If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and a hint of tanginess, then you have to try my Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce Recipe. These skewers are ridiculously simple to prepare yet triumphantly flavorful, capturing the essence of Asian-inspired cooking with a luscious honey garlic sauce that clings to tender grilled chicken. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a backyard barbecue, this recipe delivers unbeatable taste with minimal fuss, turning even casual meals into memorable feasts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun here, and luckily, everything is straightforward but vital to creating those mouthwatering layers of flavor and texture you’ll love. From the succulent chicken to the rich honey garlic sauce, each element plays a starring role in this dish.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into 1-inch cubes for even, quick grilling and juicy bites.
- 1/4 cup butter: Adds a luxurious richness that complements the garlic perfectly.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Brings bold, aromatic depth to the honey garlic sauce.
- 1/2 cup honey: Gives a natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar: Adds a balanced tanginess that brightens the sauce.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Provides savory umami and a hint of saltiness to the mix.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Enhances the sweetness with a subtle molasses flavor and helps with glaze formation.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce so it perfectly coats each skewer.
- Bamboo skewers (soaked): Prevents burning on the grill and makes the chicken easy to handle.
How to Make Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Grill and Skewers
Start by preheating your grill to a medium-high heat, or set your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you’re baking. Soak your bamboo skewers in water for at least 20 minutes to keep them from burning during cooking, setting the stage for perfectly grilled chicken.
Step 2: Thread the Chicken
Thread the 1-inch chicken cubes onto the soaked skewers, leaving a little space between each piece. This spacing allows the heat to circulate evenly, giving you juicy, evenly cooked chicken every time.
Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and just golden, releasing that irresistible garlicky aroma. Next, stir in honey, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and brown sugar, then bring everything to a gentle simmer to meld the flavors beautifully.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Mix the cornstarch with a bit of water to create a slurry, then whisk it into your simmering sauce. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens, becoming glossy and perfect for basting your chicken skewers.
Step 5: Grill or Bake the Skewers
Place the skewers on your preheated grill or in the oven, cooking each side for about 10-15 minutes. Baste frequently with the honey garlic sauce to build up layers of sticky, sweet-savory goodness that caramelizes on the edges, creating an irresistible glaze.
How to Serve Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Add a finishing touch with fresh garnishes to brighten the dish visually and flavor-wise. Sprinkle chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or freshly chopped cilantro on top for a burst of color and texture that complements the skewers perfectly.
Side Dishes
These skewers pair wonderfully with simple steamed jasmine rice or fluffy coconut rice to soak up the extra sauce. For a lighter touch, serve alongside a crisp Asian-style slaw or stir-fried vegetables, balancing the rich flavors with fresh crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, arrange the skewers on a wooden board with small dipping bowls of extra honey garlic sauce. You can also thread veggies like bell peppers and red onions alongside the chicken for a colorful, hearty option that doubles as an eye-catching centerpiece on your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep any extra sauce separate to avoid soggy chicken, then reheat and baste again before serving for best flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked skewers by wrapping them tightly in foil and placing them in freezer-safe bags. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, making them a perfect make-ahead meal option for busy days.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen skewers in the refrigerator overnight, then warm them gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Brush with reserved honey garlic sauce during reheating to revive that fresh-off-the-grill taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit fattier and give a juicier result, which works beautifully with the honey garlic sauce. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
Do I have to use bamboo skewers?
While bamboo skewers are traditional and convenient, metal skewers work just as well and can be reused. Just make sure they’re long and sturdy enough to hold the chicken pieces safely on the grill.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! You can swap chicken with firm tofu or chunky vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. Use the same sauce and grilling method for a delightful vegetarian treat.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely. The sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Warm it up gently before basting the skewers to keep all those yummy flavors intact.
What if I don’t have a grill or oven?
Not a problem. You can cook these skewers in a grill pan or even on a stovetop over medium-high heat. Just keep turning and basting to get that lovely caramelization on all sides.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of sinking your teeth into tender, flavorful chicken coated in a sticky honey garlic glaze, and this Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce Recipe is a shining example of that. It’s simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to become a staple in your cooking rotation. Give it a whirl, share it with loved ones, and watch it bring smiles and seconds all around!
Print
Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
These Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers are a delicious and quick meal featuring tender chicken cubes marinated and basted in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. Perfect for grilling or baking, this recipe combines the flavors of garlic, honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar for a mouthwatering Asian-inspired dish.
Ingredients
Chicken Skewers
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Bamboo skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
Honey Garlic Sauce
- 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
- 3 tablespoons water (to mix with cornstarch)
Instructions
- Preheat Grill or Oven: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for cooking the skewers.
- Prepare Skewers: Thread the chicken cubes onto the soaked bamboo skewers, making sure to leave a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
- Make Garlic Butter Base: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic until it becomes fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, taking care not to burn it.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in honey, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and brown sugar into the saucepan with the garlic butter. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Thicken the Sauce: Mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then slowly add this to the simmering sauce. Continue to cook while stirring until the sauce thickens to a glaze consistency, usually 1-2 minutes.
- Cook the Skewers: Place the chicken skewers on the preheated grill or in the oven. Cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally and basting frequently with the honey garlic sauce to keep the chicken moist and flavorful. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Notes
- Soaking bamboo skewers prevents them from burning on the grill.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken pieces in a portion of the sauce for 30 minutes before threading on skewers.
- You can bake the skewers instead of grilling by placing them on a lined baking sheet.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is safely cooked through.
- Serve with steamed rice or a fresh Asian slaw for a complete meal.
