Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely. Chicken thighs are slightly fattier than breasts and offer a juicier result. Just adjust cooking time slightly as they may take a bit longer.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. You can marinate the chicken in advance and even prepare the skewers a day before. Store them in the fridge until you're ready to cook.

Do I have to use skewers?

Not at all. If you don’t have skewers or prefer not to use them, simply cook the chicken pieces in a large skillet or bake them on a sheet pan.

How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should be opaque all the way through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). It should no longer be pink in the center and juices should run clear.

Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers

Name: Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes; Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes; For the Honey Garlic Sauce:; ¼ cup butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup honey; ¼ cup apple cider vinegar; ¼ cup soy sauce; ¼ cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; ¼ cup water

Description

These easy honey garlic chicken skewers are a quick and flavorful dinner made with just a handful of pantry staples. Sweet, savory, and totally beginner-friendly, this recipe delivers on taste without requiring expert skills—perfect for a weeknight meal or summer cookout.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
¼ cup butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup honey
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
¼ cup soy sauce
¼ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
¼ cup water

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Instructions

Preheat and Prep: Soak bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes if grilling or baking. Preheat your grill to medium-high or oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes and thread onto soaked skewers, spacing pieces slightly apart for even cooking.
Make the Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.
Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to form a slurry. Pour into the simmering sauce and stir until thickened to a glaze-like consistency. Remove from heat.
Cook the Skewers: For grilling, place skewers on the grill and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, brushing with sauce in the final few minutes. For oven-baking, place skewers on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, then brush with sauce and broil for 2–3 minutes to finish.
Serve and Rest: Let the skewers rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve with remaining sauce on the side, over rice or with your favorite salad.

Notes

Marinate chicken in half the sauce for up to 2 hours for deeper flavor. Add vegetables like bell peppers or onions between chicken pieces for a more colorful, nutritious skewer. If using metal skewers, no soaking is needed. To check doneness, cut into one of the thicker pieces or use a meat thermometer. Sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Grill or Oven-Baked
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: Approx. 1/2 lb chicken with sauce
Calories: 328 kcal
Sugar: 47 g
Sodium: 2293 mg
Fat: 2 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 49 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 28 g
Cholesterol: 72 mg