Name: Honey Garlic Asian Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into 1½-inch cubes); 1 red bell pepper (cut into chunks); 1 yellow bell pepper (cut into chunks); 1 red onion (cut into chunks); 1 zucchini (sliced); wooden or metal skewers; ¼ cup soy sauce; 3 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)

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If you’re in search of a vibrant, crowd-pleasing main dish that bursts with sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness, look no further than Honey Garlic Asian Chicken Kabobs. Imagine juicy, marinated chicken mingling on a skewer with colorful vegetables, all glazed in a sticky honey garlic sauce and seared to irresistible perfection. This recipe is one of those rare finds that effortlessly straddles the line between weeknight simplicity and showstopping flair, making it an absolute go-to for backyard BBQs, family dinners, or anytime you want to wow your taste buds.

Honey Garlic Asian Chicken Kabobs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these kabobs is how everyday ingredients transform into something unforgettable. You’ll notice every component here plays a unique, important role, coming together for a symphony of flavors and textures.

Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Choose whichever you prefer; thighs provide extra juiciness, while breasts stay lean and tender when marinated properly.
Red and Yellow Bell Pepper: These beauties add color, crunch, and a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory chicken.
Red Onion: Essential for a bit of sharpness and sweetness once grilled, balancing the richness of the sauce.
Zucchini: It soaks up the flavorful marinade and adds a fresh, vibrant bite to each skewer.
Wooden or Metal Skewers: Use metal for ease, or wooden skewers soaked in water to prevent burning on the grill.
Soy Sauce: This is your umami bomb, providing a savory backbone to the honey garlic marinade.
Honey: Gives the marinade its signature sweetness and stickiness, perfect for that gorgeous char.
Rice Vinegar: Adds a gentle tang that keeps everything bright and lively on the palate.
Sesame Oil: Just a splash brings irresistible depth and a nutty aroma.
Fresh Garlic: Four cloves for a bold garlicky punch — don’t skimp!
Fresh Ginger: Grated ginger lends warmth and complexity to the marinade.
Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For those who like a little heat, add a pinch — it really wakes up the flavors.
Green Onions: Don’t forget these for garnish; they add a pop of freshness right at the end.

How to Make Honey Garlic Asian Chicken Kabobs

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, and red pepper flakes if you’re into a bit of spice. This punchy marinade is what sets Honey Garlic Asian Chicken Kabobs apart, infusing every bite with layers of flavor. Make sure everything is well combined and super fragrant before moving on.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add your chicken cubes to the bowl and toss to fully coat every piece. Don’t rush this step; give the chicken at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, in the fridge to soak up all the marinade’s goodness. The longer you marinate, the more flavorful and juicy your kabobs will be.

Step 3: Prep the Skewers and Veggies

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes so they don’t char on the grill. Meanwhile, chop your bell peppers, onion, and zucchini into hearty chunks. This isn’t just for looks — similar sizes help everything grill evenly.

Step 4: Assemble the Kabobs

Thread the marinated chicken onto your skewers, alternating with pieces of bell pepper, onion, and zucchini. Get creative with your pattern for maximum color appeal. Be sure to discard any leftover marinade for food safety.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Place the skewers on and grill for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning every few minutes. You want light char marks and for the chicken to be cooked through and juicy — don’t overdo it! The vegetables should be slightly tender but still crisp.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

As soon as they’re off the grill, sprinkle chopped green onions generously over the finished skewers. This simple touch brings freshness and a burst of color to your Honey Garlic Asian Chicken Kabobs recipe.

How to Serve Honey Garlic Asian Chicken Kabobs

Garnishes

An extra sprinkle of green onions or even toasted sesame seeds can take these kabobs to new heights. A squeeze of lime or a drizzle of reserved marinade (brought to a boil for safety, of course) is a zesty finishing flourish. Garnishing isn’t just pretty — it truly elevates the flavor and presentation.

Side Dishes

Honey Garlic Asian Chicken Kabobs pair beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, fluffy white or brown rice, or even stir-fried noodles. If you’re feeling fancy, a crisp Asian slaw adds a satisfying crunch and contrast, or try pineapple fried rice for a sweet-savory spin. The options are endless and customizable to your mood.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the kabobs right off the grill on a large platter for a family-style meal, or thread mini skewers for party appetizers. For a light summer dinner, pile the kabobs onto a big salad or serve over lettuce wraps with extra fresh herbs. You can even prep a kabob bar with assorted veggies and sauces for guests to build their own creations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Honey Garlic Asian Chicken Kabobs will keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Remove the skewers for easier packing and reheat only what you plan to eat for best texture and juiciness.

Freezing

If you want to freeze extra kabobs, I recommend doing so before grilling. Thread the marinated raw chicken and veggies onto skewers, lay them on a parchment-lined tray, and freeze until solid. Then, transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling fresh. Cooked kabobs can also be frozen, but the veggies may soften a bit when reheated.

Reheating

To reheat Honey Garlic Asian Chicken Kabobs, place them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also rewarm them briefly on the grill or in a grill pan to revive some of that signature char and smokiness. For microwave reheating, cover the kabobs with a damp paper towel and heat in short bursts to avoid drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for these kabobs?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and full of flavor, making them a fantastic choice for Honey Garlic Asian Chicken Kabobs. Just cut them into similar-sized cubes for even cooking.

Is it okay to broil these kabobs if I don’t have a grill?

Yes! Simply arrange the skewers on a broiler-safe pan and broil them, turning once, until cooked through and lightly charred. It’s a great alternative, especially in colder months or if you lack outdoor space.

What vegetables can I substitute or add?

Feel free to get creative — mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or even pineapple chunks can complement the flavors perfectly. Just be sure to cut all veggies to similar sizes for consistent cooking.

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Definitely. The marinade for Honey Garlic Asian Chicken Kabobs can be mixed up to 2 days in advance and kept in the fridge. This is a great time-saver for busy days or meal prep.

How can I keep the chicken from sticking to the grill?

Make sure the grill grates are clean and well-oiled before adding the skewers. Also, let the chicken develop a good sear before turning — it should release easily when ready to flip.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably fun and festive about grilling up Honey Garlic Asian Chicken Kabobs, and the amazing flavor payoff is totally worth the minimal effort. If you’re craving a dish that’s vibrant, easy, and sure to impress, don’t hesitate to whip up a batch and make your next meal a little more special.

Honey Garlic Asian Chicken Kabobs Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 27 minutes (plus marinating time)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Honey Garlic Asian Chicken Kabobs are a delicious and flavorful dish perfect for summer grilling. Tender chicken marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, threaded onto skewers with colorful vegetables, and grilled to perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

For the marinade:

1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into 1½-inch cubes)
1 red bell pepper (cut into chunks)
1 yellow bell pepper (cut into chunks)
1 red onion (cut into chunks)
1 zucchini (sliced)
wooden or metal skewers

For the marinade:

¼ cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)

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Instructions

Marinate the chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes if using. Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, toss to coat, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours).
Prepare the skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, alternating with bell peppers, onion, and zucchini. Discard excess marinade.
Grill the kabobs: Grill the kabobs for 10–12 minutes, turning every few minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred. Remove from grill and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.