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Quick & Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers (Grill or Air Fryer)

Close-up of perfectly glazed and slightly charred chicken skewers topped with sesame seeds and green onions.

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Create impressive, flavor-packed chicken skewers for your next weeknight dinner or barbecue. This simple honey garlic marinade delivers juicy, caramelized results whether you grill them or cook them in the air fryer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Wooden or metal skewers (soak wooden ones in water for 30 minutes)
  • Fresh scallions, sliced, for garnish
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes to create the marinade.
  2. Place the cubed chicken into a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, reserving the other half for basting and serving.
  3. Seal the bag or cover the dish and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. Do not marinate longer than 4 hours due to the acid in the vinegar.
  4. If using wooden skewers, remove them from the water. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
  5. Prepare your cooking surface: For grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. For the air fryer, preheat to 380°F (195°C).
  6. Cook the chicken skewers: Place the skewers on the preheated grill grates or in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  7. Grill for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, basting with the reserved marinade during the last few minutes of cooking. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  8. Remove the chicken skewers from the heat. Let them rest for 5 minutes.
  9. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh sliced scallions and sesame seeds. You can warm the remaining reserved marinade slightly to use as a dipping sauce.

Notes

  • For the best results when grilling, ensure your grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
  • If you prefer a thicker glaze, simmer the reserved marinade in a small saucepan over medium heat until it reduces by about one-third. This makes a great finishing sauce.
  • These easy chicken skewers pair well with steamed rice or a simple green salad for a complete weeknight dinner.

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