Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers With Honey Garlic Sauce Recipe

Heavenly Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers With Honey Garlic Sauce Recipe

Juicy and vibrant grilled asian chicken skewers dance with a mouthwatering honey garlic sauce that promises an explosion of flavor.

Marinades work magic in creating tender, succulent meat infused with complex tastes.

Carefully selected ingredients blend perfectly to craft a meal that feels both familiar and exciting.

Weeknight dinners need something special to break the monotony of routine cooking.

Summer barbecues call for recipes that impress without demanding hours of preparation.

Each bite delivers a harmonious balance of sweet, savory, and slightly charred notes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You cannot resist the temptation of these delectable skewers that bring restaurant-quality cuisine straight to your kitchen.

Dive into this culinary adventure and watch magic unfold on your grill.

Why These Grilled Chicken Skewers Are a Flavor Bomb

  • Master Flavor Fusion: Combines sweet honey, zesty garlic, and savory soy sauce for an irresistible taste profile that tantalizes taste buds.
  • Grill-Friendly Design: Perfect for outdoor cooking with simple preparation steps and minimal kitchen equipment needed, making it ideal for summer gatherings and backyard parties.
  • Quick Protein Powerhouse: Delivers a protein-packed meal with lean chicken cubes that cook rapidly and absorb rich marinade flavors, ensuring a delicious and nutritious dining experience.
  • Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Versatile recipe allows easy adaptation with different protein options or side dishes, appealing to various dietary preferences and family members' tastes.

What Goes into These Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic

Protein Base:
  • Chicken Breast, Chicken Thighs: Fresh cuts that provide tender and flavorful meat for the skewers.
Marinade Ingredients:
  • Garlic: Adds a robust and aromatic flavor to the chicken.
  • Honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps create a caramelized exterior.
  • Soy Sauce: Contributes a rich, savory umami taste and helps tenderize the meat.
  • Rice Vinegar: Adds a mild acidic balance to the marinade.
  • Sesame Oil: Introduces a nutty, authentic Asian flavor profile.
Garnish and Finishing Touches:
  • Green Onions, Cilantro: Fresh herbs that add brightness and color to the dish.
  • Sesame Seeds: Provides a subtle crunch and nutty accent to the grilled chicken.
Preparation Ingredients:
  • Wooden Skewers: Used for grilling and presenting the chicken.

Grilling Instructions for Juicy, Glazed Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Prepare Wooden Skewers

Submerge wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent charring during grilling.

Step 2: Create Chicken Cubes

Cut chicken breast and thighs into consistent 1-inch cubes for uniform cooking.

Step 3: Whisk Honey Garlic Marinade

In a large bowl, blend ingredients for the marinade:
  • Minced garlic
  • Honey
  • Soy sauce
  • Rice vinegar
  • Sesame oil

Step 4: Marinate Chicken

Pour marinade over chicken cubes, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours to maximize flavor absorption.

Step 5: Preheat Grill

Heat grill to medium-high temperature around 400°F. Clean and lightly oil grill grates for optimal cooking.

Step 6: Assemble Skewers

Thread marinated chicken pieces onto pre-soaked skewers, leaving small gaps between cubes for consistent heat distribution.

Step 7: Grill Chicken Skewers

Cook skewers 4-5 minutes per side, rotating to achieve golden brown exterior and reach internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 8: Enhance Flavor

Continuously brush additional marinade onto skewers during grilling to boost moisture and taste.

Step 9: Rest Skewers

Remove skewers from grill and allow 3-4 minutes resting time for juice redistribution.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh toppings:
  • Chopped green onions
  • Sesame seeds
  • Cilantro

Drizzle remaining honey garlic sauce over chicken and serve with complementary side dishes.

Helpful Tips for Skewers That Sizzle and Shine

  • Prevent Skewer Burning: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to stop them from catching fire and ruining your delicious meal.
  • Achieve Even Cooking: Cut chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure consistent heat distribution and prevent undercooked or overcooked sections.
  • Maximize Flavor Absorption: Marinate chicken for 1-2 hours in the refrigerator, allowing the honey garlic sauce to deeply penetrate and tenderize the meat for a more delicious result.
  • Master Grilling Technique: Keep small spaces between chicken pieces on skewers and rotate frequently to create a perfect golden-brown exterior while maintaining juicy internal texture.

Flavor Options for Your Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers

  • Spicy Korean Kick: Replace honey with gochujang and add red pepper flakes for a fiery Korean-inspired version that brings heat and complexity to the chicken skewers.
  • Citrus Mediterranean Style: Swap sesame oil for olive oil, add lemon zest and oregano to create a bright, zesty Mediterranean-inspired marinade that transforms the chicken's flavor profile.
  • Coconut Thai Fusion: Incorporate coconut milk into the marinade, include fresh lemongrass and ginger, then finish with crushed peanuts for an authentic Thai-inspired street food experience.
  • Smoky Bourbon Fusion: Substitute honey with bourbon, add smoked paprika and brown sugar to craft a robust American barbecue-style marinade that delivers deep, rich flavors to the grilled chicken.

What to Serve with Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers

  • Pair with Crisp Riesling: Select a slightly sweet German Riesling that complements the honey garlic sauce's balance of sweet and savory flavors, cutting through the richness of grilled chicken.
  • Match with Cucumber Asian Slaw: Create a cool, crunchy side dish featuring shredded cucumber, carrots, and green onions dressed in rice vinegar and sesame oil to provide refreshing contrast to the grilled skewers.
  • Serve with Jasmine Rice: Prepare fluffy jasmine rice to absorb the delicious honey garlic sauce, offering a perfect neutral base that enhances the chicken's complex Asian-inspired marinade.
  • Enhance with Cold Sapporo Beer: Choose a light Japanese lager that cleanses the palate and provides a crisp, refreshing counterpoint to the rich, caramelized flavors of the grilled chicken skewers.

Best Storage Ideas for Your Grilled Chicken Skewers

  • Store leftover grilled chicken skewers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Place in the coldest part of the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and safety.
  • Wrap cooled skewers tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Warm skewers in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Alternatively, use a microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking to avoid overcooking.

Your Skewer Questions, Answered Here

  • Why soak wooden skewers in water before grilling?

Soaking prevents skewers from burning and catching fire during high-temperature grilling, ensuring safe and successful cooking.

  • How can I ensure chicken cooks evenly on skewers?

Cut chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes and leave small spaces between pieces on skewers to allow consistent heat distribution and thorough cooking.

  • What ingredients make the honey garlic marinade unique?

The combination of minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil creates a balanced, sweet-savory flavor profile that deeply penetrates the chicken.

  • How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F, which guarantees the chicken is safely cooked through and eliminates any risk of foodborne illness.

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Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers With Honey Garlic Sauce Recipe

Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers With Honey Garlic Sauce Recipe


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4.8 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling Asian Chicken Skewers with honey garlic sauce bring summer barbecue magic to your plate. Marinated tender chicken pieces dance with sweet and tangy flavors you’ll crave at every backyard gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 lbs chicken breast
  • 0.5 lbs chicken thighs

Marinade and Sauce Ingredients:

  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil

Skewer and Garnish Ingredients:

  • 6 wooden skewers
  • 1 green onion
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Instructions

  1. Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
  2. Cut chicken breast and thighs into uniform 1-inch cubes, ensuring even cooking.
  3. Create marinade by whisking together minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a large bowl.
  4. Add chicken pieces to marinade, thoroughly coating each cube, and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to enhance flavor absorption.
  5. Preheat grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F, ensuring grates are clean and lightly oiled.
  6. Thread marinated chicken pieces onto pre-soaked skewers, leaving small spaces between cubes for even heat distribution.
  7. Grill skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, rotating to achieve golden brown exterior and internal temperature of 165°F.
  8. While grilling, brush additional marinade onto skewers for enhanced flavor and moisture.
  9. Remove skewers from grill and let rest for 3-4 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  10. Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro over skewers for vibrant garnish.
  11. Drizzle remaining honey garlic sauce over chicken and serve immediately with your preferred side dishes.

Notes

  • Prevent wooden skewers from burning by soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling, which creates a protective barrier against direct flame.
  • Ensure even cooking by cutting chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes, allowing consistent heat distribution and preventing undercooked or overcooked sections.
  • Maximize flavor absorption by marinating chicken for 1-2 hours, letting the honey garlic sauce deeply penetrate the meat and tenderize protein fibers.
  • Maintain food safety by checking internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F, guaranteeing perfectly cooked meat without risking harmful bacteria.
  • Prep Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 540 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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