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Flavorful Grilled Chicken Kabobs Recipe with Easy Sweet Honey Garlic Marinade

grilled chicken kabobs - featured image

These grilled chicken kabobs feature a sweet honey garlic marinade that creates a juicy, tender, and flavorful meal perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/4 cup (85 g) honey (raw or regular)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) low sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) smoked paprika (optional)
  • Wooden or metal skewers

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, ground black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using).
  2. Cut the chicken into even 1-inch cubes for uniform cooking.
  3. Toss the chicken cubes in the marinade, ensuring all pieces are coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2 hours.
  4. Soak bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning (skip if using metal skewers).
  5. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving space between pieces for even heat exposure. Optionally add vegetables like bell peppers or onions.
  6. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 205°C). For charcoal grills, wait until coals are covered with white ash.
  7. Grill the kabobs for 12-15 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes until caramelized and juices run clear. Optionally brush with extra marinade during the last 5 minutes.
  8. Check doneness: chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) or no pink inside with clear juices.
  9. Remove kabobs from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption. Avoid over-marinating beyond 8 hours to prevent mushy texture. Turn kabobs frequently for even cooking and prevent burning. For a gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Air fryer and oven adaptations are possible.

Nutrition

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