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Best Grilled Honey BBQ Chicken Skewers

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These sticky, sweet, and tangy grilled chicken skewers are made with a honey BBQ glaze that caramelizes perfectly on the grill. Juicy chicken thighs are marinated in a simple blend of honey, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce, then grilled to perfection for a crowd-pleasing meal ready in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 6–8 thighs)
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/3 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons honey (extra for brushing)
  • Wooden or metal skewers
  • Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, sesame seeds, or sliced green onions

Instructions

  1. Prep the chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into 1.5-inch chunks. Pat them dry with paper towels.
  2. Make the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup honey, 1/3 cup BBQ sauce, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
  3. Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken chunks to the bowl and toss until coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
  4. Soak the skewers (if using wooden ones): Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes.
  5. Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400-450°F). Clean the grates and lightly oil them.
  6. Thread the skewers: Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
  7. Grill the skewers: Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until cooked through (about 10-12 minutes total).
  8. Glaze during the last 2 minutes: During the final 2 minutes of grilling, brush the skewers with the extra 2 tablespoons of honey.
  9. Check for doneness: Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature (165°F). Pull off at 160°F and let rest.
  10. Rest and serve: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish if desired and serve warm.

Notes

For best results, use chicken thighs instead of breasts—they stay juicier on the grill. Don’t marinate longer than 2 hours or the honey can break down the chicken’s texture. If using wooden skewers, soak them for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Let the chicken come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before grilling for even cooking.

Nutrition

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Find it online: https://rowanrecipes.com/best-grilled-honey-bbq-chicken-skewers/