Juicy Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken Skewers (Print)

Tender chicken marinated in honey garlic BBQ sauce, grilled until juicy and lightly charred. Ideal for summer gatherings.

# Ingredient list:

→ Meats

01 - 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1.5-inch cubes

→ Marinade & Sauce

02 - ⅓ cup honey
03 - ⅓ cup soy sauce (gluten-free if desired)
04 - 3 tbsp BBQ sauce
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 2 tbsp olive oil
07 - 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
08 - ½ tsp ground black pepper
09 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
10 - ¼ tsp chili flakes

→ Vegetables

11 - 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
12 - 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
13 - 1 red onion, cut into wedges

# Directions:

01 - Whisk together honey, soy sauce, BBQ sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, smoked paprika, and chili flakes in a medium bowl until thoroughly combined.
02 - Set aside ¼ cup of the marinade in a separate container for basting during grilling or serving at the table.
03 - Add chicken cubes to the remaining marinade. Toss well to coat all pieces evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for maximum flavor penetration.
04 - If using wooden skewers, soak in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent scorching. Metal skewers can be used directly.
05 - Thread marinated chicken, bell pepper chunks, and red onion wedges onto skewers in alternating pattern. Pack ingredients closely but avoid overcrowding for even cooking.
06 - Heat grill to medium-high setting (approximately 400°F). Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
07 - Place skewers on preheated grill. Cook for 12–15 minutes, rotating every 3–4 minutes and basting with reserved marinade during the last few minutes, until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F and develops light char marks.
08 - Remove skewers from grill and serve immediately. Optionally garnish with fresh chopped parsley or toasted sesame seeds for presentation.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The honey creates a gorgeous caramelized crust that makes these look like they came from a restaurant kitchen
  • Marinating happens while you do literally anything else, making this perfect for lazy afternoons
  • Everyone gets their own skewer, which somehow makes dinner feel more festive
02 -
  • Letting the chicken marinate overnight transforms this from good to absolutely incredible
  • That reserved sauce is crucial for basting because once it touches raw chicken, you cannot use it for serving
  • Metal skewers conduct heat and cook the chicken from the inside out, reducing grilling time slightly
03 -
  • Pat the chicken dry before marinating if you want extra crispy skin, though the moisture helps keep it juicy
  • Space the pieces slightly apart on the skewers so heat can circulate and cook everything evenly

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