Let me tell you, honey BBQ chicken kabobs are a total game changer! They’re bursting with flavor and are incredibly easy to whip up, making them my go-to dish for summer grilling. I remember the first time I made these kabobs; I was having friends over for a barbecue, and the sweet, tangy aroma wafted through the air as they grilled. Everyone was raving about them, and I couldn’t have been happier! The combination of honey and barbecue sauce creates this perfect glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. Plus, they’re versatile enough to pair with all sorts of sides. Trust me, once you try making these honey BBQ chicken kabobs, they’ll become a staple in your grilling repertoire!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound chicken breast, cubed into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup honey, for that perfect sweetness
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce, your favorite brand works wonders
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, to help the marinade stick
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder, for a hint of savory goodness
- 1 teaspoon onion powder, to enhance the flavor
- Salt and pepper to taste, don’t be shy!
- Skewers, either wooden or metal—just make sure they’re ready to hold all that deliciousness!
How to Prepare Honey BBQ Chicken Kabobs
Making honey BBQ chicken kabobs is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a fantastic meal on the grill in no time. Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 204°C). This helps to get those delicious grill marks and ensures your kabobs cook evenly. If you’re using a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are hot and glowing before you start grilling!
Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, combine the honey, barbecue sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and well blended. This marinade is what gives your chicken that irresistible flavor, so don’t skip this step!
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Now, add your cubed chicken breast to the marinade. Make sure each piece is well coated; I like to use my hands (clean, of course!) to mix it all together. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to soak in and makes the chicken super juicy and tasty!
Step 4: Assemble the Kabobs
Once your chicken is marinated, it’s time to thread it onto the skewers. If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure they’ve been soaked in water for about 30 minutes to prevent them from burning. Thread the chicken cubes onto each skewer, leaving a little space between pieces to allow for even cooking.
Step 5: Grill the Kabobs
Place your skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken is no longer pink in the center and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Keep an eye on them; you want that perfect char without overcooking!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once your kabobs are grilled to perfection, take them off the grill and let them rest for a minute. Serve them hot and pair with your favorite sides, like grilled veggies or a fresh salad. Enjoy every delicious bite of your homemade honey BBQ chicken kabobs!
Tips for Success with Honey BBQ Chicken Kabobs
To really elevate your honey BBQ chicken kabobs, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t forget to soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This little step prevents them from burning up and helps keep your kabobs intact. Also, feel free to get creative—add colorful vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or even cherry tomatoes to your skewers for extra flavor and nutrition! You can also adjust the sweetness of the marinade by adding more or less honey, depending on your taste. Lastly, if you’re feeling adventurous, try marinating the chicken overnight for an even deeper flavor. Trust me, these small tweaks can make a big difference!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. The following information is a general guide based on the recipe provided:
- Serving Size: 1 kabob
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 25g
This information can help you keep track of your meal prep and enjoy your honey BBQ chicken kabobs guilt-free! Happy grilling!
FAQ Section
Can I use other meats for kabobs?
Absolutely! While I love using chicken for these honey BBQ kabobs, you can easily swap it out for other meats like beef, shrimp, or even pork. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly. For instance, shrimp cooks much faster, so keep an eye on those little guys to avoid overcooking!
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The best way to check if your chicken is cooked through is by using a meat thermometer. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have one, look for visual cues: the chicken should be no longer pink in the center and the juices should run clear. Trust me, it’s so worth it to get that perfectly cooked chicken!
Can I make these kabobs in the oven?
Yes, you can totally bake these kabobs if grilling isn’t an option! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through. Just keep an eye on them and adjust the time as needed. You’ll still end up with delicious honey BBQ flavor, I promise!
What sides pair well with honey BBQ chicken kabobs?
When it comes to sides, the possibilities are endless! I love serving these kabobs with a fresh garden salad or grilled veggies for a light touch. You could also whip up some fluffy rice, corn on the cob, or even a creamy coleslaw to balance out the flavors. Whatever you choose, it’s going to be a fantastic meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: With minimal prep and cook time, you can have a delicious meal ready in under an hour.
- Flavor explosion: The combination of honey and BBQ sauce creates a mouthwatering glaze that caramelizes perfectly on the grill.
- Perfect for gatherings: These kabobs are a crowd-pleaser at barbecues and family get-togethers.
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or adjust the sweetness to suit your taste.
- Healthy and wholesome: Packed with protein and made with fresh ingredients, they’re a guilt-free choice!
For more delicious recipes, check out this honey mustard sauce recipe that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats!
Print
Honey BBQ Chicken Kabobs: 5 Irresistible Flavors Unite
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Honey BBQ chicken kabobs are flavorful and easy to make. Perfect for grilling.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- In a bowl, mix honey, barbecue sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken cubes to the marinade. Mix well and let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers.
- Grill kabobs for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until cooked through.
- Serve hot with your choice of sides.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- You can add vegetables like bell peppers or onions to the skewers.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 kabob
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: honey bbq chicken kabobs
