Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce
The Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce are a delightful dish perfect for summer barbecues, family dinners, or even weeknight meals. These skewers feature tender chicken marinated in a flavorful honey garlic sauce that balances sweet and savory notes. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them solo, these skewers are sure to impress with their vibrant flavors and easy preparation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can have these skewers ready for grilling.
- Flavor Packed: The honey garlic sauce infuses the chicken with rich, mouth-watering flavors that everyone will love.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect for grilling outdoors or cooking in the oven, making it suitable for any occasion.
- Healthy Option: Made with lean chicken breasts and wholesome ingredients, this dish is a guilt-free delight.
- Family Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy these tasty skewers, making them a hit at the dinner table.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes preparing these skewers easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you need to get started.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Bamboo skewers
- Grill or oven
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Bamboo skewers: Soaking them prevents burning on the grill, ensuring your chicken cooks perfectly without sticking.
- Grill or oven: Both methods allow you to achieve deliciously cooked chicken while enhancing the smoky flavor.
- Small saucepan: Essential for making your honey garlic sauce, allowing you to control the heat and consistency easily.
Ingredients
This Honey Garlic Butter Sauce is the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors. Ideal for glazing chicken, drizzling over stir-fry, or dipping your favorite appetizers.
For the Chicken
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
For the Sauce
- 1/4 cup butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
How to Make Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce
Step 1: Preheat the Grill/Oven
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using an oven, set it to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Thread the chicken cubes onto the soaked bamboo skewers. Leave a small space between each cube for even cooking.
Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat:
1. Melt the butter.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
3. Whisk in the honey, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and brown sugar.
4. Bring this mixture to a simmer.
5. In a separate bowl, dissolve cornstarch in 60ml of water; stir into the sauce.
6. Continue cooking until thickened (about 2-3 minutes), then remove from heat.
Now you’re ready to grill those delicious Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce!
How to Serve Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce
These Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce are versatile and delicious. They make for a perfect centerpiece at any meal and can be paired with various sides to elevate your dining experience.
Fresh Garden Salad
- A light garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers pairs well, offering a refreshing crunch alongside the savory skewers.
Steamed Jasmine Rice
- Fluffy steamed jasmine rice is an excellent choice to soak up the sweet and tangy honey garlic sauce, enhancing the overall flavor of your meal.
Grilled Vegetables
- Seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus grilled alongside the chicken create a colorful and nutritious addition to your plate.
Asian-style Noodle Salad
- A cold noodle salad tossed with sesame oil, veggies, and a splash of soy sauce complements the flavors of the chicken while adding texture.
Sliced Avocado
- Creamy avocado slices provide a rich contrast to the sweetness of the honey garlic sauce, making each bite even more enjoyable.
Dipping Sauce on the Side
- Serve extra honey garlic sauce in a small bowl for dipping. This allows guests to enjoy more of that delicious flavor!
How to Perfect Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce
To achieve perfectly cooked chicken skewers, follow these tips for best results.
- Choose Quality Chicken: Using fresh boneless skinless chicken breasts ensures tenderness and juiciness in every bite.
- Soak Bamboo Skewers: Soaking bamboo skewers prevents them from burning on the grill, helping maintain their integrity during cooking.
- Even Cubes: Cut chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes for even cooking. This ensures that all pieces are done at the same time.
- Marinate for Flavor: If time allows, marinate your chicken in some of the honey garlic sauce for 30 minutes before grilling to enhance flavor depth.
- Monitor Grill Temperature: Keep your grill at medium-high heat; this helps achieve a nice char without drying out the chicken.
- Let Rest After Cooking: Allowing skewers to rest for a few minutes after grilling helps retain moisture before serving.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce
Pairing your skewers with complementary side dishes can enhance your meal’s overall appeal. Here are some great options:
- Coconut Rice: Creamy coconut rice adds a subtle sweetness that perfectly balances out the savory flavors of the chicken skewers.
- Stir-Fried Bok Choy: Quick stir-fried bok choy drizzled with soy sauce brings a vibrant green element to your plate while adding nutritional value.
- Edamame: Lightly salted edamame pods make for an easy finger food side that offers protein and fiber.
- Pickled Vegetables: A small serving of pickled vegetables provides acidity that cuts through richness and enhances flavors.
- Sesame-Seasoned Cucumber Salad: This refreshing salad adds crunch and is light enough not to overpower the skewers.
- Fried Rice: Serve fried rice as it complements Asian flavors well and makes for a hearty side dish option.
- Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup can be perfect as an appetizer or side, adding warmth and comfort with each spoonful.
- Garlic Breadsticks: For something different, try garlic breadsticks which offer a fun way to enjoy dipping in leftover sauce!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Grilling chicken skewers can be simple, but small mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.
- Skipping Soaking the Skewers: Not soaking bamboo skewers in water can cause them to burn on the grill. Soak them for at least 30 minutes to prevent this issue.
- Overcrowding the Skewers: Placing too many chicken pieces on a skewer can lead to uneven cooking. Leave space between each piece for proper heat circulation.
- Ignoring Marination Time: Rushing through marination will result in bland flavor. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes for maximum taste.
- Cooking Over High Heat: Cooking on excessively high heat may char the outside while leaving the inside undercooked. Aim for medium-high heat for even cooking.
- Not Checking Internal Temperature: Failing to check if the chicken is fully cooked can be risky. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Forgetting to Baste: Neglecting to baste with the honey garlic sauce can lead to dry skewers. Brush them several times during grilling for extra flavor and moisture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover skewers in an airtight container.
- Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce
- Wrap skewers tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Freeze them for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place skewers on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place skewers on a microwave-safe plate and cover. Heat in short intervals until hot, about 1-2 minutes total.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little oil. Cook skewers, turning occasionally, until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce.
How do I make the honey garlic sauce?
To make the honey garlic sauce, melt butter, sauté minced garlic, and whisk in honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Thicken with cornstarch mixed with water.
Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?
Yes! You can substitute shrimp or tofu for a different flavor profile while using the same marinade and cooking method.
What should I serve with Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce?
These skewers pair well with rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a refreshing salad.
How long does it take to prepare Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce?
The total time is about 40 minutes, which includes prep and cook time.
Final Thoughts
Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize these skewers by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the marinade’s sweetness level. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or gatherings—give it a try today!
Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the flavors of summer with these Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce. Perfect for barbecues, family dinners, or quick weeknight meals, this dish features tender chicken marinated in a delectable honey garlic sauce that perfectly balances sweet and savory notes. The skewers are not only simple to prepare but also versatile enough to be cooked on the grill or in the oven. Ideal for gatherings or solo dining, these skewers will leave everyone craving more with their vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes and thread onto soaked bamboo skewers, leaving space between pieces.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter, sauté garlic until fragrant, then add honey, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Bring to a simmer.
- Mix cornstarch with water and stir into the sauce; cook until thickened.
- Grill skewers for about 10-12 minutes, basting frequently with the honey garlic sauce until fully cooked.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers (170g)
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
