Honey Sriracha Chicken Skewers Recipe

If you’re looking for a mouthwatering dish that combines the perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors, look no further than the Honey Sriracha Chicken Skewers recipe. These delectable skewers feature succulent chicken marinated in a tantalizing mixture of honey and Sriracha sauce. The result? A dish that is bursting with flavor, guaranteed to leave your taste buds begging for more. Whether it’s for a summer BBQ or a simple weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to please everyone’s palate. So fire up the grill and get ready to indulge in a culinary delight that is Honey Sriracha Chicken Skewers.

Ingredients

To make honey Sriracha chicken skewers, you will need the following ingredients:

Chicken breast

Start by gathering boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Aim for about 1.5 pounds of chicken, which should be enough to make approximately 8 to 10 skewers.

Sriracha sauce

Sriracha sauce is the star of this recipe, adding a delicious kick of heat. You will need around 1/4 cup of Sriracha sauce, but feel free to adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance.

Honey

Sweeten things up by adding honey to the marinade and glaze. Approximately 1/4 cup of honey should do the trick, but feel free to adjust the sweetness to your liking.

Soy sauce

For a savory touch and a hint of umami, add around 1/4 cup of soy sauce to the marinade. Soy sauce will help balance the flavors and add depth to the dish.

Garlic powder

Infuse the chicken with wonderful garlic flavor by adding around 1 teaspoon of garlic powder to the marinade. If you prefer fresh garlic, feel free to substitute it for the powder.

Salt and pepper

To season the chicken, sprinkle some salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Remember to be mindful of the salt content in the soy sauce you’re using, as it may already be salty.

Vegetable oil

To prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill, brush some vegetable oil onto the skewers. This will not only ensure easy removal but also help to achieve a beautiful char on the chicken.

Skewers

Don’t forget the skewers! You will need wooden or metal skewers to thread the marinated chicken onto for grilling. Soak wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes before using to prevent them from burning on the grill.

Instructions

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! Follow these step-by-step instructions to make delicious honey Sriracha chicken skewers:

Marinate the chicken

Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are all roughly the same size. This will ensure even cooking.
In a bowl, combine the Sriracha sauce, honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
Place the chicken pieces into a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring every piece is well coated.
Seal the bag or cover the dish and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. For even more flavor, marinate overnight.

Prepare the Sriracha glaze

In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup Sriracha sauce, 1/4 cup honey, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
Stir the mixture over low heat until it comes to a simmer.
Continue simmering for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens slightly.
Remove the glaze from heat and set it aside to cool. It will thicken further as it cools.

Thread the chicken onto skewers

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Take the marinated chicken out of the refrigerator and drain off any excess marinade.
Thread the chicken pieces onto the soaked wooden or metal skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
If using wooden skewers, be sure to leave a portion of the skewer exposed on one end to allow for easy handling on the grill.

Grill the skewers

Brush the grill grates with vegetable oil to prevent the chicken from sticking.
Place the skewers on the preheated grill and close the lid.
Grill for about 4 to 6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Carefully flip the skewers halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Baste with the glaze

Once the chicken is almost cooked, brush the Sriracha glaze onto the skewers, coating them generously on all sides.
Allow the glaze to cook for an additional minute or two, until it caramelizes slightly and forms a deliciously sticky coating.

Serve the chicken skewers

Remove the skewers from the grill and transfer them to a serving plate.
Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, green onions, or sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.
Serve the honey Sriracha chicken skewers immediately while they’re still hot and juicy.
Don’t forget to provide extra glaze on the side for dipping!

Variations

While the honey Sriracha chicken skewers are already mouthwatering, you can switch things up by trying out different glazes and marinades. Here are a few variations to consider:

Spicy Sriracha Honey Glaze

Add an extra kick to your skewers by increasing the amount of Sriracha sauce in the glaze. Experiment with the proportions until you achieve your desired level of spiciness.

Sweet and Tangy Pineapple Marinade

For a tropical twist, swap out the soy sauce in the marinade for pineapple juice. The natural sweetness of the pineapple will create a delightful balance with the spicy Sriracha and honey.

Asian-inspired Peanut Sauce

If you’re a fan of peanut flavors, try serving the chicken skewers with a side of peanut sauce. Whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and a splash of lime juice for a creamy and flavorful dipping sauce.

Tips

To ensure your honey Sriracha chicken skewers turn out perfectly every time, here are some useful tips:

Pounding the chicken

If your chicken breasts are thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness before cutting them into pieces. This will help the chicken cook more evenly and prevent some pieces from drying out while others remain undercooked.

Pre-soaking the skewers

To prevent wooden skewers from burning on the grill, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken. This will keep the skewers from catching fire, ensuring a successful grilling experience.

Basting for extra flavor

While grilling the skewers, basting them with the glaze not only enhances the flavor but also helps to keep them moist and succulent. Be sure to baste generously and frequently for maximum flavor impact.

Using a grill basket

If you’re concerned about the chicken pieces falling off the skewers or sticking to the grill, consider using a grill basket. This nifty tool allows you to enjoy the delicious flavors of honey Sriracha chicken without the need for skewers. Simply place the marinated chicken in the grill basket and cook it over the grill.

Serving Suggestions

To complete your meal, consider pairing your honey Sriracha chicken skewers with the following tasty accompaniments:

Rice or quinoa

Serve the skewers over a bed of fluffy white rice or nutty quinoa for a satisfying and wholesome meal. The grains will help soak up any extra glaze and provide a good base for the chicken.

Grilled vegetables

Add some vibrant color and nutritious goodness to your plate by grilling a variety of fresh vegetables alongside the chicken skewers. Bell peppers, zucchini, and red onions work particularly well and are a great way to add some extra flavor and texture to the meal.

Asian slaw

For a refreshing and crunchy side dish, whip up a simple Asian slaw to serve alongside the skewers. Shredded cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers, tossed in a tangy dressing of rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a hint of honey, will complement the spicy flavors of the chicken perfectly.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about honey Sriracha chicken skewers:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for chicken breast, you can easily substitute it with boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer. Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful, adding an extra level of richness to the dish.

Can I make these skewers in the oven?

Yes, you can make honey Sriracha chicken skewers in the oven. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place the skewers on a lined baking sheet. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze is nicely caramelized.

Can I make these skewers ahead of time?

While it’s best to consume the skewers immediately after grilling for maximum freshness and flavor, you can make them ahead of time. Simply grill the skewers as instructed, allow them to cool, and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat the skewers on a grill or in the oven before serving to make them deliciously warm and succulent again.

Conclusion

Honey Sriracha chicken skewers are a fantastic dish to satisfy your cravings for a little heat and sweetness. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can create a mouthwatering meal that will impress your friends and family. So, fire up the grill and enjoy the perfect balance of spicy Sriracha, sweet honey, and tender grilled chicken. Happy cooking!