Zesty Asian Chicken Skewers with Sweet Honey Garlic Sauce Recipe

Summer barbecues get a delicious upgrade with these mouthwatering honey garlic sauce easy grilled Asian chicken skewers that promise to tantalize your taste buds.

Juicy chicken pieces marinate in a perfect blend of savory and sweet flavors.

The marinade infuses each tender morsel with an irresistible Asian-inspired profile.

Fragrant garlic and golden honey create a glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill, developing rich, complex notes.

Each skewer delivers a symphony of flavors that dance between tangy, sweet, and smoky elements.

Quick to prepare and even faster to devour, these skewers will be the star of your next outdoor meal.

Dive into this simple yet spectacular dish that turns ordinary chicken into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25-30 minutes

Total Time: 40-45 minutes

Calories: 445 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that absorbs flavors beautifully, choose fresh, high-quality chicken with minimal fat for the juiciest skewers.
• Bamboo Skewers: Essential for grilling, pre-soaking prevents burning and ensures even cooking of the chicken.

• Butter: Adds rich, creamy depth to the sauce, select unsalted for better flavor control.
• Garlic: Provides intense, aromatic punch, look for firm, plump cloves with no sprouting.
• Honey: Brings natural sweetness and glossy finish, opt for local or raw honey for deeper flavor.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds tangy brightness and helps balance the sauce's sweetness.
• Soy Sauce: Delivers umami and saltiness, choose low-sodium for more precise seasoning.

• Brown Sugar: Deepens caramel notes and helps create a sticky glaze, select fresh, soft brown sugar.
• Cornstarch: Acts as a natural thickener, ensuring sauce clings perfectly to chicken.
• Water: Helps dissolve cornstarch and adjust sauce consistency smoothly.

Tools to Prepare Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers

• Grill or Oven: Essential for cooking chicken skewers evenly and creating a delicious char.
• Bamboo Skewers: Soak these in water to prevent burning and help thread chicken pieces.
• Small Saucepan: Perfect for creating the rich, glossy honey garlic sauce.
• Whisk: Helps blend sauce ingredients smoothly and prevent lumps.
• Baking Sheet: Useful for oven method, lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleaning a breeze.
• Cutting Board: Needed for preparing chicken and chopping garlic.
• Sharp Knife: For cutting chicken into uniform cubes and mincing garlic.

How to Make Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce

• Skewer Preparation

Thread tender chicken pieces onto bamboo sticks, spacing them evenly for consistent heat distribution.

• Sauce Creation

Combine rich honey with minced garlic in a small pan, blending sweet and savory flavors into a glossy mixture.

• Heat Management

Set grill or oven to medium-high temperature, ensuring a perfect cooking environment for golden-brown results.

• Cooking Process

Grill skewers for 5-7 minutes per side, watching for caramelized edges and ensuring chicken is thoroughly cooked.

• Flavor Enhancement

Brush skewers with luscious sauce during final cooking moments, creating a tantalizing golden glaze that seals in deliciousness.

• Serving Presentation

Allow skewers to rest briefly, then plate with extra sauce for dipping, creating an irresistible Asian-inspired meal that delights the senses.

Flavor Tips for Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers

• Flavor Boosting Tricks: Marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for 30 minutes before skewering to enhance deep, rich flavors.
• Spice Level Adjustments: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the honey garlic sauce for a hot kick that transforms the dish's heat profile.
• Smart Ingredient Swaps: Replace chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef cubes for exciting protein variations that keep the core recipe intact.
• Prep-Ahead Magic: Assemble skewers and prepare sauce up to 24 hours in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator for quick weeknight meal preparation.
• Grilling Pro Tips: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading meat to prevent burning and ensure even cooking throughout the grilling process.

Ways to Serve Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers

• Picnic Perfect Platter: Spread these sizzling skewers on a large wooden board with fresh herbs scattered around, creating a vibrant summer feast that looks as delicious as it tastes.
• Asian-Inspired Side Companion: Pair the chicken skewers with steamed jasmine rice or cold sesame noodles to complement the sweet and tangy honey garlic sauce, offering a balanced and satisfying meal.
• Colorful Veggie Accompaniment: Serve alongside grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and red onions to add beautiful color, extra nutrition, and a smoky flavor that matches the chicken's charred edges.
• Fresh Garnish Finale: Sprinkle chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or small cilantro leaves on top of the skewers for a pop of color and an extra layer of fresh, herbal complexity that elevates the entire dish.

Storage Advice for Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce

• Smart Batch Preparation: Create multiple skewers in advance and refrigerate them uncooked. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or store in sealed containers, keeping raw chicken separate from other ingredients for food safety.
• Refrigerator Storage Strategy: Cooked chicken skewers stay fresh for 3-4 days when placed in airtight containers. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup and potential bacterial growth.
• Freezer-Friendly Technique: Wrap individual skewers in aluminum foil, then place in freezer-safe bags. Frozen skewers maintain quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Quick Reheating Method: Warm skewers in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. Brush with additional honey garlic sauce to restore moisture and enhance flavor. Avoid microwaving to prevent rubbery chicken texture.

Juicy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Juicy grilled Asian chicken skewers with honey garlic sauce promise delightful flavors from East Asian cuisine. Marinated chicken threads charred to perfection deliver a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and savory notes you’ll crave again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (453 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• ½ cup (170 g) honey
• ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup (57 g) butter
• ¼ cup (60 ml) apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup (60 ml) soy sauce
• 2 tbsps (16 g) cornstarch
• ¼ cup (60 ml) water
• Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Hydrate Skewers: Immerse wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent scorching during cooking.
2. Prepare Protein: Dice chicken into uniform, bite-sized cubes to ensure even cooking and appealing presentation.
3. Craft Sauce Base: Melt butter with garlic in a saucepan, developing a golden, fragrant foundation.
4. Sauce Development: Blend honey, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and brown sugar into the garlic mixture, creating a harmonious, smooth consistency.
5. Thicken Glaze: Integrate cornstarch-water mixture, simmering until sauce transforms into a glossy, rich coating.
6. Skewer Assembly: Carefully thread chicken cubes onto prepared skewers, maintaining consistent spacing for optimal heat distribution.
7. Cooking Method: Grill on medium-high heat, rotating every 5-6 minutes to achieve balanced charring and complete cooking. Alternatively, roast in a preheated 400°F oven on a parchment-lined baking sheet, turning midway through cooking.
8. Glazing Finale: During last cooking moments, lavishly brush skewers with prepared honey garlic sauce to create a caramelized, flavor-packed exterior.
9. Serving Presentation: Remove skewers from heat, allowing brief resting for juice redistribution. Plate with additional sauce for dipping and garnish with optional chopped herbs or sesame seeds.

Notes

• Prevent Skewer Burning: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to avoid charring during cooking.
• Ensure Uniform Cooking: Cut chicken into consistent bite-sized cubes for even heat distribution and attractive presentation.
• Master Sauce Technique: Combine butter and garlic first, then gradually incorporate honey, vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar for a smooth, rich glaze.
• Achieve Perfect Glaze: Brush skewers with sauce during final cooking minutes to create a caramelized, glossy finish that locks in flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 445
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg