Juicy grilled chicken skewers glazed in a sweet and savory honey-garlic marinade, served with a rich and nutty sesame dipping sauce—this dish is one of my favorite ways to bring bold, Asian-inspired flavor to the grill. Whether I’m cooking outside or using a grill pan indoors, these skewers are fast, flavorful, and fun to serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe strikes the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky. The honey-garlic marinade infuses the chicken with bold flavor, while grilling gives it that irresistible char. Paired with a creamy sesame dip that’s both tangy and nutty, these skewers feel special enough for entertaining but simple enough for a weeknight dinner. Plus, I can customize it with veggies or spice depending on my mood.

ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb (≈ 450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1‑inch cubes
2 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten‑free)
1½ tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon sesame oil (for marinade)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 min before use)

For the Creamy Sesame Dip:

3 tablespoon tahini (sesame paste)
2 tablespoon mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for lighter option)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon water (adjust as needed for consistency)
½ teaspoon rice vinegar
½ teaspoon sesame oil
Pinch of garlic powder (or ½ clove minced garlic)
Optional: a dash of Sriracha or chili sauce for heat

directions

I start by whisking together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and sesame oil in a bowl. Then I season with a bit of salt and pepper.
I set aside 1–2 tablespoons of the marinade for basting during grilling, and pour the rest over the chicken cubes. I toss them well to coat and let them marinate in the fridge for at least 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
While the chicken is marinating, I prepare the sesame dipping sauce. I whisk tahini, mayo (or yogurt), soy sauce, honey, vinegar, sesame oil, garlic powder, and a splash of water until smooth. If I want some heat, I stir in a little Sriracha. Then I refrigerate the sauce until I’m ready to serve.
I preheat my grill, grill pan, or broiler to medium-high and lightly grease it.
I thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, spacing them out slightly so they cook evenly.
I grill the skewers for about 4–5 minutes on each side, brushing with the reserved marinade once or twice. I make sure the chicken is cooked through (165 °F / 74 °C) and nicely charred at the edges.
After grilling, I let the skewers rest briefly, then serve them warm with the creamy sesame dip on the side.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings, or around 8 skewers, depending on how large I make them.

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating time)

Variations

Sometimes I add veggies like bell peppers, red onion, or zucchini between the chicken pieces for extra flavor and color.
For a spicier twist, I stir chili garlic sauce or gochujang into the marinade.
I often swap out the mayo in the sesame dip for Greek yogurt when I want something a little lighter.
If I’m short on time, I skip the skewers entirely and grill the marinated chicken pieces directly on a grill pan.

storage/reheating

Leftover skewers and sauce keep well in the fridge for about 2–3 days. I store the chicken and dipping sauce separately in airtight containers. When reheating, I prefer using a skillet or the oven to keep the chicken juicy and give it a little crispness. I stir the dipping sauce before serving again, and if it thickens too much, I just add a splash of water to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Absolutely. I often prefer chicken thighs because they stay juicier on the grill and soak up more of the marinade's flavor.

Can I bake these skewers instead of grilling?

Yes, I’ve baked them at 425 °F (220 °C) for about 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They still come out flavorful, especially with a quick broil at the end.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

I use a meat thermometer and check that the thickest piece reaches 165 °F (74 °C). The edges should be nicely charred and the inside juicy.

Is the sesame dip kid-friendly?

Yes, especially if I skip the spicy ingredients. The creamy and slightly sweet flavor makes it a hit with kids.

Can I make this ahead of time?

I often marinate the chicken and mix the dip a few hours ahead, then just grill everything when I’m ready to serve. It makes weeknight dinners a breeze.

Conclusion

These honey-garlic chicken skewers are one of my go-to dishes when I want something fast, flavorful, and a little special. The combination of the sweet-savory glaze and the creamy sesame dip hits every note I’m craving. Whether I’m grilling for friends or just making a casual meal at home, this dish always disappears fast from the plate.