These hot honey chicken skewers are perfect for summer grilling! Packed full of sweet and spicy flavor you’re going to love this simple chicken thigh recipe.
Are you a huge fan of grilling?
For me, in the summer it’s all about the grill!
In fact, if I had my way I would happily grill every. single. meal.
These hot honey chicken skewers are the perfect meal for summer. It’s the perfect mix of sweet and spicy and cooks up in a breeze!
I have always loved kebobs (have you tried my Pineapple Chicken Kebabs or my Grilled Sweet and Sour Turkey Kebabs) and this version might just be my new favorite recipe!
Make sure to read the full post for tips and tricks or frequently asked questions.
Craving more sweet and savory chicken? Try this honey garlic chicken, Honey Spiced Glazed Chicken, or my Slow Cooker Honey Sriracha Pulled Chicken.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for hoy honey chicken skewers
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs – This is my go-to for chicken skewers or kebobs. It cooks up easily and is perfect for the grill.
- Honey – I used clover honey that I bought at a local farmers’ market. I recommend mild-flavored honey so it doesn’t overpower the chicken.
- Avocado oil – This oil is great for grilling as it has a high smoke point.
- Soy sauce – I like low sodium soy sauce because it gives you the soy flavor without all the sodium.
- Lime juice – Use fresh if you have it!
- Garlic – I think 3 cloves is a great balance but feel free to use more if you love garlic.
- Cornstarch – This helps thicken the sauce so it glazes the chicken nicely.
- Sriracha – This adds spice to the chicken skewers.
- Ginger – I like to use fresh ginger that I grate on a Microplane.
- Cilantro – This brings a nice bright flavor to the chicken after grilling.
The best skewers to use
There are 2 choices when making grilled skewers or kebobs – wooden skewers or metal skewers!
If you opt to use wooden skewers you will want to soak them in water before grilling. This helps them not burn or catch fire quickly.
This is a use it once and done option.
My favorite option is using metal skewers.
They hold up really well and can be reused hundreds of times.
Choosing the right honey
There are lots of different types of honey you can find in the store so don’t fret if it feels overwhelming to pick out the perfect honey.
You want to pick mild sweet honey for a recipe like this. Wildflower and clover honey are both easy to find in the store and perfect for this recipe.
Stay away from anything too dark like buckwheat honey. It will be too strong and overpowering for this recipe.
The best chicken to use
I used boneless skinless chicken thighs for this recipe because they grill up super juicy and are very forgiving if you happen to over-grill.
However, if you’re looking to use boneless skinless chicken breast that will work well too!
You’ll want to make sure to not over-grill the breast meat though. It can get dried out very quickly.
Substitutions and adaptations
This recipe is so delicious as written but here are a few fun substations and ways to adapt:
- Change up the meat – this recipe works well with chicken breast, pork, or even beef.
- Use store-bought hot honey – you can easily buy hot honey in the store and use that instead of making your own hot honey out of sriracha and honey.
- Add more spices – feel free to add in even more flavors like grated lemongrass, chili garlic sauce, or even gochujang for added heat.
Storage and leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and eat within 3 days.
I reheat in the microwave for ease.
More chicken thigh recipes
- Love the combination of cilantro and lime? Try my Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs.
- Craving spicy and fruity? Try my Chili Mango Lime Grilled Chicken Thighs.
- Want one of the best grilled chicken recipes? Try my Sweet Soy Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs.
- Need more chicken with honey recipes? Try my Honey Spiced Glazed Chicken.
Hot Honey Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
- 2-1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 6 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil
- 4 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha
- 1 tablespoon fresh minced ginger
- 1-1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons fresh minced cilantro
Instructions
- Cut the chicken thighs into bite-size pieces and place them into a large mixing bowl.
- In a small bowl, combine honey, avocado oil, soy sauce, lime juice, sriracha, ginger, paprika, kosher salt, and cornstarch.
- Whisk to combine and pour over half the sauce over the chicken. The remainder of the sauce will be used to glaze the skewers while grilling.
- Toss the chicken to coat in the marinade.
- Let the chicken marinate for 45 minutes.
- Thread a piece of chicken onto a skewer and repeat until you have finished using all of the chicken.
- Discard any remaining sauce from the chicken marinade.
- Meanwhile, preheat your grill on medium heat.
- Grease the grill with a bit of oil using a paper towel or brush.
- Place the skewers on the grill and turn at least 3 times, each time basting the chicken with the remaining half of the unused sauce until fully cooked. This will take about 15 minutes.
- Transfer skewers to a serving dish.
- Optionally, glaze one last time with any leftover sauce and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
Nutrition
Natalie
Tuesday 21st of June 2022
Wow, that sounds so delicious. Perfect Summer bbq dinner. I love added paprika and Sriracha. Yum, can't wait to make this.