If you're craving a bite of summer with a punch of sweet and savory, this Honey Garlic Chicken Kabobs Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender chicken cubes marinated in a luscious honey garlic sauce, grilled to perfection with colorful veggies—it's pure deliciousness on a skewer.

The dish is served on a white plate with a bed of fresh green lettuce leaves as the base layer. On top, there are grilled chunks of chicken with a brown, slightly charred surface, mixed with grilled vegetables including shiny red and yellow bell peppers and pieces of white onion with a light char. The pieces are uneven in size, giving a rustic look, and the colors stand out against the green lettuce and white plate. In the background, there is a second white plate with grilled skewers and fresh green parsley on a white marbled surface. A black fork lies on the front plate, and a pair of black chopsticks rests on the surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Honey Garlic Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Honey Garlic Chicken Kabobs Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I grilled these kabobs for a weekend cookout—everyone was raving about how juicy and flavorful the chicken was, and how the honey garlic marinade was just the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and garlicky goodness. Seriously, it’s one of those recipes that quickly becomes a household favorite.

Deliciously Balanced Flavor: The honey garlic marinade hits that perfect sweet and savory note you’ll crave again and again.
Simple Prep: Only a few straightforward ingredients and minimal hands-on time make it a breeze.
Vibrant Veggies: Onions and colorful bell peppers add freshness and a fun pop of color.
Perfect for Grilling: Great for summer barbecues or anytime you want that gorgeous charred flavor.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When shopping for this dish, look for fresh, firm chicken breasts and vibrant, crisp vegetables to get the best grilling results. The marinade ingredients are pantry staples but combine to create a flavor booster that's truly special.

Flat lay of fresh, uncooked boneless skinless chicken breast cubes, two large onions cut into thick chunks, four vibrant sweet bell peppers in red, yellow, green, and orange, small white ceramic bowls containing golden honey, dark soy sauce, minced garlic, light vegetable oil, and a small heap of ground black pepper, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: These cook quickly and stay juicy, making them ideal for kabobs.
Vegetable Oil: Helps distribute the marinade evenly and prevents sticking on the grill.
Honey: Adds a rich, natural sweetness and helps the chicken caramelize beautifully on the grill.
Soy Sauce: Brings in a touch of saltiness and deep umami flavor to balance the sweet honey.
Ground Black Pepper: Gives just the right bit of subtle heat without overpowering the dish.
Minced Garlic: Infuses the marinade with garlicky aroma and flavor that pairs perfectly with toasted chicken.
Large Onions: Provide sweetness and a bit of crunch, enhancing the kabob’s texture and taste.
Sweet Bell Peppers: Their bright colors make your kabobs visually inviting and add a fresh, juicy bite.
Skewers: Wooden or metal, these hold everything together on the grill—just soak wooden ones beforehand to avoid burning.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Honey Garlic Chicken Kabobs Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to switch up the veggies or tweak the marinade for your taste buds, these kabobs are incredibly versatile and always a crowd-pleaser.

Vegetable Variation: I love swapping in seasonal veggies like cherry tomatoes or zucchini for a fresher, garden-inspired twist. They add great color and extra flavor to the kabobs.
Oil Choice: If you prefer a healthier fat, try olive oil instead of vegetable oil—it gives a nice, rich undertone that pairs wonderfully with the honey and garlic.
Marinating Time: For a deeper, more intense flavor, I often marinate the chicken overnight. It really lets the sweet and savory notes soak in and makes the chicken incredibly tender.
Cooking Method: No grill? No problem! I’ve adapted this recipe for broiling in the oven—just keep an eye on the kabobs to prevent burning and you’ll still get charred, delicious chicken.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Honey Garlic Chicken Kabobs Recipe

The image shows a white plate filled with six grilled skewers, each layered with brown grilled chicken pieces, white onion rings, red and yellow bell pepper pieces in a repeating pattern. The chicken has a slightly charred texture with dark grill marks. The skewers rest on bright green parsley garnish placed around the edges of the plate. To the bottom left of the plate, there is a small clear bowl with golden honey and a wooden honey dipper, and a white cloth and garlic cloves are placed above the plate, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Whisk Together the Flavor-Packed Marinade

Start by combining your vegetable oil, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ground black pepper in a large bowl. Give it a good stir until everything is nicely blended. You’ll notice the glossy sheen from the honey and oil, and the sweet aroma of garlic will have your taste buds ready for what’s to come.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Tenderness

Add your cubed boneless skinless chicken breasts to the marinade, making sure every piece is fully coated and submerged. Cover the bowl and pop it into the fridge for at least two hours. I recommend longer if you have the time—the chicken soaks up all those sweet and savory flavors, making each bite juicy and flavorful.

Step 3: Preheat Your Grill and Prep the Skewers

When you're ready to cook, fire up the grill to a high heat setting. While it’s warming up, drain the chicken from the marinade and toss that liquid out. Thread the chicken cubes alternately with chunks of onion and bell pepper onto your skewers—this combo not only looks vibrant but adds great texture contrast once grilled.

Step 4: Oil the Grill Grate and Grill to Perfection

Lightly brush or spray the grill grate with oil to prevent sticking—this little step makes cleanup easier and keeps your kabobs intact. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is no longer pink inside and the juices run clear. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for perfect safety.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy the Sunshine

Once cooked, remove the kabobs from the grill and serve immediately. Whether you plate them straight from the skewers or slide the chicken and veggies onto a dish, these kabobs bring that wonderful balance of honey sweetness, garlicky zing, and smoky char to your summer table.

Top Tip

These little nuggets of wisdom can turn your Honey Garlic Chicken Kabobs Recipe from good to absolutely unforgettable. Trust me, a few simple tricks make all the difference in flavor, texture, and grilling success.

Marinate Overnight: I’ve found that letting the chicken soak in the honey garlic marinade overnight (or at least over 2 hours) really lets those flavors penetrate deeply, making every bite juicy and packed with sweet-savory goodness.
Soak Wooden Skewers: To avoid those annoying burnt sticks, always soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading your kabobs. It’s a simple step that saves a ruined dinner mood!
Oil the Grill Grate: Lightly brushing your grill grate with oil helps prevent sticking and keeps those beautiful grill marks intact—plus it makes flipping the kabobs a breeze.
Don’t Crowd the Skewers: Give a little space between chicken and veggies on the skewers. It ensures even cooking and helps the chicken get that perfect little char while veggies retain some bite.

How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Kabobs Recipe

The image shows four skewers inside a white baking dish with red handles, placed on a white marbled surface. Each skewer has layers of dark brown marinated meat, white onion pieces, and bright orange and red bell pepper slices. The ingredients are stacked in a repeating pattern, creating colorful, textured layers with the glossy marinade giving the meat a shiny look. The black metal skewers have looped handles resting at the bottom of the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love finishing these kabobs with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro to add a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma. A squeeze of lime or lemon juice right before serving also brightens up the sweet honey and garlic flavors beautifully. For a little extra zing, try some thinly sliced green onions or even a dash of red pepper flakes.

Side Dishes

Pair your kabobs with fluffy white or brown rice, a fresh cucumber salad, or grilled corn on the cob for a classic summer barbecue vibe. Roasted potatoes or a simple quinoa salad also work wonderfully to round out this meal. And don’t forget some chilled garlic butter bread or pita for mopping up any extra honey garlic sauce lingering on the plate!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover chicken kabobs in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days—perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners later in the week.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your kabobs, remove the chicken from the skewers and place the individual pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen chicken pieces marinated in the honey garlic sauce can last up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the kabobs gently on a grill or in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally to keep the chicken moist. You can also microwave leftovers, but be careful not to overcook—just heat until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully with this honey garlic marinade and tend to stay even juicier during grilling, but adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

How do I know when the kabobs are fully cooked?

Chicken is fully cooked when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear. Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to check doneness.

Can I make this recipe indoors without a grill?

Yes! You can broil the kabobs in your oven by placing them on a broiler pan about 4-6 inches from the heat source. Broil for 12 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally until cooked through.

Is it okay to reuse the marinade as a sauce?

Because the raw chicken was marinating in it, it’s important to boil the leftover marinade for several minutes before using it as a sauce to ensure it’s safe to consume.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Garlic Chicken Kabobs Recipe is one of those delightful meals that brings sunshine to your plate, no matter the weather. Sweet, savory, and packed with tender chicken and vibrant veggies, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whenever you fire up your grill. I hope these tips and ideas inspire you to get outdoors, gather some good company, and savor every juicy, flavorful bite together. Happy grilling!