Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers

Name: Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1/4 cup honey; 1/4 cup Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Wooden skewers, soaked in water

Highlighted under: Healthy Meal Recipes

I love making Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers for gatherings because they are a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors. The marinade, made from honey and mustard, gives the chicken a beautiful glaze that caramelizes perfectly on the grill. I've found that letting the chicken marinate for at least an hour really allows the flavors to penetrate, making each bite tender and juicy. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that makes everyone go back for seconds!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-20T12:02:27.968Z

When I first tried Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers at a barbecue, I was immediately hooked. The combination of the sweet honey and the tanginess of mustard creates an incredible flavor profile that enhances the chicken beautifully. I experimented with different mustard varieties and found that using a whole grain mustard adds a delightful texture and depth.

My secret tip is to soak the skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling. This prevents them from burning while adding an extra layer of moisture to the chicken. Trust me, it makes a noticeable difference in both flavor and presentation.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
The perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors
Juicy and tender chicken cooked to perfection
Quick and easy recipe for busy weeknights or gatherings

Choosing the Right Chicken

For Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers, I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they cook up tender and absorb the marinade well. If you prefer dark meat for its richer flavor, thighs work beautifully too but ensure they're cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking. Aim for pieces around 1 inch; this size maintains juiciness while still getting that perfect char on the grill.

If you're in a pinch, you can substitute turkey breast or even shrimp. With shrimp, adjust the marinating time down to about 30 minutes, as they can become tough if left too long in the acidic marinade. Remember, the key is to keep everything uniform in size for consistent cooking.

Perfecting the Marinade

The combination of honey and Dijon mustard not only imparts flavor but also aids in creating that beautiful caramelization during grilling. Honey’s natural sugars caramelize quickly, so keep a close watch to prevent burning, especially once the chicken is added to the grill. I often like to taste the marinade before adding the chicken; if it feels too tangy, add a little more honey.

Adding apple cider vinegar introduces acidity, which helps tenderize the chicken, promoting a juicy texture. Don’t skip the olive oil—it keeps the chicken moist and ensures it doesn't stick to the grill grates. If you're looking for a little heat, consider incorporating a pinch of cayenne pepper or some sriracha into the mixture for an extra kick.

Grilling Techniques

When grilling the skewers, ensure your grill is at medium-high heat, around 375°F to 450°F. This temp is critical for achieving those coveted char marks while ensuring the chicken cooks through without drying out. Turn the skewers every few minutes, roughly 2-3 minutes per side, giving you time to develop a nice crust.

If you're using an outdoor grill, always preheat it with the lid closed. If you find the chicken is browning too quickly, lower the heat slightly or move the skewers to a cooler part of the grill. This technique not only prevents burning but also ensures the insides cook evenly and remain juicy.

Ingredients

Chicken and Marinade

1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Wooden skewers, soaked in water

Instructions

Prepare the chicken and the marinade to ensure maximum flavor absorption.

Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and let marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.

Skewer the Chicken

Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers.

Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

Grill the Skewers

Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.

Serve and Enjoy

Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. You can drizzle additional honey mustard sauce over the top if desired.

These skewers are perfect served with a side of fresh vegetables or a light salad.

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add some cayenne pepper to the marinade. Serve with a side of avocado or a light dipping sauce for a refreshing touch.

Storage and Reheating

After enjoying your delicious Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the flavors, you can drizzle them with a bit of additional honey mustard sauce before sealing the container. This will help keep them moist when reheating.

When reheating, I suggest using an oven preheated to 350°F. Place the skewers on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. If you have a microwave, a quick reheat will work but may slightly alter the texture, making them less crisp compared to the grill.

Serving Suggestions

These skewers make a fantastic main dish, but they can also be paired with various sides to elevate your meal. Consider serving them over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa, with a side of grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for a well-rounded plate. I also love serving these with a fresh green salad drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the sweet flavors.

If you're hosting a gathering, set up a small dipping station with extra honey mustard sauce, or even a zesty yogurt sauce, allowing guests to customize each skewer to their taste. This adds an interactive element to your meal and elevates the overall dining experience.

Making Ahead

One of the best parts about these skewers is that you can prepare them in advance. Marinate the chicken pieces up to 24 hours ahead of time; just remember to refrigerate them. This not only saves time on the day of serving but allows the flavors to deepen and enhance. I find that marinating overnight yields the most flavorful chicken.

If you're planning on entertaining, you can assemble the skewers a few hours in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to grill. This way, you can focus your energy on last-minute preparations without compromising on flavor or quality.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with turkey, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I grill these skewers in the oven?

Absolutely! You can broil the skewers in the oven on high for about 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through.

→ Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?

While you can skip marinating, allowing the chicken to soak in the marinade enhances the flavor significantly.