Honey Garlic Asian Chicken Kabobs Recipe

Introduction

These Honey Garlic Asian Chicken Kabobs offer a delicious balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors that make for a perfect grilled meal. Tender chicken thighs are marinated in a flavorful sauce and grilled to juicy perfection. They’re easy to prepare and great for weeknight dinners or weekend cookouts.

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp oyster sauce
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 3 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp canola oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Green onions, sliced (optional)
• Toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine oyster sauce, ketchup, honey, chili garlic sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, grated ginger, and 2 tablespoons of water to make the marinade. Set aside one-third of this mixture for later use.
2. Step 2: Add the chicken pieces to the remaining marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight for best flavor.
3. Step 3: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, brush each with canola oil, and season with salt and pepper.
4. Step 4: Grill the kabobs for about 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
5. Step 5: Brush the reserved sauce over the chicken and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
6. Step 6: Remove from grill and garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• For easier grilling, soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading the chicken to prevent burning.
• Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but be careful not to overcook.
• Add chopped bell peppers or pineapple chunks between chicken pieces for extra flavor and texture.
• Adjust chili garlic sauce amount to control spiciness according to your taste.

Storage

Store any leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to keep the chicken moist. It’s best not to microwave directly to maintain texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken to ensure even marinating and cooking. Thaw frozen chicken completely before starting.

What can I serve with these kabobs?

They pair wonderfully with steamed rice, grilled vegetables, or a simple Asian-style slaw for a complete meal.

Honey Garlic Asian Chicken Kabobs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 93 reviews

These Honey Garlic Asian Chicken Kabobs feature tender, marinated chicken thighs grilled to perfection with a flavorful blend of oyster sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. The kabobs are brushed with a tangy, slightly spicy sauce and garnished with fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds, making them a delicious and easy dish perfect for grilling season or any casual meal.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes (including marinating time)
• Yield: 4 servings (approximately 4 skewers) 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

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Marinade

• 1/4 cup oyster sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1/4 cup water

Main Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons canola oil, for brushing
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Garnishes (optional)

• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine oyster sauce, ketchup, honey, chili garlic sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, and water. Stir well to create a smooth marinade. Reserve one-third of this mixture to use later as a basting sauce.
2. Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken thigh pieces in a large bowl or resealable bag and pour in the remaining two-thirds of the marinade. Mix thoroughly to coat all the chicken pieces. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate.
3. Prepare the skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers evenly, leaving a small space between pieces for even cooking. Brush the skewers lightly with canola oil and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
4. Grill the kabobs: Preheat the grill to medium heat. Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. Brush the chicken with the reserved marinade several times during grilling to build flavor and a glossy finish. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for fully cooked chicken.
5. Serve and garnish: Remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving for added flavor and texture.

Notes

• For best results, marinate the chicken overnight to maximize flavor absorption.
• If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
• You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast, but thighs tend to remain juicier on the grill.
• Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce according to your heat preference.
• Serve kabobs with steamed rice or a fresh cucumber salad for a complete meal.

Keywords: Honey Garlic Chicken Kabobs, Asian Chicken Kabobs, Grilled Chicken Skewers, Sweet and Spicy Chicken, Summer BBQ Recipes