There’s nothing quite like biting into a juicy, tender chicken kabob infused with sweet and savory flavors. These Yummy Honey Chicken Kabobs are a summer grilling favorite, bursting with caramelized honey goodness and perfectly charred vegetables. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or looking for a fun dinner idea, these kabobs are sure to impress.
I first discovered this recipe while experimenting with marinades for chicken. The combination of honey, soy sauce, and a hint of garlic created a flavor profile that everyone at the table couldn’t stop raving about. Ready to bring this delicious dish to your grill? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love These Yummy Honey Chicken Kabobs
These kabobs are a guaranteed hit for so many reasons. Here’s what makes them special:
- Flavor-Packed Marinade: The honey, soy sauce, and garlic marinade strikes the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.
- Versatile and Customizable: Mix and match your favorite vegetables, or even add fruits like pineapple for a tropical twist.
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and a fast cook time on the grill, these kabobs are ideal for busy evenings or last-minute get-togethers.
- Healthy and Wholesome: Loaded with lean protein and colorful veggies, this dish is as nutritious as it is delicious.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These kabobs are always a hit at parties and potlucks, appealing to kids and adults alike.
Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make these kabobs so irresistible.
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of these kabobs lies in their simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe. They’re lean, cook quickly, and soak up the flavorful marinade beautifully. Chicken thighs are a great alternative for extra juiciness.
- Honey: The star ingredient of the marinade, honey adds natural sweetness and helps create a delicious caramelized crust on the grill.
- Soy Sauce: Adds a salty, umami punch that balances the sweetness of the honey. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce if preferred.
- Vegetables: Bell peppers, zucchini, red onions, and cherry tomatoes are classic kabob additions. Their natural sweetness complements the honey marinade perfectly.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds depth to the marinade, enhancing the savory notes.
- Oil: A little olive or vegetable oil helps the marinade coat the chicken evenly and prevents sticking on the grill.
- Wooden or Metal Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.
How to Make Yummy Honey Chicken Kabobs
Making these kabobs is as easy as marinade, assemble, and grill. Here’s the step-by-step process:
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and oil. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Reserve a small portion of the marinade for basting later.
- Marinate the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes and place them in a large resealable bag or bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the chicken marinates, chop your vegetables into uniform pieces. This ensures even cooking on the grill.
- Assemble the Kabobs: Thread the marinated chicken and vegetables onto skewers, alternating pieces for a colorful presentation. Leave a little space between each piece to allow for even grilling.
- Grill to Perfection: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Place the kabobs on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with the reserved marinade. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and have a lightly charred exterior.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for an extra pop of flavor.
Storage Options
Got leftovers? These kabobs store wonderfully, making them perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.
- Refrigerator: Store cooked kabobs in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Remove the chicken and vegetables from the skewers for easier storage.
- Freezer: Freeze uncooked, marinated chicken cubes for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before assembling the kabobs and grilling.
- Reheating Tips: Warm leftovers in the oven or on a stovetop skillet for best results. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the chicken.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is endlessly adaptable. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
- Add Pineapple: Thread chunks of pineapple between the chicken and veggies for a sweet, tropical twist.
- Swap the Protein: Try shrimp, beef, or even tofu as a substitute for chicken. Adjust the grilling time accordingly.
- Try Different Veggies: Mushrooms, asparagus, and eggplant are great alternatives to the classic kabob veggies.
- Make It Spicy: Add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the marinade for a kick of heat.
- Use a Different Sweetener: Maple syrup or brown sugar can replace honey if desired.
With these variations, you’ll have endless ways to enjoy this recipe!
Yummy Honey Chicken Kabobs are the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and smoky. Whether you’re grilling up dinner on a weeknight or impressing guests at a summer cookout, these kabobs are a guaranteed hit. Grab your skewers and fire up the grill—it’s time to make something unforgettable!
PrintYummy Honey Chicken Kabobs Recipe
This Yummy Honey Chicken Kabobs recipe features juicy chicken chunks marinated in a sweet and savory honey glaze, then grilled to perfection. These flavorful kabobs are easy to prepare and make a crowd-pleasing dish for barbecues, picnics, or weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ¼ cup honey
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 red bell pepper, cubed
- 1 green bell pepper, cubed
- 1 red onion, cubed
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, vegetable oil, garlic powder, black pepper, and parsley.
- Add chicken cubes to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for maximum flavor.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
- Thread chicken, bell peppers, and onion onto skewers, alternating for even distribution.
- Grill kabobs for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
- Brush reserved marinade over kabobs during grilling for extra flavor.
- Serve hot with rice, salad, or pita bread.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Customize by adding other vegetables like zucchini or cherry tomatoes.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 kabobs
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 650mg
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