There's nothing quite like the sweet, smoky aroma of Honey Chicken Kabobs sizzling on the grill. Juicy chunks of chicken, caramelized edges glistening with a sticky honey glaze, make this dish a surefire crowd-pleaser. Perfect for warm summer nights or any time you're craving a fun, flavorful dinner, these kabobs are as easy to make as they are delicious.
I first tried this recipe during a spontaneous family barbecue, and it became an instant favorite. Since then, we've enjoyed these kabobs at countless gatherings, where they're always the first dish to disappear from the table. Let's dive into the details so you can wow your own family and friends with this irresistible dish!
Why You'll Love This Yummy Honey Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Get ready to discover your new favorite grilling recipe. These Honey Chicken Kabobs are the ideal blend of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors.
First, you’ll love how simple they are to prepare. With a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have dinner on the table in no time, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining.
The flavors are out of this world. A marinade of honey, soy sauce, and fresh garlic ensures that every bite is full of mouthwatering flavor. As the kabobs grill, the honey caramelizes, creating a golden, sticky coating that’s truly irresistible.
Plus, they're super versatile. You can easily customize these kabobs with your favorite vegetables, making them a wholesome, colorful meal that kids and adults alike will enjoy.
And finally, cleanup is a breeze. Since everything cooks together on skewers, you'll have fewer dishes to wash, letting you enjoy more time with your family.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of these Honey Chicken Kabobs lies in the careful combination of simple, everyday ingredients. Let’s break down each one and understand why it’s essential for creating the perfect kabobs.
The chicken is the star of the show. I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for the juiciest results. Chicken thighs, in particular, stay moist and tender, even if they get a little extra char on the grill.
Next up, we have honey, which adds a natural sweetness to the marinade. As the kabobs cook, the honey caramelizes beautifully, giving the chicken a golden-brown, sticky glaze that’s finger-licking good.
Soy sauce is crucial for balancing the sweetness of the honey. It infuses the chicken with a rich, savory flavor and adds just the right amount of saltiness to enhance all the other ingredients.
For a kick of freshness, we use freshly minced garlic. Its bold, aromatic flavor cuts through the richness of the honey and soy sauce, adding depth to the marinade. If you’re a big garlic fan, feel free to add an extra clove!
Don’t forget about the vegetables. Bell peppers, red onions, and zucchini are classic kabob choices. Their natural sweetness and slight crunch perfectly complement the tender chicken. Feel free to mix and match based on what you have at home!
You’ll also need a few wooden or metal skewers for threading the kabobs. If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
How To Make These Yummy Honey Chicken Kabobs

Creating these flavorful Honey Chicken Kabobs is simpler than you might think. Just follow these easy steps for a perfect result every time.
Start by preparing the marinade. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and a splash of vegetable oil. This simple yet flavorful mixture will work its magic on the chicken, making it juicy and flavorful.
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, about 1 to 1.5 inches each. This size ensures even cooking on the grill. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss well to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight if you have time. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will become.
While the chicken is marinating, chop your vegetables into similarly sized pieces. This will help everything cook evenly on the skewers. If you’re using bell peppers, onions, and zucchini, aim for about 1-inch chunks.
When you're ready to assemble, thread the chicken and vegetables onto skewers, alternating between pieces of chicken, bell pepper, onion, and zucchini. This pattern ensures that each kabob is colorful and full of different textures.
Heat your grill to medium-high. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking, then place the kabobs on the grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char. The honey in the marinade will caramelize, creating those gorgeous, sticky grill marks.
Total cooking time should be around 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your chicken pieces. Be sure to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe eating.
Storage Options
If you have leftover kabobs (lucky you!), storing them properly will keep them fresh for the next day. Remove the chicken and vegetables from the skewers and place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay good in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked kabobs. Simply remove them from the skewers and store in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm in the oven or on the stovetop until heated through.
Reheating is easy. Pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also warm them on the stovetop with a bit of oil, or use the microwave if you’re short on time. Just be sure to reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are some fun ways to switch things up and keep your kabobs exciting.
For a different protein, try using shrimp or turkey. Both are excellent alternatives and will absorb the flavors of the marinade beautifully. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as shrimp cooks much faster than chicken.
Want to make these kabobs even more vibrant? Add some pineapple chunks to the skewers. The pineapple’s natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the honey marinade and caramelizes deliciously on the grill.
If you're looking to cut back on sugar, use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the honey slightly. The kabobs will still have plenty of flavor, just with less sweetness.
For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade. The heat will balance out the honey’s sweetness, creating a sweet-and-spicy flavor profile.
Feel free to get creative with your veggies! Cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or even small pieces of corn on the cob work wonderfully on these kabobs. Just make sure everything is cut to a similar size for even grilling.
Don't be afraid to experiment. The beauty of these kabobs is that they’re endlessly customizable, so have fun mixing and matching different ingredients to find your perfect combination!
PrintYummy Honey Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Enjoy these flavorful Honey Chicken Kabobs, marinated in a delightful blend of honey, soy sauce, and garlic, perfect for grilling. These kabobs are juicy, easy to make, and loaded with flavor, making them a crowd-pleasing favorite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- ¼ cup honey
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
- Assorted vegetables (bell peppers, onions, mushrooms)
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, vegetable oil, and minced garlic.
- Add the chicken chunks to the marinade, coating them well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Soak wooden skewers in water if using, to prevent burning.
- Thread the marinated chicken and assorted vegetables onto the skewers.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
- Grill the kabobs for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and vegetables are tender.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For more flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- You can customize the veggies based on your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 kabob
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
Leave a Reply