Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce
Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce are a delightful dish that’s perfect for summer barbecues, family dinners, or even casual gatherings with friends. The marinated chicken skewers are infused with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce that elevates their flavor. This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it suitable for cooks of all skill levels.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With a prep time of just 20 minutes, these skewers are perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: The combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates a mouthwatering glaze that complements the chicken beautifully.
- Versatile: Enjoy these skewers as a main dish, in salads, or as an appetizer during parties.
- Healthy Option: Made with lean chicken breast and fresh ingredients, these skewers are a nutritious choice for any meal.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Their irresistible taste makes them a favorite among both kids and adults alike.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience seamless, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill or oven
- Bamboo skewers
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill or oven: Provides even cooking and adds that delicious grilled flavor.
- Bamboo skewers: Allow for easy handling and serving of the chicken pieces.
- Small saucepan: Ideal for making the honey garlic sauce without making a mess.
Ingredients
This Honey Garlic Butter Sauce is the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors. It’s ideal for glazing chicken, drizzling over stir-fry, or dipping your favorite appetizers.
For the Chicken Skewers
- 1 pound boneless (skinless chicken breasts), cut into 1-inch cubes
- Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
For the Honey Garlic 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, or if using an oven, set it to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready when you are.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Thread the chicken cubes onto the soaked bamboo skewers. Make sure to leave a small space between each cube to ensure 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. Dissolve cornstarch in 60ml of water and stir into the sauce.
6. Continue cooking until thickened (about 2-3 minutes).
7. Remove from heat.
Now you have everything ready to create 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 can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a casual family meal, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.
On a Bed of Rice
- Serve the skewers over steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the delicious honey garlic sauce.
With Fresh Vegetables
- Pair the skewers with a platter of fresh veggies like cucumber, bell peppers, and carrots for a refreshing crunch.
In Lettuce Wraps
- Use crisp lettuce leaves as wraps filled with chicken skewers and a drizzle of extra honey garlic sauce for a fun, low-carb option.
As Part of a Salad
- Slice the grilled chicken and toss it in a mixed greens salad with sesame dressing for a light yet filling meal.
With Noodles
- Serve alongside stir-fried noodles tossed in soy sauce and vegetables for a complete Asian-inspired feast.
How to Perfect Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce
To achieve perfectly grilled chicken skewers, follow these handy tips. Each one will help you make the most out of your grilling experience.
- Choose the Right Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking and tenderness.
- Marinate for Flavor: Consider marinating the chicken in the honey garlic sauce for at least 30 minutes before grilling to enhance flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd Skewers: Leave space between chicken pieces on the skewers to ensure even cooking and prevent steaming.
- Monitor Grill Temperature: Keep your grill at medium-high heat to achieve that perfect char on the skewers without drying them out.
- Baste While Grilling: Brush extra honey garlic sauce onto the skewers while they cook for added moisture and flavor.
- Let Rest Before Serving: Allow the skewers to rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps retain juices inside the meat.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce
These grilled chicken skewers pair beautifully with various side dishes. Here’s a list of some ideal accompaniments that complement their flavors perfectly.
-
Steamed Broccoli
A nutritious side that adds color and pairs well with Asian flavors. -
Fried Rice
A classic choice; use leftover rice tossed with peas, carrots, and soy sauce for quick prep. -
Sweet Potato Fries
The sweetness balances the savory flavors of the chicken, making them an excellent side option. -
Asian Slaw
A crunchy slaw made from cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing provides texture and freshness. -
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Brush corn with butter before grilling; its sweetness complements the chicken nicely. -
Cucumber Salad
Lightly pickled cucumbers add refreshing acidity that cuts through the richness of the skewers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce turn out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes.
- Skipping the Marinade: Failing to marinate the chicken can leave it bland. Allow at least 30 minutes for the flavors to infuse.
- Not Soaking Skewers: Using dry bamboo skewers can lead to burning. Always soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
- Overcrowding the Skewers: Stuffing too many chicken pieces onto each skewer can prevent even cooking. Leave space between each piece for better heat circulation.
- Ignoring Temperature: Cooking on too high heat can char the outside while leaving the inside undercooked. Use medium-high heat to achieve a perfect grill.
- Underestimating Sauce Thickness: If your sauce is too thin, it won’t cling well to the chicken. Ensure you allow it to thicken sufficiently before applying.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce
- Place cooled skewers in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
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: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
- Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a little oil and warm skewers for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce.
Can I use other proteins?
Yes! You can substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu for different flavors and textures.
How do I customize the honey garlic sauce?
Feel free to add spices like chili flakes or ginger for extra kick. You can also adjust sweetness by varying honey levels.
What should I serve with my skewers?
These skewers pair beautifully with rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and grill them right before serving.
Final Thoughts
Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them based on your preferences, making them suitable for any occasion. Whether it’s a family dinner or a summer barbecue, these skewers are sure to please. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the wonderful flavors!
Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce are a tantalizing dish that brings together the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. Perfect for summer barbecues or casual family dinners, these skewers feature boneless chicken marinated in a delectable honey garlic sauce that enhances their taste.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Bamboo skewers, soaked in water
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Thread chicken cubes onto soaked bamboo skewers, leaving space between each piece.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Stir in honey, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and brown sugar; bring to a simmer.
- Dissolve cornstarch in water, add to the sauce, and cook until thickened.
- Grill chicken skewers for about 10-12 minutes, basting occasionally with the honey garlic sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers (170g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
