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Flavorful Star-Spangled BBQ Chicken Skewers Easy Honey Glaze Recipe

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These BBQ chicken skewers feature a sticky-sweet honey glaze with smoky char and a subtle hint of spice, perfect for quick, crowd-pleasing summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks (use thighs for extra juiciness)
  • Wooden or metal skewers (soaked if wooden to prevent burning)
  • ⅓ cup pure honey (raw or wildflower honey preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Salt, to taste
  • Optional garnishes: chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, fresh lemon wedges

Instructions

  1. Cut the chicken breasts into roughly 1-inch chunks and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Let sit for about 5 minutes.
  3. Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving space between each chunk.
  4. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (375°F to 400°F). If using charcoal, wait until coals are covered with white ash.
  5. Place skewers on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once or twice.
  6. Brush the honey glaze generously on the chicken during the last 5 minutes of cooking, turning to coat all sides. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  7. Check that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and juices run clear.
  8. Remove skewers from grill and let rest for 5 minutes.
  9. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

Soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Apply glaze during the last 5 minutes of cooking to avoid burning the sugars. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Add vegetables like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for color and freshness, adjusting cooking time accordingly. For a spicy variation, add chipotle chili powder to the glaze.

Nutrition

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