Juicy Honey Chicken Kabobs: The Sizzling Summer Recipe

Summer barbecues reach new heights with these mouthwatering honey chicken kabobs that promise pure deliciousness.

Succulent marinated chunks dance with sweet and tangy flavors, creating an irresistible meal everyone craves.

Weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings become extraordinary when these skewers hit the grill.

Tender chicken pieces glazed in golden honey create a perfect balance between caramelized edges and juicy interiors.

No complex techniques or expensive ingredients stand between you and this crowd-pleasing dish.

Simple marinades work magic, transforming ordinary protein into something spectacular and memorable.

Let’s fire up the grill and make magic happen – your taste buds will thank you!

FAQs

• How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but no more than 8 hours to prevent the meat from becoming too tough or breaking down from the acidic ingredients.

• Can I use different types of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken tenders instead of chicken breasts. Just ensure the pieces are cut into similar-sized chunks for even cooking.

• What vegetables work best for these kabobs?

Bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes are excellent choices. They grill well and complement the honey-soy marinade perfectly.

• Is it necessary to soak wooden skewers before grilling?

Absolutely. Soaking wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes prevents them from burning and potentially catching fire during grilling.

Honey Chicken Kabobs: What Makes Them Special

• Savor Sweet and Savory Flavors: These kabobs deliver an incredible taste combination of honey's natural sweetness and rich soy sauce, creating a mouthwatering experience that appeals to everyone's palate.
• Master Quick Meal Preparation: With simple marinating and grilling steps, home cooks can create restaurant-quality kabobs without complicated techniques, making this recipe perfect for both beginners and seasoned chefs.
• Customize Your Culinary Creation: Easily swap vegetables or adjust marinade ingredients to match personal preferences, allowing endless variations that keep the dish exciting and adaptable for different tastes and dietary needs.
• Perfect for Social Gatherings: Kabobs are fantastic for backyard barbecues, potlucks, and family dinners, providing a visually appealing and delicious option that encourages sharing and interactive dining experiences.

Ingredients in Honey Chicken Kabobs

• Chicken: Tender meat chunks that absorb the delicious marinade and provide the primary protein for the kabobs.

• Honey: Sweet natural sweetener that helps create a caramelized glaze on the chicken.
• Soy Sauce: Adds rich umami flavor and helps tenderize the meat.
• Vegetable Oil: Helps distribute the marinade and prevent sticking during grilling.
• Garlic: Provides a robust and aromatic flavor to the marinade.

• Wooden Skewers: Used to assemble and grill the kabobs, allowing easy handling and even cooking.
• Assorted Vegetables: Add color, nutrition, and complementary flavors to the kabobs.

How to Grill Honey Chicken Kabobs

Step 1: Whip Up the Tantalizing Marinade

In a spacious mixing bowl, energetically whisk together golden honey, rich soy sauce, silky vegetable oil, and finely minced garlic until the ingredients blend into a glossy, aromatic mixture.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Toss chicken chunks into the marinade, ensuring each piece is completely coated.

Cover the bowl and let the flavors mingle in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours, allowing the meat to absorb all the delicious goodness.

Step 3: Prepare Skewers

Submerge wooden skewers in cool water to prevent them from catching fire during grilling.

This simple trick ensures your kabobs cook perfectly without any charred mishaps.

Step 4: Build Colorful Kabobs

Carefully thread the marinated chicken pieces and a vibrant selection of vegetables onto the soaked skewers.

• Bell peppers
• Red onions
• Zucchini
• Cherry tomatoes

Step 5: Fire Up the Grill

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking. The grill should be hot and ready for your delectable kabobs.

Step 6: Grill to Perfection

Place the kabobs on the grill and cook for 10-15 minutes. Turn the skewers occasionally to ensure even cooking.

The chicken should be fully cooked with a beautiful golden-brown exterior, and the vegetables should be tender and slightly charred.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Transfer the sizzling kabobs to a serving platter.

Enjoy these mouthwatering honey chicken kabobs while they’re hot, accompanied by your favorite side dishes or a fresh salad.

Tips to Elevate Honey Chicken Kabobs Flavor

• Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning and ensure safe grilling without charring.
• Marinate chicken for maximum flavor by letting it sit in the honey-soy mixture for up to 8 hours, allowing deeper taste penetration.
• Choose vegetables with similar cooking times like bell peppers, zucchini, or onions to guarantee even grilling and perfect tenderness.
• Check chicken's internal temperature with a meat thermometer, ensuring it reaches 165°F for safe consumption and juicy results.
• Experiment with alternative protein options like tofu or shrimp for a versatile dish that caters to different dietary preferences.

Flavor Boosters to Try with Honey Chicken Kabobs

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe gluten-free while maintaining the same sweet and savory flavor profile.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the marinade for those who enjoy a zesty, hot flavor dimension.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Swap chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, using the same marinade and grilling technique for a plant-based protein option.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Skip honey and use a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit, and increase herbs like rosemary or thyme for enhanced taste without extra carbohydrates.

Side Pairings for Honey Chicken Kabobs

• Sweet Backyard Barbecue Feast: Arrange kabobs on a large wooden cutting board surrounded by fresh herb sprigs for a rustic, inviting presentation.
• Summer Party Platter: Create a colorful spread with multiple kabob varieties, adding grilled pineapple chunks and serving alongside coconut rice for tropical vibes.
• Family-Style Dinner Delight: Serve kabobs directly on skewers with small dipping bowls of extra honey glaze, allowing everyone to customize their meal and enjoy interactive dining.
• Quick Lunch Wrap Hack: Slide chicken and veggies off skewers into warm tortillas, adding a dollop of tzatziki or fresh yogurt sauce for a portable, delicious midday meal.

Best Storage Methods for Honey Chicken Kabobs

• Store leftover honey chicken kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
• Keep refrigerated kabobs fresh for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor and food safety.
• Separate chicken and vegetables before storing to maintain their individual textures.

Delicious Honey Chicken Kabobs Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Honey chicken kabobs bring Middle Eastern grilling magic to your summer table. Marinated chicken pieces caramelize beautifully with sweet honey glaze, creating succulent skewers you can enjoy alongside rice or fresh salad.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks

Sauce and Seasoning:

• 1/4 cup (59 ml) honey
• 1/3 cup (79 ml) soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Cooking Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (59 ml) vegetable oil
• Assorted vegetables (bell peppers, onions, mushrooms)
• Wooden or metal skewers

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft a luxurious marinade by blending honey, soy sauce, vegetable oil, and finely chopped garlic in a mixing vessel.
2. Immerse chicken pieces thoroughly in the marinade, ensuring complete coverage. Seal and refrigerate for 2-3 hours to enhance flavor penetration.
3. Prevent wooden skewers from charring by submerging them in cold water for at least 30 minutes before assembly.
4. Carefully thread marinated chicken chunks alternating with colorful vegetable pieces onto prepared skewers, creating visually appealing kabob arrangements.
5. Heat outdoor grill to 375-400°F, lightly brushing grates with oil to prevent sticking and promote beautiful grill marks.
6. Position kabobs on preheated grill, rotating every 3-4 minutes to ensure even cooking and achieve a caramelized exterior. Cook approximately 12-15 minutes until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F and vegetables develop a tender, slightly charred texture.
7. Transfer kabobs to serving platter, allowing minimal resting time to preserve heat and juiciness. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

• Prevent Skewer Burning by soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to stop them from charring or catching fire during cooking.
• Marinate Longer for Enhanced Flavor by letting chicken sit in the honey-soy mixture overnight in the refrigerator, which allows deeper seasoning and more tender meat.
• Create Dietary Variations by swapping chicken with tofu for vegetarians or using tamari instead of soy sauce for gluten-free diets, ensuring everyone can enjoy these delicious kabobs.
• Maximize Meat Tenderness through cutting chicken into uniform chunks, which helps ensure even cooking and prevents some pieces from becoming dry or undercooked.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 820 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg