Nothing beats the smoky aroma of BBQ chicken sizzling on the grill. These Smoky BBQ Chicken Skewers with Honey Glaze bring that backyard cookout flavor right to your table. The sweet honey glaze caramelizes perfectly while the chicken stays juicy and tender inside. In this recipe, you’ll learn how to marinate, grill, and glaze your chicken for mouthwatering results every time.
Why You’ll Love This Smoky BBQ Chicken Skewers with Honey Glaze
This recipe delivers the best combination of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors that make BBQ nights unforgettable. The honey glaze adds just the right amount of stickiness while the soy and sesame oils give it a rich, aromatic depth. You can prep it ahead, cook it fast, and enjoy an easy cleanup.
Here’s why it’s such a winner:
- Ready in about 90 minutes including marinating time.
- Perfect for both outdoor BBQs and stovetop grilling.
- Balanced marinade that works for chicken, veggies, or even tofu.
- Naturally made with simple pantry ingredients you can trust.
Whether you’re hosting a cookout or craving a cozy dinner, these skewers are a surefire crowd favorite.
Recipe
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Smoky BBQ Chicken Skewers with honey glaze
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 5–6 skewers 1x
Description
Juicy smoky BBQ chicken skewers brushed with a sticky honey glaze, perfect for grilling nights or quick family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (15 ml)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (15 ml)
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 1 tsp minced ginger (5 ml)
- 3 tbsp dark soy sauce (45 ml)
- 3 tbsp honey (45 ml)
- 2 chicken breasts (approx. 12.5 oz / 350 g), chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped into large chunks
- 1 onion, peeled and cut into squares
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (10 g)
- Small bunch of coriander (roughly torn, about 15 g)
Instructions
- Mix all the marinade ingredients together in a small bowl.
- Place the chicken in a bowl and pour in three-quarters of the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Soak wooden skewers in water or use metal skewers.
- Preheat the BBQ or griddle until hot.
- Thread chicken, pepper, and onion alternately onto skewers.
- Grill for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, and brush with remaining marinade.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds and coriander before serving.
Notes
- Marinate up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
- Do not reuse used marinade for brushing.
- Serve with salad, rice, or roasted potatoes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: BBQ, Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American, Asian, British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 202
- Sodium: 688mg
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 17g
Ingredients for Smoky BBQ Chicken Skewers with Honey Glaze
Marinade
1 tbsp vegetable oil (15 ml)
1 tbsp sesame oil (15 ml)
2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1 tsp minced ginger (5 ml)
3 tbsp dark soy sauce (45 ml)
3 tbsp honey (45 ml)
Skewers
2 chicken breasts (approx. 12.5 oz / 350 g), chopped into bite-sized pieces
1 red bell pepper, chopped into large chunks
1 onion, peeled and cut into squares
1 tbsp sesame seeds (10 g)
Small bunch of coriander (roughly torn, about 15 g)
Ingredient Notes
- You can substitute red bell pepper with zucchini, mushrooms, or pineapple chunks for variety.
- If you prefer a bit of heat, add a dash of chili flakes or sriracha to the marinade.
- For a richer taste, try brushing the skewers with a mix of honey and soy sauce halfway through cooking.
- Use metal skewers for convenience or soak wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes before threading.
How to Make Smoky BBQ Chicken Skewers with Honey Glaze
Step 1 – Prepare the Marinade
In a small bowl, mix together vegetable oil, sesame oil, minced garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and honey until well combined. The mixture should be glossy and smooth.
Step 2 – Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl. Pour in about three-quarters of the marinade, reserving the rest for brushing later. Mix well so each piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
Step 3 – Assemble and Grill
Preheat your BBQ grill or stovetop griddle until it’s very hot. Thread the marinated chicken, bell pepper, and onion onto skewers, alternating pieces for an appealing look. Grill for 8 to 10 minutes, turning several times. Brush with the remaining marinade halfway through cooking. Check that the chicken is fully cooked with no pink inside.
Once done, sprinkle sesame seeds and coriander on top before serving.
Pro Tips for Success
- Marinate longer for deeper flavor—overnight gives the best results.
- Don’t overcrowd your skewers. Leave small gaps between ingredients for even cooking.
- Use tongs to turn the skewers gently to keep them intact.
- Always reserve a portion of the marinade before adding raw chicken; never reuse used marinade for brushing.
- If cooking indoors, use a cast iron grill pan for that authentic smoky char.
- Rest the cooked skewers for 2 to 3 minutes before serving to let the juices settle.
Flavor Variations
- Sweet and Spicy: Add chili powder or crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- Garlic Lovers: Double the garlic for a bold, aromatic punch.
- Citrus Glaze: Mix in a teaspoon of orange zest or lime juice for a fresh twist.
- Teriyaki Style: Replace half the soy sauce with a touch of teriyaki glaze.
- Tropical BBQ: Add pineapple chunks between chicken pieces for a fruity flavor boost.
Serving Suggestions
These skewers taste fantastic with a side of fresh salad, rice, or crispy potatoes. They also make a great pairing with dishes like the Grilled Chicken Dinner Bowl, which adds wholesome balance to your meal.
For family gatherings, serve them with corn on the cob or roasted vegetables for a complete BBQ spread. You can even remove the chicken from the skewers and use it as a topping for wraps or sandwiches.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Lay the skewers flat in a freezer bag, separate layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm on a medium grill or in a skillet until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the chicken dry.
For a quick next-day meal, try serving your leftover chicken pieces over rice with a drizzle of honey glaze similar to the Honey Lime Chicken Avocado Rice Stack.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 202 kcal | 17 g | 15 g | 8 g | 1 g | 688 mg |
FAQ About Smoky BBQ Chicken Skewers with Honey Glaze
How long should I marinate the chicken?
You should marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but for the best flavor, marinate it overnight. This gives the soy, honey, and sesame oils enough time to infuse the meat with deep flavor.
Can I bake these skewers instead of grilling?
Yes, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake for about 15–20 minutes. Turn the skewers halfway and brush with the reserved marinade to help them brown nicely.
What can I serve with these skewers?
They pair beautifully with rice, couscous, or roasted potatoes. You can also include fresh greens or a light salad to balance the sweetness of the glaze.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely. Chicken thighs stay even juicier on the grill. Just cut them into similar bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking time.
How do I keep the skewers from sticking to the grill?
Make sure your grill is well-heated and lightly oiled before placing the skewers. This prevents sticking and helps you get that perfect char.
Final Thoughts
Smoky BBQ Chicken Skewers with Honey Glaze are an easy and flavorful way to bring the taste of outdoor grilling to any meal. The balanced marinade, quick cooking time, and sticky-sweet glaze make this dish a must-try for BBQ lovers. Whether you’re planning a summer gathering or a weeknight dinner, these skewers are sure to satisfy.
For more dinner ideas with bold, satisfying flavors, check out this Cheesy Chicken Fajita Casserole that offers another simple yet hearty meal option.
