization and keep the chicken ultra moist and juicy.
- Skewer Safety: Soaking wooden skewers not only prevents burning, but also makes assembly smoother and safer in the oven.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers
Garnishes
Finish your skewers with a sprinkling of sliced green onions or sesame seeds for a fresh crunch and a pop of contrast. I also love a little extra drizzle of warmed marinade on top (just make sure it’s been heated through if it touched raw chicken) for that glossy, mouthwatering appeal!
Side Dishes
These skewers pair perfectly with fluffy steamed rice or a garlicky stir fry of veggies. For a lighter twist, try serving them alongside a crisp Asian-inspired slaw, or tuck them into warm flatbreads with fresh herbs for a handheld meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers upright in a mason jar or on a platter lined with shredded lettuce for a playful, party-ready display. For family-style dinners, pile them high and offer bowls of dipping sauces—think spicy mayo, sriracha, or even more honey garlic sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The chicken stays moist, and the flavors actually deepen, making lunch the next day even tastier!
Freezing
If you want to freeze, remove the chicken from the skewers after baking and let it cool completely. Store in a freezer-safe container, and you’ll have sweet-and-savory bites ready to enjoy for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the skewers (or just the chicken) on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven until hot and glossy, about 8–10 minutes. A quick zap in the microwave works too, but the oven keeps the edges crisp and caramelized.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers?
Absolutely—boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a wonderful alternative! They’re juicier and a touch more flavorful, though you may need to add a couple minutes to the bake time since thighs are often thicker.
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Can I grill these skewers instead of baking them?
Yes! Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers are fantastic on the grill. Preheat to medium-high, oil the grates, and grill the skewers for about 3–4 minutes per side, basting as they cook. Watch closely so the honey glaze doesn’t burn.
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How do I keep the skewers from sticking to the baking sheet?
Lining your sheet with parchment paper works wonders to prevent sticking and makes cleanup simple. If you don’t have parchment, use a light coat of nonstick spray.
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Is it safe to reuse leftover marinade for basting?
If your marinade has touched raw chicken, always bring it to a boil before using as a baste. Or, be sure to set aside separate marinade at the start to keep things safe and delicious.
Final Thoughts
I hope you treat yourself (and maybe a few lucky friends) to a batch of these Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers soon. With their sticky, savory-sweet glaze and crowd-pleasing ease, these skewers are a guaranteed favorite—one you’ll want to make on repeat!
PrintHoney Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 14 mins
- Total Time: 29 mins
- Yield: 8 skewers 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers are a delicious and easy-to-make dish perfect for any occasion. The sweet and savory marinade gives the chicken a flavorful kick that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soya sauce
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Chicken:
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into 8 one-inch strips
- 8 skewers
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Soak skewers in water for 10 minutes.
- Thread chicken strips onto skewers.
- Marinate chicken in the sauce for 2 hours, reserving some marinade for basting.
- Place chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in the oven for 14 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy!
Whisk together honey, soya sauce, vinegar, ginger, and garlic powder in a bowl until combined. Add cornstarch to achieve desired thickness.
Baste as needed and flip the skewers at the 7-minute mark.
Notes
- Make sure to soak the skewers in water to prevent burning.
- Adjust honey and soy sauce to taste for a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
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