Sweet, savory, and perfectly grilled, Yummy Honey Chicken Kabobs are the ultimate summertime dish. Tender chunks of chicken are marinated in a flavorful honey-soy glaze, then skewered with vibrant veggies for a meal that’s as colorful as it is delicious.
I stumbled upon this recipe when searching for a crowd-pleasing barbecue idea, and it quickly became a family favorite. Not only are these kabobs incredibly tasty, but they’re also simple to prepare and perfect for sharing. Let’s fire up the grill and get started!
Why You'll Love These Yummy Honey Chicken Kabobs
These kabobs aren’t just delicious; they’re a must-try for your next cookout. Here’s why you’ll love them:
First, the flavor is unbeatable. A marinade of honey, soy sauce, and garlic creates a mouthwatering balance of sweet and savory that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
Second, they’re customizable. Add your favorite vegetables, swap out the chicken for shrimp, or adjust the sweetness to suit your taste – the options are endless.
Next, they’re healthy and wholesome. Packed with lean protein and fresh veggies, these kabobs are a nutritious choice for any meal.
Finally, they’re fun to eat! Serve them right off the skewer for a mess-free meal that’s perfect for outdoor dining.
Ingredients Notes
The key to these kabobs lies in the simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. Cut them into even, bite-sized chunks for quick, uniform cooking.
- Honey: This natural sweetener adds a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory soy sauce.
- Soy Sauce: Use regular or low-sodium soy sauce as the base of the marinade. It brings a salty depth of flavor.
- Garlic and Ginger: Freshly minced garlic and ginger elevate the marinade with warm, aromatic notes.
- Vegetables: Bell peppers, red onions, and zucchini are my go-to choices for kabobs. They grill beautifully and complement the chicken.
- Olive Oil: Helps the marinade coat the chicken and keeps the veggies from sticking to the grill.
- Lemon Juice: A splash of citrus brightens the marinade and tenderizes the chicken.
Special Equipment
You’ll need skewers for this recipe. Wooden skewers work great, but be sure to soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. If you have metal skewers, they’re a reusable and fire-safe option.
How to Make Yummy Honey Chicken Kabobs
Creating these kabobs is a breeze. Here’s how to make them step by step.
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, whisk together ¼ cup of honey, ⅓ cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of grated ginger, and the juice of half a lemon. Reserve a small portion of the marinade for basting later.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized cubes and place them in a large resealable bag or bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Prep the Veggies
While the chicken marinates, chop your bell peppers, red onions, and zucchini into similar-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking on the skewers.
Step 4: Assemble the Kabobs
Thread the marinated chicken and veggies onto the skewers, alternating for a colorful presentation. Brush the skewers lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the kabobs on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally. Brush with the reserved marinade during the last few minutes for extra flavor. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Serve hot with a side of rice, a crisp salad, or fresh pita bread.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers (though they rarely last!), here’s how to store them:
- Refrigeration: Place leftover kabobs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Remove the chicken and veggies from the skewers and freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm the kabobs in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Variations and Substitutions
These kabobs are incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to make them your own:
- Swap the Protein: Use shrimp, beef cubes, or tofu instead of chicken. Adjust the grilling time accordingly.
- Add Pineapple: Thread chunks of pineapple onto the skewers for a sweet, tropical twist.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and double up on veggies like mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and squash.
- Herbaceous Twist: Toss the veggies with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme before grilling.
These Yummy Honey Chicken Kabobs are guaranteed to be a hit at your next barbecue or family dinner. With their sweet-and-savory marinade and colorful presentation, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious. Give them a try – your grill (and your guests) will thank you!
PrintYummy Honey Chicken Kabobs Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Yummy Honey Chicken Kabobs recipe combines marinated chicken chunks and fresh vegetables on skewers, grilled to juicy perfection. The honey-based marinade delivers the perfect balance of sweetness and tang, making it ideal for summer BBQs, parties, or an easy weeknight dinner. Serve with rice, salad, or pita bread for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ⅓ cup honey
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 red onion, cut into chunks
- 1 zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, vegetable oil, minced garlic, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
- Prepare the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Assemble the Kabobs: Thread the marinated chicken, bell peppers, onion, and zucchini onto skewers, alternating between chicken and veggies.
- Grill the Kabobs: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Grill the kabobs for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
- Serve: Serve the kabobs hot, garnished with chopped parsley or sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute veggies like mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or pineapple for added flavor.
- To bake instead of grilling, cook the kabobs on a baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, turning once.
- Pair with rice pilaf, quinoa, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 2 hours to marinate)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 kabobs
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 780mg
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