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Perfect Honey Garlic Grilled Chicken Skewers

honey garlic grilled chicken skewers - featured image

These honey garlic grilled chicken skewers are quick, easy, and perfect for grilling season. With a sticky-sweet glaze and juicy chicken, they’re a crowd-pleaser that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1.5-inch chunks
  • 1/3 cup (113g) honey
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) low-sodium soy sauce
  • 56 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
  • Optional garnish: sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, fresh lime juice

Instructions

  1. Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and grated ginger. Reserve 1/4 cup of this mixture in a small saucepan for the glaze.
  3. Trim excess fat from chicken thighs and cut into 1.5-inch chunks. Pat dry with paper towels.
  4. Place chicken in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour remaining marinade over chicken, toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes (30 minutes to 2 hours ideal, no more than 4 hours).
  5. About 10 minutes before grilling, whisk cornstarch into reserved marinade in the saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened into a syrupy glaze (about 2 minutes). Remove from heat.
  6. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400-425°F / 200-220°C). Clean and oil grates.
  7. Thread marinated chicken onto soaked skewers, leaving small gaps between pieces.
  8. Grill skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), about 8-10 minutes total.
  9. During the last 2 minutes of grilling, brush thickened glaze generously over both sides of skewers. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  10. Remove from grill and let rest for 3-5 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and a squeeze of lime juice if desired.

Notes

Don’t skip the double glaze technique—brush on extra honey garlic sauce during the last 2 minutes for a glossy, caramelized crust. Watch the heat carefully to prevent burning the honey. For best results, use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier skewers. Let chicken come to room temperature before grilling for even cooking.

Nutrition

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