Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers

introduction

This recipe shows how to make Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce in simple steps. It is quick and good for weeknights or a small party. For another simple honey garlic chicken idea, see this baked honey garlic chicken thighs recipe for an oven-only version.

why make this recipe

You make this recipe because it is fast, tasty, and uses few ingredients. The sauce is sweet and garlicky. The grill gives a nice char and smoky flavor. Kids and adults usually like it.

how to make Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high, or set the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Thread the chicken cubes onto the soaked bamboo skewers. Leave tiny gaps so heat cooks each piece evenly.
3. Make the honey garlic sauce: melt butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until you smell it. Add honey, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Mix cornstarch with 1/4 cup (60 ml) water until smooth. Stir this into the sauce and cook 2–3 minutes until it thickens. Remove from heat.
5. Cook the skewers on the grill for 4–6 minutes per side, turning once, until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Brush sauce on the skewers during the last few minutes so the sauce sticks and glazes the meat.
6. If you use the oven, place skewers on a lined baking sheet and bake 12–16 minutes. Brush sauce on and broil 1–2 minutes to get a light glaze.
7. Let the skewers rest 2 minutes before serving.

For a richer garlic idea that pairs well with rice or bread, you can read about a creamy garlic option like creamy garlic Tuscan chicken.

Ingredients :

• 1 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• Bamboo skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
• 1/4 cup butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 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

Directions :

• Preheat the Grill/Oven: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, or if using an oven, preheat it to 400°F (200°C).
• Prepare the Chicken: Thread the chicken cubes onto the soaked bamboo skewers, leaving a small space between each cube to ensure even cooking.
• Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Whisk in the honey, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and brown sugar, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Dissolve the cornstarch in 60ml of water and stir into the sauce. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
• Cook the Chicken Skewers: Place skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 4–6 minutes per side, turning once, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches 165°F (74°C). Brush the sauce on the skewers during the last few minutes of cooking to glaze. If using an oven, bake 12–16 minutes and brush with sauce, then broil 1–2 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
• Finish: Let the skewers rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Spoon any extra sauce over the skewers.

how to serve Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce

Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles. Add sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top. You can also serve with a side salad or grilled vegetables.

how to store Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce

Refrigerate: Put cooled skewers and extra sauce in an airtight container. They keep 3 days in the fridge.
Freeze: Remove chicken from skewers, place in a freezer bag with sauce, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Warm in a pan over low heat, or reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot.

tips to make Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce

• Cut chicken into even pieces for even cooking.
• Soak wooden skewers to stop burning.
• Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking; chicken should be 165°F (74°C).
• Brush sauce near the end to stop it from burning on the grill.
• Make the sauce ahead and reheat gently before basting.

variation (if any)

• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat.
• Add crushed red pepper or sriracha for heat.
• Thread pineapple chunks or bell peppers with the chicken for a sweet or smoky twist.
• Swap chicken for firm tofu for a vegetarian option.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Thaw chicken fully before cutting and skewering. Cook from frozen will give uneven results.

Q: How long to marinate the chicken?
A: This recipe works without marinating, but you can marinate 30 minutes to 2 hours for more flavor.

Q: Can I make the sauce ahead?
A: Yes. Make the sauce, cool, and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat slowly before using.

Q: Are metal skewers better?
A: Metal skewers last longer and do not need soaking. They also transfer heat, which can help cook the center.

Q: How do I avoid sticky grill clean-up?
A: Oil the grill grates before cooking and brush sauce on near the end of cooking to limit dripping.

Conclusion

This recipe makes sweet and garlicky chicken skewers that are simple and quick to cook. For another take on honey garlic chicken and more tips, see this full guide to Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce: Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce.