Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers

There’s a reason this recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen. I still remember the first time I made it—it was a rainy Tuesday evening, and I had barely anything in the fridge. Somehow, with just chicken, garlic, and a little honey, I pulled together a dinner that tasted like it took hours. It’s been in my weeknight rotation ever since.

If you’re new to cooking or simply want something that’s low-effort but high-reward, these easy honey garlic chicken skewers are your perfect match. With just a few pantry staples and two cooking methods to choose from—oven or grill—this dish is a foolproof favorite. Plus, it checks all the boxes: fast, healthy, flavorful, and totally satisfying.

Why This Recipe is Special

This dish isn’t just easy—it’s flexible, crowd-pleasing, and packed with balanced flavor. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding picky eaters, or just trying to clean out the fridge, this recipe adapts beautifully. The honey garlic glaze delivers that sweet-savory combo we all love, while the skewered format makes it ideal for grilling or baking. Think of it as the perfect introduction to quick and healthy meals that don’t compromise on taste.

Ingredients and Preparation

Chicken breast
This lean protein is ideal for beginners because it cooks quickly and is hard to mess up. It also absorbs the sauce beautifully, making every bite tender and juicy. You can substitute with chicken thighs for a richer flavor, or swap in tofu for a vegetarian option.

Garlic
The backbone of the dish’s aroma and flavor. Fresh garlic gives the best result, but pre-minced garlic from a jar works in a pinch. It adds a bold, savory base to balance the sweetness of the sauce.

Honey
This brings sweetness and helps the sauce caramelize slightly under heat. Maple syrup or agave can be used if you’re out of honey.

Soy sauce
For salty depth and that classic umami flavor. If you need a gluten-free version, tamari or coconut aminos are great swaps.

Apple cider vinegar
It brings brightness and cuts through the richness of the sauce. White wine vinegar or rice vinegar will work similarly.

Brown sugar
This deepens the sweetness and helps give the sauce that glossy, sticky finish. You can reduce or skip it if using a sweeter honey.

Butter
It creates a smooth mouthfeel and ties the flavors together. You can use olive oil for a lighter version.

Cornstarch
This thickens the sauce into a luscious glaze. Arrowroot powder or flour can work as alternatives.

Water
Used to control the sauce’s consistency. A splash more or less helps you get the perfect glaze.

Optional Veggies
Bell peppers, red onions, or zucchini can be threaded between chicken pieces for extra flavor, color, and nutrition.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 Start by soaking bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes if you’re grilling or baking them—this prevents burning. Preheat your grill to medium-high or set your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2 Cut your chicken into even chunks, about 1-inch cubes. Thread them onto skewers, leaving a bit of space between each piece so they cook evenly.

Step 3 Make the honey garlic sauce by melting butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Let it simmer.

Step 4 In a separate cup, mix cornstarch with a splash of cold water to create a slurry. Pour it into the simmering sauce and stir continuously. It’ll thicken in about 2–3 minutes. Once glossy and smooth, remove from heat.

Step 5 Cook the chicken skewers.
For grilling: Place skewers on the grill and cook for about 5–7 minutes per side. Brush with sauce during the last few minutes for a caramelized glaze.
For baking: Lay skewers on a parchment-lined baking tray. Bake for 20 minutes, then brush with sauce and broil for another 2–3 minutes to finish with a glossy glaze.

Step 6 Let the skewers rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to settle and keeps the chicken moist. Serve with any remaining sauce on the side.

Beginner Tips and Notes

• If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water to loosen it up.
• If the chicken browns too fast on the grill, lower the heat slightly or move to indirect heat.
• Want even more flavor? Marinate the chicken in half of the sauce for 1–2 hours before cooking.
• Use kitchen scissors to trim chicken quickly, and prep all your ingredients before starting so you can move smoothly from step to step.
• No skewers? No problem. Just cook the chicken in a pan and drizzle the sauce over when done.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these skewers over jasmine rice, quinoa, or even a crisp green salad for a fresh take. For an Asian-inspired side, try sesame green beans or a simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame oil.

Storage Tips:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freeze cooked skewers and sauce separately for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave (add a splash of water to the sauce to loosen it up if needed).

Let’s Make It Together

This lemon herb chicken recipe (minus the lemon but with all the brightness) is the kind of meal that makes you feel like a kitchen pro—even if you’re just starting out. With minimal effort, you get maximum flavor and tons of flexibility.

Try it out and let me know how it went in the comments below. What did you serve it with? Did you add veggies? I’d love to hear your take!

And if you’re on the hunt for more easy sheet pan dinner ideas or crave quick and healthy meals, stick around—there’s plenty more where this came from.

FAQ About Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers

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