The scent of smoky barbecue wafting through the air, the sound of sizzling chicken, and the anticipation of that first juicy bite—nothing says summer quite like Honey BBQ Grilled Chicken Skewers. These skewers bring together the perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors, making them a must-have for any grilling occasion. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a weekend cookout or craving a simple yet delicious dinner, this recipe delivers big on taste with minimal effort.
I remember the first time I made Honey BBQ Chicken Skewers for my family’s backyard get-together. It was one of those long summer evenings, with kids running around, music playing, and the grill as the centerpiece of our gathering. As the skewers charred to perfection, their glaze caramelizing beautifully over the open flame, everyone kept sneaking bites straight from the platter. The mix of smoky chicken, the sticky honey BBQ glaze, and the slight crunch of grilled vegetables made it an instant crowd favorite. Ever since, these skewers have been a staple at every barbecue we host.
Why You’ll Love These Honey BBQ Grilled Chicken Skewers
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.
- Perfectly Juicy Chicken: A well-balanced marinade ensures moist and flavorful bites every time.
- Sweet and Smoky BBQ Flavor: The combination of honey and BBQ sauce creates a mouthwatering glaze.
- Versatile and Customizable: You can mix in your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level to your liking.
- Great for Any Occasion: Ideal for summer BBQs, family dinners, or meal prep.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Best Honey BBQ Grilled Chicken Skewers
First: Preparing Your Honey BBQ Chicken Skewers
Before you start grilling, gather the following ingredients and tools:
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch chunks)
- ¾ cup paleo-friendly BBQ sauce (unsweetened or date-sweetened)
- 3 tablespoons raw honey, melted
- 2 tablespoons coconut aminos
- 1 tablespoon stone-ground mustard
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 large red bell pepper (cut into 1-inch chunks)
- 1 yellow onion (cut into 1-inch squares)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Tools Needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cup
- Cutting board
- Grill (gas or charcoal)
- Basting brush
Second: Marinating the Honey BBQ Chicken Skewers
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, BBQ sauce, honey, coconut aminos, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Reserve ½ cup of the marinade and set it aside in the fridge for later use.
- Add the chicken chunks to the remaining marinade and toss to coat evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight for the best flavor.
Third: Assembling the Best Honey BBQ Chicken Skewers
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 10 minutes to prevent burning.
- Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, alternating with bell peppers and onions.
- Leave a small gap between each piece to ensure even cooking.
Fourth: Grilling Honey BBQ Chicken Skewers to Perfection
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F – 400°F).
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes.
- In the last few minutes, baste the skewers with the reserved marinade.
- Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for Making the Best Honey BBQ Chicken Skewers
- Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness. While chicken breasts work great, thighs tend to stay moister.
- Marinate overnight for maximum flavor. The longer the chicken marinates, the better it absorbs the flavors.
- Keep veggies slightly smaller than chicken chunks. This ensures the chicken has full contact with the grill for an even sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers. Leaving space between pieces helps them cook evenly.
- Baste towards the end. Applying BBQ sauce too early can cause burning.
Additionally, if you’re looking for a great side dish to pair with these skewers, check out this Crockpot Beef and Noodles Recipe for a comforting and hearty complement.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing Honey BBQ Grilled Chicken Skewers
1. Skipping the Marinade
Marinating is essential to infuse the chicken with flavor and keep it moist. Skipping this step can result in bland, dry skewers.
2. Overcrowding the Grill
Placing too many skewers on the grill at once can lead to uneven cooking. Leave some space to allow for proper heat circulation.
3. Cooking on Too High Heat
High heat can burn the BBQ sauce before the chicken cooks through. Stick to medium-high heat for the perfect balance.
4. Not Prepping Skewers Properly
If using wooden skewers, always soak them in water to prevent burning.
For another delicious grilled recipe, you might also enjoy Philly Cheesesteak Pizza, which brings a unique twist to traditional flavors.
Conclusion
Honey BBQ Grilled Chicken Skewers are a flavorful, easy-to-make dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re grilling for a backyard BBQ or meal prepping for the week, these skewers are sure to impress. With a perfectly balanced marinade, juicy chicken, and a smoky-sweet glaze, this recipe is a must-try!
Give it a go and let us know how it turns out! If you loved this recipe, share it with friends and drop a comment below with your favorite grilling tips. Happy grilling!
PrintHoney BBQ Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe
Smoky, sweet, and irresistibly juicy, these Honey BBQ Grilled Chicken Skewers are perfect for summer cookouts or a quick and delicious dinner. The combination of tender chicken, honey BBQ sauce, and perfectly charred vegetables makes this dish a must-try!
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Marinating Time: 2 hrs
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
- Yield: 4-6
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Marinade & Sauce:
- ¾ cup paleo-friendly BBQ sauce (unsweetened or date-sweetened)
- 3 tablespoons raw honey, melted
- 2 tablespoons coconut aminos
- 1 tablespoon stone-ground mustard
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Skewers:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 yellow onion, cut into 1-inch squares
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
First: Prepare the Marinade
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, BBQ sauce, honey, coconut aminos, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Reserve ½ cup of the marinade and set it aside in the refrigerator for later use.
- Add the chicken chunks to the remaining marinade, tossing to coat evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
Second: Assemble the Skewers
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 10 minutes to prevent burning.
- Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, alternating with bell peppers and onions.
- Leave a small gap between each piece to ensure even cooking.
Third: Grill the Skewers
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (375°F – 400°F).
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes.
- In the last few minutes, baste the skewers with the reserved marinade.
- Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra juiciness, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- For a smoky flavor, add a dash of smoked paprika to the marinade.
- To bake instead of grill, place skewers on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Pair these skewers with Crockpot Beef and Noodles or Philly Cheesesteak Pizza for a delicious BBQ spread!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-6
- Calories: ~256 kcal
- Sugar: ~21g
- Sodium: ~932mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: ~1g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~4g
- Trans Fat: ~0g
- Carbohydrates: ~26g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Protein: ~25g
- Cholesterol: ~73mg
Keywords: BBQ Chicken Skewers, Honey BBQ Chicken, Grilled Chicken Skewers, BBQ Chicken Kabobs, Summer BBQ Recipes