If you’re searching for the perfect recipe to liven up your next cookout, Honey Garlic Asian Chicken Kabobs will have everyone swooning with each bite. Juicy chicken, colorful vegetables, and a boldly sweet-savory marinade come together in these irresistible grilled skewers. Whether you serve them at a backyard party or for a weeknight dinner, this dish is a flavor-packed crowd-pleaser that always disappears fast. The sticky, garlicky glaze and vibrant veggies make every mouthful a delight, and you’ll love just how simple it is to bring fantastic Asian-inspired flair to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of fresh and pantry staples come together to create the magic of Honey Garlic Asian Chicken Kabobs. Every ingredient plays a role in building layers of flavor, adding crunch, or lending beautiful color to the final skewers.
- Chicken: Use boneless, skinless breasts or thighs cut into 1.5-inch cubes for juicy, tender bites that soak up the marinade beautifully.
- Red bell pepper: Bright and sweet, these add a pop of color and a juicy crunch that’s unbeatable on the grill.
- Yellow bell pepper: Offers another splash of sunshine and a gentle, mellow sweetness that complements the glaze.
- Red onion: Adds vibrant color and subtle, caramelized flavor when grilled until just-tender.
- Zucchini: Thick slices hold up perfectly on the grill, adding moisture and a mild, earthy note to each bite.
- Green onions: Chopped and sprinkled on top for a fresh, finishing touch with gentle bite and color.
- Sesame seeds: A tiny but mighty garnish, lending nutty flavor and eye-catching contrast.
- Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water to prevent burning, or use metal for ultimate grill convenience.
- Soy sauce (low-sodium): The backbone of a deeply savory marinade that ties all the flavors together.
- Honey: Balances the savory elements with a lovely natural sweetness that caramelizes on the grill.
- Rice vinegar: Cuts richness and brightens up the whole dish with a touch of tanginess.
- Sesame oil: Just a little goes a long way to add classic Asian nuttiness and shine.
- Garlic: Minced fresh for bold, aromatic flavor in every bite.
- Ginger: Grated fresh ginger brings warmth and an unmistakable zing to the marinade.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a spicy kick to their kabobs.
- Salt and pepper: Season the marinade to taste, amping up all the savory notes.
How to Make Honey Garlic Asian Chicken Kabobs
Step 1: Whip Up the Marinade
Grab a medium mixing bowl and vigorously whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, pepper flakes (if using), and a bit of salt and pepper. This is where the magic of Honey Garlic Asian Chicken Kabobs begins, as these flavors meld to create a sweet, tangy, and savory sauce that will leave your kitchen smelling irresistible.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken cubes in a large zip-top bag or a glass bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, then toss (or massage, if using a bag) to ensure every morsel gets coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour — the longer, the more flavor the chicken absorbs. If you can plan ahead, overnight marinating means even deeper flavor!
Step 3: Skewer the Chicken and Veggies
Once marinated, thread the chicken pieces onto your skewers, alternating with chunks of red and yellow bell pepper, nuggets of red onion, and thick slices of zucchini. This method ensures every kabob is colorful, balanced, and packed with different flavors in each bite. (For wooden skewers, remember to soak them to prevent charring!)
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill to medium-high. Pop the skewers directly on the grates and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning every few minutes so all sides get beautiful grill marks and the chicken cooks through. You’ll know they’re ready when the chicken is firm and slightly charred on the edges, and the veggies look tender and bright.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the kabobs to a platter and rest for a few minutes to keep them juicy. Then, sprinkle generously with chopped green onions and a scattering of sesame seeds. The final look and flavor will have everyone ready to dive in!
How to Serve Honey Garlic Asian Chicken Kabobs
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the finishing touches! A shower of green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds adds crunch, vivid color, and depth to every bite of Honey Garlic Asian Chicken Kabobs. You can also drizzle any extra juices from the resting plate right over the top for added flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair your kabobs with hot steamed rice to soak up the tasty juices, toss some noodles in sesame oil for a heartier meal, or keep it crisp and cool with a cucumber salad. These sides let the sweet and savory kabobs shine while making your meal feel complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress a crowd, arrange the kabobs on a wooden board nestled on a bed of greens, or serve in individual portions over rice bowls. You can even turn your Honey Garlic Asian Chicken Kabobs into a DIY “kabob bar” — let guests customize their own skewers with assorted veggies and garnishes before grilling!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftover kabobs in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavor will deepen as they sit, making for delicious lunches or quick dinners the next day.
Freezing
If you want to make Honey Garlic Asian Chicken Kabobs ahead of time, freeze the uncooked, marinated chicken pieces (without the veggies) in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, skewer with fresh veggies, and grill as usual!
Reheating
For best results, reheat kabobs on a preheated grill or in a hot oven (about 350°F) until warmed through. Microwaving works in a pinch, though the veggies may soften a bit. Brush with a little extra marinade or drizzle a touch of soy sauce and honey for revived flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are wonderfully juicy and flavorful, and they work beautifully for Honey Garlic Asian Chicken Kabobs. Just trim excess fat and cut them into similar-sized pieces for even grilling.
Can I bake these kabobs if I don’t have a grill?
Definitely! Arrange the skewers on a lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll still get great caramelization and tenderness, minus the grill.
What other vegetables can I use?
These kabobs are super versatile. Try mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, small eggplant slices, or even pineapple chunks for a fun, tropical twist with your Honey Garlic Asian Chicken Kabobs.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
A minimum of 1 hour will work, but if you have the time, up to overnight marinating makes the flavors even more pronounced. Just be sure not to exceed 24 hours, or the texture can get mushy.
Are these kabobs gluten-free?
They can be! Simply swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, and you have a dish that’s safe for gluten-sensitive guests to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to wow your friends and family with a dish that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious, give Honey Garlic Asian Chicken Kabobs a try. The combination of sticky-savory glaze, juicy chicken, and colorful veggies always makes for happy plates and full hearts. Make it your own and enjoy every bite!
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Honey Garlic Asian Chicken Kabobs Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes (plus marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Honey Garlic Asian Chicken Kabobs are the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. Tender chicken marinated in a soy-honey mixture, skewered with colorful veggies, and grilled to perfection. Serve these kabobs with steamed rice or a fresh salad for a delicious Asian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Kabobs:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into 1.5-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 thick)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)
- sesame seeds (for garnish)
- skewers (soaked in water if wooden)
Marinade:
- ⅓ cup soy sauce (low-sodium)
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: Whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate Chicken: Coat chicken cubes with marinade in a bag or bowl. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Grill Kabobs: Thread chicken pieces onto skewers with veggies. Grill for 10–12 minutes until cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.
Notes
- Pair with steamed rice, noodles, or cucumber salad.
- Can also bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
