Grilled Honey Barbecue Chicken Skewers

Honey BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy recipe to impress your friends and family, these Honey BBQ Chicken Skewers are just what you need. The combination of sweet honey, tangy barbecue sauce, and tender chicken is irresistible. As the skewers sizzle on the grill, the aroma will tempt your taste buds, and the vibrant colors will make your meal a feast for the eyes. Perfect for summer barbecues or a cozy dinner at home, this recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser that you’ll return to again and again.

Cook Time

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (choose your favorite brand)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 8-10 wooden or metal skewers

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Begin by cutting the boneless chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes. This helps them cook evenly and ensures maximum flavor absorption from the marinade.

2. Make the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined. This flavorful marinade will coat the chicken beautifully.

3. Marinate the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the marinade mixture, ensuring all pieces are fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For best results, marinate for 2-4 hours to deepen the flavors.

4. Prepare the Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 15-20 minutes to prevent burning on the grill. If using metal skewers, you can skip this step.

5. Skewer the Chicken: Once the chicken is marinated, thread the pieces onto the skewers. Leave a little space between each piece to allow for even cooking. Depending on the size of your skewers, you should be able to fit about 5-7 pieces of chicken per skewer.

6. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high. You want it hot enough to create a sear on the chicken, which locks in the juices and enhances the flavors.

7. Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 12-15 minutes. Turn them occasionally to ensure they brown evenly. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

8. Serve: Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, yielding a more succulent bite. Serve warm, drizzled with extra barbecue sauce if desired.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

1. Choose the Right Chicken: While thighs work perfectly for this recipe due to their juiciness, you can also use chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option. Just be careful not to overcook them.

2. Marinate Longer for More Flavor: For the best flavor, consider marinating the chicken overnight. The longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the more flavorful it will be.

3. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly, use an instant-read meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

4. Add Vegetables to Skewers: For added flavor and nutrition, consider adding bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to your skewers. Simply chop them into bite-sized pieces and alternate them with the chicken.

5. Experiment with Sauces: Feel free to get creative with different barbecue sauces or even make your own. Experiment with flavors like spicy, teriyaki, or even honey mustard.

Variations and Substitutions

• Healthier Swaps: If you want to cut down on sugar, replace honey with agave syrup or maple syrup. You can also use low-sugar barbecue sauce.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with large mushrooms, tofu, or tempeh for a vegetarian take. Just ensure they marinate properly to absorb the flavors.
• Add Herbs: Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can be added to the marinade for an extra layer of flavor.
• Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy heat, add some red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce to the marinade.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Storage: Leftover honey BBQ chicken skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you have raw chicken left over, it should be cooked and consumed within one day of marinating.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the skewers on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use a microwave, but this may result in slightly less crispy chicken.

FAQ

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used if you prefer. However, thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving, making them less likely to dry out during cooking.

2. How long can I marinate the chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for a minimum of 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, aim for 2-4 hours or even overnight in the refrigerator.

3. What type of barbecue sauce should I use?
Use any barbecue sauce that you enjoy! Whether it’s sweet, spicy, or smoky, choose one that matches your flavor preference.

4. Can I make this recipe in the oven?
Yes! Place the skewers on a baking sheet and cook in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through until the chicken is cooked through.

5. Are there any side dishes that pair well with these skewers?
These skewers pair well with a variety of sides, such as grilled corn, a fresh salad, or rice. You can also serve them alongside your favorite dipping sauces.

Nutrition Estimate

Each serving of Honey BBQ Chicken Skewers contains approximately 250 calories, with 20 grams of protein, 15 grams of carbohydrates, and 12 grams of fat. This makes them a tasty yet balanced choice for your next meal, providing necessary nutrients without compromising on flavor. Enjoy these savory skewers as part of your healthy eating plan!

Honey BBQ Chicken Skewers

Delicious skewers made with tender chicken thighs, sweet honey, and tangy barbecue sauce, perfect for summer barbecues or cozy dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, BBQ

Servings 4 servings

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup barbecue sauce Choose your favorite brand
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 8-10 pieces wooden or metal skewers Soak wooden skewers if using

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Cut the boneless chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together honey, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
• Add the cubed chicken to the marinade mixture, ensuring all pieces are fully coated. Cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (preferably 2-4 hours).
• If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 15-20 minutes.
• Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers.

Grilling

• Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
• Grill the skewers for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
• Let the skewers rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Consider adding bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to the skewers for added flavor and nutrition. Experimenting with different barbecue sauces can also enhance your dish.

Keyword BBQ Recipe, Chicken Skewers, Grilling, Honey BBQ Chicken, Summer Recipes