If you’re looking for a simple yet flavorful dish to impress your friends and family at the next BBQ, these Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers are a must-try. The juicy chicken pieces marinated in a blend of sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and aromatic garlic and ginger make for an irresistible combination. Perfect for a quick dinner or a BBQ party, these skewers offer a mouth-watering balance of sweet and smoky flavors.
Why You’ll Love These Skewers:
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and cook time, you can whip up these skewers in no time, perfect for a weeknight meal or BBQ gathering.
- Versatile: You can customize the skewers with your favorite veggies or even add a spicy kick with chili flakes or sriracha.
- Great for Meal Prep: Marinate the chicken ahead of time, or enjoy the skewers cold in a salad or wrap for lunch the next day.
🍯🧄 Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Marinade: ● 1 tbsp vegetable oil
● 1 tbsp sesame oil
● 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
● 1 tsp minced ginger
● 3 tbsp dark soy sauce
● 3 tbsp honey
For the Skewers: ● 2 chicken breasts (approx. 350g/12.5 oz), chopped into bite-sized pieces
● 1 red bell pepper, chopped into large chunks
● 1 onion, peeled and sliced into squares
● 1 tbsp sesame seeds
● Small bunch of coriander/cilantro, roughly torn
Instructions:
1️⃣ Prepare the Marinade:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, sesame oil, minced garlic, ginger, dark soy sauce, and honey until well combined.
2️⃣ Marinate the Chicken:
- Place the chopped chicken in a bowl and pour about three-quarters of the marinade over it. Reserve the remaining marinade for later. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to a day) to allow the flavors to meld.
3️⃣ Soak the Skewers:
- If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill. Metal skewers do not need to be soaked.
4️⃣ Preheat the Grill:
- Heat your BBQ or griddle until very hot to achieve the perfect char on your skewers.
5️⃣ Assemble the Skewers:
- Thread a piece of marinated chicken onto the skewer, followed by a chunk of red bell pepper and a slice of onion. Repeat until all the skewers are assembled. Discard any leftover marinade from the bowl.
6️⃣ Cook the Skewers:
- Place the skewers on the hot BBQ or griddle and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning them 3-4 times to ensure even cooking. About halfway through, brush the skewers with the reserved marinade for extra flavor. Make sure the chicken is cooked through—check by slicing the largest piece to ensure there’s no pink in the middle.
7️⃣ Serve:
- Once cooked, sprinkle the skewers with sesame seeds and fresh coriander/cilantro. Serve with salad, rice, or your favorite side dish, and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Skewers:
- Marinate Longer for More Flavor: While 1 hour is enough to infuse the chicken with flavor, marinating for up to a day will make the skewers even more flavorful.
- Vegetable Swaps: Feel free to substitute the bell pepper and onion with other veggies like mushrooms, red onion, courgette (zucchini), or even chunks of pineapple for a sweet twist.
- Make It Spicy: Add some heat to the marinade by mixing in sriracha, chili powder, or crushed chili flakes for a spicy variation.
Nutritional Information (Per Skewer):
- Calories: 202 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 17g
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 688mg
- Potassium: 383mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 13g
- Vitamin A: 901 IU
- Vitamin C: 34mg
- Calcium: 30mg
- Iron: 1mg
Make-Ahead and Storage:
- Marinate Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and marinade the day before, allowing the flavors to develop further.
- Serving Options: If you have leftovers, serve the cold skewers in wraps or as part of a fresh salad the next day for a light, tasty lunch.
Conclusion
These Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers are the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and smoky, making them a BBQ essential. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply looking for a quick dinner idea, these skewers offer a delightful and healthy meal. Serve them alongside your favorite sides for a meal that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!