Asian-Style Grilled Chicken Skewer with Honey Garlic Sauce Recipe

Grilled Asian Chicken Skewer Recipe with Honey Garlic Sauce

Grilled Asian chicken skewers with honey garlic sauce deliver bold flavors that work beautifully for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings with friends and family.

The combination of sweet and savory notes appeals to adults and kids, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.

Whether you need a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a satisfying main course, skewers offer fun presentation and easy serving.

The sticky glaze caramelizes perfectly on the grill, creating an enticing aroma that draws everyone to the table.

You can enjoy restaurant-quality results right in the comfort of home without complicated techniques or hard-to-find items.

Preparation moves quickly, leaving more time to relax and mingle with company.

Fire up the grill and watch how fast dinner disappears tonight!

Reasons to Try Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic

  • Crowd-Pleaser: These skewers are a total hit at backyard barbecues and family gatherings, guaranteed to make your guests smile and ask for seconds.
  • Simple Marinade Magic: Soaking the chicken in half the sauce means deep flavor without complicated prep, perfect for weeknight dinners when your time is tight.
  • Grill-Friendly Dish: Minimal kitchen mess and straightforward grilling steps mean you can enjoy cooking without stress and clean-up is a breeze.
  • Flavor Explosion: The honey garlic sauce transforms basic chicken into a seriously tasty meal that delivers restaurant-quality results right from your own grill.

Ingredient Lineup for Honey Garlic Asian Chicken Skewers

Main Protein:
  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (1 pound): Lean meat that soaks up all the delicious honey garlic flavors when cut into perfect 1-inch cubes for easy skewering.
Skewers:
  • Bamboo Skewers (as needed): Soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning while grilling your chicken to golden perfection.
Honey Garlic Sauce Components:
  • Butter (1/4 cup): Adds rich, smooth texture to your sauce.
  • Garlic (4 cloves): Brings sharp, aromatic flavor that makes the sauce sing.
  • Honey (1/2 cup): Creates a sweet base that caramelizes beautifully.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar (1/4 cup): Provides tangy brightness to balance the sweetness.
  • Soy Sauce (1/4 cup): Delivers deep, savory umami notes.
  • Brown Sugar (1/4 cup): Enhances the caramelization and depth of flavor.
  • Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Helps thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.
  • Water (1/4 cup): Helps blend and dilute the sauce ingredients smoothly.

What Tools Grill Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers

  • Grill or Grill Pan (12-inch): Your go-to tool for creating those perfect charred lines and smoky flavor on the chicken skewers.
  • Wooden or Metal Skewers (8-10 inches): Essential for holding your chicken cubes together and making grilling easy – soak wooden ones in water first to prevent burning.
  • Large Mixing Bowl (Medium): Perfect for marinating chicken and ensuring every piece gets coated with delicious sauce.
  • Saucepan (Medium, 2-quart): Needed for preparing the honey garlic sauce and getting that perfect thick consistency.
  • Tongs (12-inch): Crucial for safely turning skewers on the grill without losing those tasty chicken pieces.
  • Basting Brush: Great for spreading extra sauce over your grilled skewers and adding extra flavor.
  • Sharp Knife: Required for cutting chicken into even cubes that will cook consistently.
  • Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for preparing your chicken and ingredients.

How to Make Honey Garlic Grilled Chicken Skewers

How to Make Honey Garlic Grilled Chicken Skewers
1

Prepare Marinade

Grab a mixing bowl and whisk together 1/4 cup honey, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. Cut 1 pound boneless chicken breasts into neat 1-inch cubes and coat them completely in the marinade. Tuck the bowl into the refrigerator for 30 minutes to let the flavors mingle.

2

Soak Skewers

While the chicken marinates, submerge bamboo skewers in cold water for 30 minutes so they won’t burn on the grill.

3

Prepare Grill

Heat your grill to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Clean the grates and lightly oil them to prevent sticking.

4

Thread Chicken

Remove chicken from marinade and thread the cubes onto the soaked skewers, leaving a small space between each piece for even cooking.

5

Grill Skewers

Place skewers on the hot grill. Cook for 5-6 minutes on one side, then flip and cook another 5-6 minutes until chicken reaches 165 degrees internally.

6

Make Honey Garlic Sauce

While chicken grills, create the sauce:

  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 4 cloves minced garlic
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup water

Melt butter in a saucepan, add garlic, then whisk in remaining ingredients. Simmer until sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.

7

Serve Skewers

Brush grilled skewers generously with honey garlic sauce. Serve immediately while hot and glistening.

Which Tips Improve Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers

  • Let your chicken soak up all those amazing flavors by marinating for a full hour if time allows – the longer, the more delicious.
  • Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading to prevent them from burning on the grill.
  • Keep your chicken moving on the grill to get those beautiful char marks without burning – watch for golden brown edges.
  • Simmer your honey garlic sauce slowly, stirring constantly to prevent sticking and develop rich, deep flavors.
  • Sprinkle fresh chopped green onions or sesame seeds over the skewers for an extra pop of flavor and beautiful presentation.
  • Plant-Based Protein Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu cubes or tempeh, cutting into similar-sized pieces and following the same marinating and grilling process for a vegetarian alternative.
  • Spicy Korean Version: Add gochujang or sriracha to the honey garlic sauce for a kicked-up heat level that will make your taste buds dance with excitement.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap standard soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to keep the recipe safe for those avoiding gluten, maintaining the same delicious flavor profile.
  • Oven-Baked Alternative: When grilling isn’t possible, spread skewered meat on a baking sheet and roast at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Accompaniment Ideas for Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers

  • Serve Alongside Rice: Spoon fluffy jasmine or basmati rice next to your skewers to catch all that delicious honey garlic sauce drippings.
  • Add Fresh Crunch: Toss a simple cucumber salad with sesame seeds as a cool, crisp side that balances the grilled chicken’s warmth.
  • Garnish with Green Onions: Sprinkle thinly sliced green onions over the skewers for a fresh, zesty final touch that brightens the entire dish.
  • Choose Perfect Drink Pairing: Grab a cold Asian-style lager or a crisp white wine like Riesling to complement the sweet and savory flavors.

Best Ways to Store Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers

  • Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping the sauce separate to prevent soggy chicken.
  • Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water to keep the chicken moist and prevent drying out.
  • Enjoy cold chicken skewers sliced over a fresh salad for a quick lunch that transforms your leftovers into a completely different meal.
  • Freeze plain grilled chicken skewers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Asian Style Grilled Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce FAQ Guide

FAQ

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work great. Just cut them into uniform cubes so they cook evenly on the skewers.

FAQ

How spicy will these skewers be?

The honey garlic sauce has a mild flavor with just a hint of heat. If you want more kick, add some red pepper flakes or sriracha.

FAQ

Do I need metal or wooden skewers?

Wooden skewers are fine, but soak them in water for 30 minutes first to prevent burning on the grill.

FAQ

Can I make these skewers ahead of time?

Prepare the chicken and marinade up to 24 hours in advance. Keep refrigerated until ready to grill.

FAQ

What sides pair well with these skewers?

Steamed rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh Asian slaw complement the flavors perfectly.

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Asian-Style Grilled Chicken Skewer with Honey Garlic Sauce Recipe

Asian-Style Grilled Chicken Skewer with Honey Garlic Sauce Recipe


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4.6 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 42 minutes
  • Yield: 4 to 6 1x

Description

Sizzling Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce bring tender marinated chicken to your dinner table with incredible Asian-inspired flavors. Grab your grill and get ready to wow your family with these juicy, tangy skewers that make weeknight meals feel like a delicious adventure.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Sauce Ingredients:

  • ½ cup honey
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup butter
  • ¼ cup water
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Cooking Tools:

  • Bamboo skewers

Instructions

  1. Cut 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Pour half the honey garlic sauce over the chicken and refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors infuse deeply into your meat.
  2. Remove marinated chicken from refrigerator. Thread chicken cubes carefully onto water-soaked bamboo skewers, ensuring even distribution for consistent cooking.
  3. Heat outdoor grill to 400°F. Clean and oil grill grates to prevent sticking. Arrange skewered chicken across medium-high heat zone.
  4. Grill chicken skewers for 10-12 minutes, rotating every 3-4 minutes to achieve golden-brown exterior and ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. While chicken cooks, create sauce by melting ¼ cup butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30-45 seconds until aromatic.
  6. Whisk in ½ cup honey, ¼ cup apple cider vinegar, ¼ cup soy sauce, and ¼ cup brown sugar. Separately mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with ¼ cup water.
  7. Pour cornstarch mixture into sauce, stirring constantly. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  8. Remove skewers from grill. Brush generously with prepared honey garlic sauce. Serve immediately while hot and sauce is warm.

Notes

  • Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before using to prevent burning during grilling.
  • For best flavor, let chicken marinate overnight in the refrigerator to allow seasonings to deeply penetrate the meat.
  • Create tender chicken by cutting pieces uniformly and not overcrowding skewers, which helps ensure even cooking.
  • Gluten-free option: Replace soy sauce with tamari and check that honey is pure to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Chicken
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 to 6
  • Calories: 263 kcal
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 630 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 0.3 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Mary Sue

Mary Sue

Founder & Creative Recipe Developer

Expertise

Comfort Food Twists, Seasonal Cooking, Creative Flavor Pairings, Easy Weeknight Dinners, Flexible Pantry Cooking

Education

Trident Technical College, Culinary Institute of Charleston
  • Program: Culinary Arts Technology, A.A.S.
  • Focus: Built a strong foundation in professional food preparation, cooking, and presentation while also learning the hospitality side of the industry, including quality standards, sanitation, and the real-world pace of working kitchens

Mary Sue is the playful, creative recipe mind behind Mary Sue & Susan, known for big flavor ideas, warm storytelling, and dishes that feel both comforting and a little unexpected. She has a talent for taking familiar meals and giving them just enough personality to make them memorable.

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