Spicy Honey Chicken Skewers: A Sweet and Fiery Feast

If you’re looking to spice up your dinner table or wow your guests at the next backyard BBQ, these Spicy Honey Chicken Skewers are the way to go. Picture this: tender, juicy chicken pieces perfectly seasoned, grilled or baked to golden perfection, and generously glazed with a mouthwatering hot honey sauce. This dish isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, family gathering, or a game-day feast, these skewers deliver bold flavor with a touch of sweetness and a kick of heat.

Why You Should Make This Dish

Spicy Honey Chicken Skewers are more than just a recipe; they’re a crowd-pleaser, a flavor-packed solution to boring meals, and a versatile dish that fits any occasion.

• Bursting with Flavor: The perfect balance of savory spices, sweet honey, and fiery chili.
• Easy to Make: With minimal prep and simple ingredients, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy dish in no time.
• Versatile Cooking Options: Air fry, grill, or bake these skewers depending on your setup and preferences.
• Perfect for Sharing: Whether you’re feeding a family of four or a party of 20, this recipe scales beautifully.
• Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the spice to suit your taste, from mild to knock-your-socks-off hot.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Spice Rub:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• Zest and juice of 1 lime

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup honey
• 5 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 red Thai chili, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Spicy Honey Chicken Skewers

1. Prep the Chicken

1. Cut chicken thighs into 2-inch pieces, ensuring they’re evenly sized for consistent cooking.
2. In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dry mustard, lime zest, and lime juice. Toss until the chicken is well-coated.
3. Thread the chicken onto skewers, folding any longer pieces in half. Pack the chicken tightly to keep it juicy during cooking.

2. Marinate the Chicken

Let the skewered chicken sit for at least 15 minutes. This allows the spices and lime to penetrate the meat for maximum flavor.

3. Prepare the Hot Honey Sauce

1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it turns golden brown.
2. Add the sliced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the soy sauce, red chili flakes, Thai chili, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour in the honey and let the sauce simmer gently for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

4. Cook the Chicken

Air Fryer Method:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
2. Arrange the skewers in the basket, ensuring they don’t overlap.
3. Air fry for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Baste the chicken with the hot honey sauce at the 7-minute mark and again at the end.

Oven Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with foil. Lightly grease it.
2. Arrange the skewers on the baking sheet.
3. Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.
4. During the last 5 minutes, brush the chicken with the hot honey sauce. Broil for 2-3 minutes to caramelize the glaze.

Grill Method:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Oil the grates to prevent sticking.
2. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally.
3. Baste with the hot honey sauce during the last few minutes of grilling for a sticky, flavorful finish.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the skewers hot, with the remaining hot honey sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with fresh herbs or lime wedges for an extra touch of freshness.

Expert Tips and Tricks

• Use Thighs Over Breasts: Chicken thighs stay juicier during cooking and are more forgiving if slightly overcooked.
• Soak Wooden Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
• Adjust the Heat: For a milder sauce, reduce the red chili flakes and omit the Thai chili. For extra heat, add a dash of cayenne or an extra chili.
• Baste for Flavor: Don’t skip basting the chicken with the hot honey sauce during cooking—it adds incredible caramelization and flavor.
• Prep Ahead: Marinate the chicken and prepare the sauce up to 24 hours in advance for convenience.

15 Variations

1. Pineapple Chicken Skewers: Add pineapple chunks between chicken pieces for a sweet and tangy twist.
2. Cajun-Style Skewers: Swap the spice rub for a Cajun seasoning blend.
3. Asian-Inspired: Add a splash of sesame oil and ginger to the marinade.
4. Lemon Herb: Replace lime with lemon and add fresh rosemary or thyme.
5. Teriyaki Glaze: Use teriyaki sauce in place of honey.
6. Extra Smoky: Add a dash of liquid smoke to the marinade.
7. Peanut Sauce Glaze: Serve with a side of creamy peanut dipping sauce.
8. Bacon-Wrapped: Wrap each chicken piece in bacon before threading onto skewers.
9. Vegetable Add-Ons: Alternate chicken with bell peppers, onions, or zucchini.
10. Sweet Chili Sauce: Replace honey with sweet chili sauce for a unique flavor.
11. Jamaican Jerk: Use jerk seasoning in place of the spice rub.
12. Greek-Inspired: Add oregano, garlic, and a splash of olive oil. Serve with tzatziki.
13. Hawaiian BBQ: Mix barbecue sauce with honey and soy for the glaze.
14. Chipotle Honey: Use chipotle powder in the spice rub for a smoky kick.
15. Herb Butter: Add fresh parsley, cilantro, or dill to the hot honey sauce.

What to Serve with Spicy Honey Chicken Skewers

Pair these skewers with any of these delicious sides:

1. Garlic Herb Rice
2. Classic Coleslaw
3. Creamy Potato Salad
4. Grilled Corn on the Cob
5. Sweet Potato Fries
6. Mac and Cheese
7. Mixed Green Salad
8. Garlic Butter Naan
9. Quinoa Salad
10. Roasted Vegetables
11. Pickled Cucumber Salad
12. Baked Beans
13. Loaded Mashed Potatoes
14. Spicy Mango Salsa
15. Warm Dinner Rolls

Storage Tips

• Refrigerator: Store leftover skewers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
• Freezer: Remove chicken from skewers and freeze in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat Carefully: To maintain juiciness, reheat at a low temperature and avoid overcooking.

How Much to Make for Family Gatherings

For a family gathering, plan for 2-3 skewers per person, depending on the size of the pieces and other dishes being served. For larger groups, double or triple the recipe as needed.

How Far in Advance Can I Make These Skewers?

• Marinate Ahead: Prep and marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance.
• Cook Ahead: Cooked skewers can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 day and reheated before serving.

Spicy Honey Chicken Skewers: A Sweet and Fiery Feast

Author: Aaron Brown Cuisine:American Courses:Appetizers

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 20 minutesCook time: 20 minutesRest time: 5 minutesTotal time: 45 minutesServings:4 servingsCalories: kcal Best Season:Available

Ingredients

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• Zest and juice of 1 lime
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup honey
• 5 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 red Thai chili, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Cut chicken thighs into 2-inch pieces, ensuring they’re evenly sized for consistent cooking. In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dry mustard, lime zest, and lime juice. Toss until the chicken is well-coated. Thread the chicken onto skewers, folding any longer pieces in half. Pack the chicken tightly to keep it juicy during cooking.
2. Let the skewered chicken sit for at least 15 minutes. This allows the spices and lime to penetrate the meat for maximum flavor.
3. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it turns golden brown.
   Add the sliced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the soy sauce, red chili flakes, Thai chili, salt, and pepper. Pour in the honey and let the sauce simmer gently for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Air Fryer Method:
   Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
   Arrange the skewers in the basket, ensuring they don’t overlap.
   Air fry for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Baste the chicken with the hot honey sauce at the 7-minute mark and again at the end.
5. Oven Method:
   Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with foil. Lightly grease it.
   Arrange the skewers on the baking sheet.
   Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.
   During the last 5 minutes, brush the chicken with the hot honey sauce. Broil for 2-3 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
6. Grill Method:
   Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Oil the grates to prevent sticking.
   Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally.
   Baste with the hot honey sauce during the last few minutes of grilling for a sticky, flavorful finish.
7. Serve the skewers hot, with the remaining hot honey sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with fresh herbs or lime wedges for an extra touch of freshness.

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