Honey Beer BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate way to level up your next cookout, these Honey Beer BBQ Chicken Skewers are it! Each bite is juicy, smoky, sweet, and tinged with a subtle beer flavor that makes these skewers completely irresistible. The honey-beer marinade tenderizes the chicken, while the grill adds that perfect char you’ll crave all summer long.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to these irresistible Honey Beer BBQ Chicken Skewers is a handful of kitchen staples that work in harmony. Each ingredient here brings something essential—the juiciness, the sweet caramelization, the tang, and that subtle, golden finish on the grill.

• Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless): Go for chicken breasts cut into thick, even cubes for best texture—this ensures they soak up the marinade perfectly and cook evenly on the grill.
• Fresh garlic (minced): Aromatic and essential, garlic infuses every bite with robust flavor.
• Beer: Choose a lighter lager or pilsner—something crisp—to tenderize the chicken and add that malty depth without overpowering.
• Honey: The star of the marinade, honey delivers natural sweetness and helps create those gorgeous grill marks.
• Red pepper flakes: Just enough heat to keep things interesting, balancing the sweetness without being overwhelming.
• Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang that lifts all the flavors and provides complexity to the sauce.
• Soy sauce (low sodium): Gives umami and salt, letting the other flavors shine while keeping things balanced.
• Olive oil: Helps lock in moisture and gives a beautiful sheen to the grilled chicken.
• Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish): A sprinkling of bright, herby flavor at the end—totally refreshing!

Variations

The beauty of Honey Beer BBQ Chicken Skewers is how easy they are to make your own. Whether you’re switching things up for dietary reasons or simply experimenting with flavors, there’s plenty of room to play and personalize every skewer.

• Use Chicken Thighs: Swap in boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness and a slightly richer flavor—they hold up beautifully on the grill, too.
• Spice It Up: Toss in extra red pepper flakes, a splash of sriracha, or even a diced jalapeño if you’re after more heat.
• Beer-Free Option: Substitute chicken broth or a splash of apple juice in the marinade for a completely alcohol-free version that still tastes amazing.
• Add Veggies: Thread chunks of red onion, bell peppers, or pineapple between the chicken cubes for added color and juicy bursts of flavor.

How to Make Honey Beer BBQ Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Soak and Prep Your Skewers

If you’re using wooden skewers, immerse them in water for at least 30 minutes before assembling. This simple step helps prevent them from burning or catching fire on the grill—a little patience here goes a long way toward a safe and stress-free BBQ!

Step 2: Whisk Up the Honey Beer Marinade

In a medium mixing bowl, blend together the minced garlic, beer, honey, red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and olive oil. Stir well until everything is beautifully combined—the aroma at this stage is already downright crave-worthy.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Add the cubed chicken to the bowl of marinade, ensuring every piece gets coated in all that sticky, sweet goodness. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 for knockout flavor. The longer you marinate, the more the flavors sink in!

Step 4: Preheat and Thread the Skewers

Preheat your grill to a medium-high heat—about 375°F (190°C). Thread 5-6 chicken cubes onto each skewer, leaving a little space between pieces for even grilling. Don’t toss the leftover marinade just yet—it’s bursting with flavor and ready for one more job.

Step 5: Grill and Glaze

Bring the extra marinade to a rolling boil in a small saucepan for at least 5 minutes (crucial for food safety!). Grill the skewers, turning every couple of minutes for a gorgeous, all-over char. As they cook, brush with the boiled marinade for luscious, sticky, caramelized flavor. Chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the hot Honey Beer BBQ Chicken Skewers to a platter, sprinkle generously with chopped cilantro, and get ready for plenty of “wow, what’s in this?!” reactions. Serve immediately and watch them disappear.

How to Serve Honey Beer BBQ Chicken Skewers

Garnishes

My favorite way to finish Honey Beer BBQ Chicken Skewers is with a hearty dusting of fresh, chopped cilantro—it adds pop, color, and a cooling, herby finish to every bite. If you like, sprinkle on some toasted sesame seeds, thinly sliced scallions, or even a little zest of lime for extra flair and brightness.

Side Dishes

These skewers are a hit with just about anything! Pair with fluffy rice, buttery grilled corn, tangy coleslaw, or a crisp summer salad for a full meal. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding pita, tzatziki, or roasted potatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired twist that really lets the flavors shine.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Honey Beer BBQ Chicken Skewers piled high on a rustic board for casual gatherings or stand them up “bouquet style” in mason jars for fun, grab-and-go finger food. For parties, try mini skewers as appetizers or arrange them over a bed of greens with extra sauce on the side for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chicken skewers can be cooled and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Remove the chicken from the skewers to save space, and be sure to pack them with a bit of sauce if you have any extra to help everything stay moist and flavorful.

Freezing

To freeze, let your cooked Honey Beer BBQ Chicken Skewers cool completely, then slide the chicken off and pack into freezer-safe bags or containers. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months—simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick, tasty meal.

Reheating

For the juiciest results, reheat leftovers in a foil-covered baking dish at 350°F until just warmed through, or give them a quick toss on a hot grill or skillet to recapture that fresh-off-the-grill flavor. Add a splash of water or extra marinade to keep the chicken from drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a new BBQ favorite, don’t wait to try these Honey Beer BBQ Chicken Skewers. They’re a guaranteed hit—bursting with flavor, unbelievably juicy, and downright fun to eat. Gather your friends, fire up the grill, and savor every sticky, savory, sun-kissed bite!

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