Yummy Honey Chicken Kabobs Recipe

Juicy Honey Chicken Kabobs Recipe: Backyard Grilling Magic

Crafting delectable honey chicken kabobs transports you to a world of vibrant flavors and easy cooking.

Succulent pieces of marinated chicken gleam with a golden, sweet glaze that promises mouth-watering excitement.

Summer gatherings become extraordinary when these skewers hit the grill.

Marinades infused with honey create a perfect balance between sweet and savory elements.

Each bite delivers a blend of caramelized edges and tender meat that sparks conversation.

Simple ingredients come together to make an impressive dish that looks complex but requires minimal effort.

We bet you’ll want to add this recipe to your weekend cooking lineup.

Prepare to impress everyone at your next backyard barbecue with these irresistible kabobs.

Honey Chicken Kabobs Crowd-Pleasers

  • Boost Nutrition Instantly: Transform a simple vegetable into a delectable side dish packed with vitamins, minerals, and powerful flavor that makes healthy eating exciting.
  • Minimal Prep Magic: Requires just a few basic ingredients and simple steps, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want maximum taste with minimal effort.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Veggie Makeover: Elevates boring broccoli into a crispy, cheesy delight that even picky eaters will love, turning a potentially rejected vegetable into a plate-clearing sensation.
  • Versatile Kitchen Companion: Complements numerous main dishes from grilled chicken to baked fish, works as a standalone snack, and adapts easily to different meal styles and dietary preferences.

Ingredients for Honey Chicken Kabobs

For the Main Protein:
  • Chicken Cubes: Tender pieces of chicken that absorb the delicious marinade and create a juicy kabob base.
For the Marinade:
  • Honey: Sweet ingredient that caramelizes and adds a golden glaze to the chicken.
  • Soy Sauce: Provides a savory and umami flavor to enhance the overall taste.
  • Vegetable Oil: Helps distribute the marinade evenly and prevents sticking during grilling.
  • Garlic: Adds a robust and aromatic flavor to the chicken.
  • Black Pepper: Offers a subtle heat and enhances the overall seasoning.
For the Kabob Vegetables:
  • Bell Peppers, Onions: Colorful vegetables that add freshness, crunch, and complement the chicken's flavor while providing additional nutrition.

How to Cook Honey Chicken Kabobs

Step 1: Whip Up Zesty Marinade

In a mixing bowl, blend honey, soy sauce, vegetable oil, minced garlic, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined. The mixture will create a tangy and sweet coating for the chicken.

Step 2: Bathe Chicken in Flavor

Submerge chicken cubes completely in the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, or ideally overnight, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.

Step 3: Prepare Grill for Cooking

Heat outdoor grill to medium temperature. Lightly brush grill grates with oil to prevent sticking and create beautiful grill marks.

Step 4: Assemble Colorful Skewers

Gather ingredients for skewering:
  • Marinated chicken cubes
  • Red bell peppers
  • Yellow bell peppers
  • White onions

Carefully thread ingredients onto metal or soaked wooden skewers, alternating between chicken and vegetables for visual appeal and balanced flavor.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Place skewers on heated grill.

Cook for 12-15 minutes, rotating every 3-4 minutes to ensure even cooking. Chicken should develop a golden-brown exterior and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Transfer kabobs to a serving platter. Allow to rest for 2-3 minutes.

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions if desired. Enjoy immediately while hot and juicy.

Tips for Honey Chicken Kabobs Mastery

  • Enhance flavor by allowing chicken to marinate overnight for deeper taste absorption.
  • Choose fresh, firm bell peppers and sweet onions for maximum crunch and texture.
  • Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning and potential fire hazards.
  • Watch chicken carefully while grilling to avoid overcooking; internal temperature should reach 165°F for safe consumption.
  • Experiment with additional marinade ingredients like ginger or red pepper flakes for extra zesty flavor profile.

Flavorful Variations for Honey Chicken Kabobs

  • Spicy Honey Chicken Kabobs: Add red chili flakes or sriracha sauce to the marinade for a fiery kick that transforms the sweet and savory profile.
  • Mediterranean Herb Kabobs: Mix in dried oregano, rosemary, and thyme with the marinade to create a Mediterranean-inspired flavor that complements the chicken.
  • Citrus Zest Kabobs: Incorporate fresh lemon or orange zest into the marinade for a bright, tangy dimension that enhances the honey's sweetness.
  • Teriyaki Fusion Kabobs: Replace soy sauce with teriyaki sauce and add ginger for an Asian-inspired variation that brings depth to the original recipe.

Serving Suggestions for Honey Chicken Kabobs

  • Backyard BBQ Feast: Pair these honey chicken kabobs with grilled corn on the cob and a fresh summer salad for a complete outdoor dining experience.
  • Dinner Party Elegance: Serve the kabobs over a bed of fragrant jasmine rice, garnished with chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for an impressive presentation.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Pack the cooled kabobs in meal prep containers with quinoa and roasted vegetables for a delicious and convenient lunch option that stays fresh and flavorful.
  • Game Day Appetizer Twist: Cut the kabobs into bite-sized pieces, serve with a zesty dipping sauce, and watch them disappear quickly at your next gathering or sports watch party.

Storage Tips for Honey Chicken Kabobs

  • Store marinated chicken kabobs in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep sealed tightly to prevent cross-contamination and maintain freshness.
  • Wrap uncooked kabobs individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before grilling.
  • Place leftover grilled kabobs in sealed containers. Refrigerate and consume within 3-4 days. Reheat gently in microwave or oven to prevent drying out.
  • Never reuse marinade that has touched raw chicken. Discard immediately to prevent bacterial growth and potential foodborne illness.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of meat for these kabobs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with beef, shrimp, or tofu for variety while keeping the same marinade.

  • Is it necessary to marinate the chicken for a long time?

Marinating for at least 2 hours helps the meat absorb flavor, but overnight is best for maximum taste and tenderness.

  • What if I don't have a grill?

You can cook these kabobs in a preheated oven at 425°F or use a grill pan on the stovetop for similar results.

  • How do I prevent the wooden skewers from burning?

Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading the ingredients to prevent them from catching fire during grilling.

Print
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Yummy Honey Chicken Kabobs Recipe

Yummy Honey Chicken Kabobs Recipe


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4.7 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Honey chicken kabobs blend succulent grilled chicken with a sweet and tangy marinade from Middle Eastern cuisine. Skewered ingredients and caramelized glaze create a delightful meal you’ll savor with family and friends.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless), cut into cubes
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
  • 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
  • 1 onion, cut into chunks
  • Skewers

Instructions

  1. Combine honey, soy sauce, vegetable oil, minced garlic, and freshly ground black pepper in a mixing bowl, whisking until the marinade is well-blended.
  2. Submerge chicken cubes completely in the marinade, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours or preferably overnight to maximize flavor absorption.
  3. Prepare outdoor grill or grill pan at medium heat (around 375°F). Lightly brush grates with oil to prevent sticking.
  4. Carefully slide marinated chicken chunks alternately with colorful bell pepper pieces and sliced onions onto metal or soaked wooden skewers, leaving small spaces between ingredients for even cooking.
  5. Position kabobs on preheated grill, rotating every 4-5 minutes to achieve uniform charring and ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  6. Remove kabobs from heat when chicken appears golden brown and vegetables are slightly caramelized, indicating complete cooking.
  7. Allow kabobs to rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to help juices redistribute, ensuring tender and succulent meat.
  8. Plate immediately while warm and garnish with optional fresh herbs or additional drizzle of honey for enhanced presentation.

Notes

  • Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor infusion, allowing the honey and soy sauce to penetrate every fiber.
  • Use wooden skewers soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling, ensuring even cooking and preventing charred edges.
  • For gluten-free adaptation, swap traditional soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, maintaining the rich umami profile while accommodating dietary restrictions.
  • Customize vegetable combinations based on seasonal availability or personal preference, experimenting with zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for added texture and nutrition.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 255 kcal
  • Sugar: 11 g
  • Sodium: 530 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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