Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce Recipe

If you’re searching for that irresistible balance of sweet, savory, and just the right hint of char from the grill, Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce is about to become your new backyard obsession. These skewers are bursting with juicy flavor, boasting tender marinated chicken and a glossy, sticky honey garlic glaze that clings to every bite. Whether grilled outdoors or roasted in your kitchen oven, they transform the simplest ingredients into a color-rich, crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love how a handful of everyday pantry staples come together in a way that creates magic on the grill. Each ingredient adds something special—whether it’s a pop of umami, a touch of caramelization, or a hit of aromatic warmth—to make these Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce unforgettable.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 pound, cut into 1-inch cubes): Lean and juicy, these pieces cook quickly and soak up all the bold flavors.
• Bamboo skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes): Prevents burning and keeps chicken pieces perfectly spaced for even cooking.
• Butter (1/4 cup): Adds rich depth to the honey garlic sauce, helping to meld all the flavors into a silky glaze.
• Fresh garlic (4 cloves, minced): The foundation of that unmistakable Asian-inspired savoriness.
• Honey (1/2 cup): Brings luscious sweetness and helps create the glossy coating on each skewer.
• Apple cider vinegar (1/4 cup): Adds tangy brightness, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
• Soy sauce (1/4 cup): Packs in umami flavor with a salty punch that makes the chicken pop.
• Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Deepens the sweetness and helps with caramelization when grilling or broiling.
• Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Thickens the sauce so it sticks beautifully to your chicken skewers.
• Water (1/4 cup): Used to dissolve the cornstarch, ensuring a sauce that’s smooth instead of lumpy.

How to Make Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Preheat the Grill or Oven

Get things started by preheating your grill to medium-high heat, or your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that once your skewers hit the heat, they’ll sear and sizzle, locking in moisture and flavor. If you’re using an oven, consider lining your baking sheet with parchment for easier cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Carefully thread your chicken cubes onto the bamboo skewers, leaving a bit of breathing room between each piece. This space is key for even cooking—you want each side of the chicken to get that lovely grilled color and stay tender all the way through. If you have extra skewers, double up for more servings!

Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, then add your minced garlic and let it sizzle until fragrant—just about a minute. Next, whisk in the honey, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Once the mixture comes to a simmer, stir in the cornstarch dissolved in water to transform the sauce into a thick, shiny glaze. Watch as the sauce goes from bubbling to silky, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken Skewers

Now comes the magic. If grilling, place the prepared skewers over medium-high heat and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, turning once those delicious grill marks appear. In the last few minutes, brush each skewer generously with your honey garlic sauce so it caramelizes and glistens, adding a little char for extra depth. If using the oven, bake the skewers for 20 minutes, then brush them with the sauce and broil for another 2 to 3 minutes for that signature glaze and slight crispiness.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let the skewers rest for a few minutes before serving—this helps the juices settle in every bite. Serve with extra honey garlic sauce for dipping and watch these Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce disappear before your eyes!

How to Serve Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce

Garnishes

Give your skewers that “wow” finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro, green onions, or toasted sesame seeds. Not only do they add a pop of color and freshness, but they also bring extra texture and flavor that takes these Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce to new heights.

Side Dishes

These versatile skewers love good company—try serving them alongside jasmine rice or a pile of sesame noodles to soak up extra sauce. Light, crunchy slaws with cabbage and carrots provide a refreshing contrast, while blistered shishito peppers or grilled vegetables round out the meal with color and heartiness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, lay the skewers on a big platter over a bright bed of lettuce or shredded cabbage, or perch a few atop mini rice bowls for a fun, two-bite appetizer. You can even remove the chicken from the skewers and toss it into salad wraps for a modern twist on Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the cooled skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to mingle, making for even tastier snacks or quick lunches the next day.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze these skewers! Place the cooked (and fully cooled) chicken, either on or off the skewers, in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Freeze the extra honey garlic sauce separately so you can baste or dip when you’re ready to reheat.

Reheating

To bring leftover Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce back to life, reheat gently in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until hot. If using the microwave, cover the chicken to keep it moist and heat in short bursts, brushing with extra sauce before serving.

FAQs

Can I make Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and marinade, as well as the honey garlic sauce, a day ahead. Skewer and grill or bake just before serving for maximum juiciness.

What’s the best way to keep skewers from burning on the grill?

Soak bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken. This helps prevent charring or burning, so your Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce cook perfectly.

Can I use a different protein?

Of course! While chicken is classic and soaks up flavors beautifully, this honey garlic sauce works wonders on tofu, shrimp, or even pork. Adjust the cooking time as needed for each protein.

Is there a gluten-free option?

Simply swap out regular soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so you can serve these Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce to everyone!

What if I don’t have a grill?

No problem at all. The oven broiler is your best friend here—just follow the baking and broiling instructions, and you’ll still get that sticky glaze and tender chicken without firing up the grill.

Final Thoughts

Invite your friends or family, fire up the grill (or oven), and treat yourself to the flavor-packed magic of Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce. Once you taste that sweet, garlicky glaze over juicy chicken, you’ll find every excuse to make this dish all summer long—and maybe well into the cooler months, too!

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