Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers
Highlighted under: Simple Everyday Cooking
I love making Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers for a quick and delicious meal. The combination of sweet honey and tangy mustard creates an irresistible marinade that makes the chicken so flavorful and juicy. Plus, grilling the skewers adds a lovely smokiness that enhances the taste even more. Whether it's a family dinner or a weekend barbecue with friends, these skewers are always a hit and so easy to prepare. I can’t wait for you to try this delightful recipe!
When I first tried making Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers, I was amazed at how simple yet flavorful they turned out. The secret lies in marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes—this not only infuses the meat with flavor but also ensures it stays tender during grilling. I've experimented with different mustard varieties, and I find a mix of Dijon and yellow mustard gives the perfect balance of spice and sweetness.
Another tip I've discovered is to soak the wooden skewers in water before grilling. This prevents them from burning on the grill and allows the chicken to cook evenly. I've served these skewers with a fresh side salad, and they always get rave reviews. Trust me, they’re perfect for any occasion!
Why You'll Love These Skewers
- The sweet and tangy flavor that delights your taste buds
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for weeknight dinners
- Great for gatherings; everyone loves a good skewer!
Understanding the Marinade
The marinade for Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers is built around the harmonious blend of honey and mustard, which not only adds flavor but also helps tenderize the chicken. Honey provides sweetness while Dijon and yellow mustard offer a tangy kick that cuts through the richness of the meat. Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes ensures that the flavors penetrate deeply, but for even more intense flavor, consider letting it marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
When mixing the marinade, make sure there are no lumps of mustard. A whisk works well to blend everything smoothly. You want a glossy mixture that coats each piece of chicken evenly. If you find the marinade too thick, a splash of water can help achieve the desired consistency without compromising flavor.
Perfecting Skewering Techniques
When assembling the skewers, it's important to leave small gaps between the chicken pieces. This spacing promotes even cooking and helps achieve those beautiful grill marks. Additionally, if you're using wooden skewers, soaking them for at least 30 minutes not only prevents burning on the grill but also allows for a bit of moisture retention, which can help steam the chicken slightly during cooking for an even juicier result.
For a fun variation, consider adding colorful vegetables like bell peppers, red onions, or zucchini between the chicken pieces on the skewers. These additions not only enhance the visual appeal but also contribute extra layers of flavor and texture. Just remember to cut them to similar sizes to the chicken for consistent cooking times.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make perfect Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers:
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Ensure all ingredients are fresh to maximize flavor.
Instructions
Follow these steps to make your Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers:
Prepare the Marinade
In a bowl, mix together honey, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Skewer the Chicken
Thread the marinated chicken onto the soaked skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
Grill the Skewers
Preheat the grill over medium-high heat. Cook the skewers for about 12-15 minutes, turning frequently, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
Serve
Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite sides!
Enjoy these tasty skewers with a refreshing salad or warm bread!
Pro Tips
- For an additional layer of flavor, try adding bell peppers or onions to the skewers for some colorful veggies.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
If you're prepping ahead, marinated chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This method enhances the flavor even further as the chicken sits in the marinade. However, if you need to store cooked skewers, allow them to cool completely before refrigerating. They can be kept in an airtight container for up to three days, making them perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
For freezing, place the uncooked marinated chicken skewers in a single layer on a baking sheet until fully frozen, then transfer them to freezer bags. They can be stored for up to three months. When you're ready to cook, just thaw in the refrigerator overnight and grill as directed.
Serving Suggestions
These Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers pair excellently with a variety of sides. Consider serving them on a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up the extra marinade drippings. A fresh salad with tangy vinaigrette can provide a bright contrast to the skewers’ sweetness, making for a balanced meal plate.
For a classic barbecue vibe, serve these skewers alongside corn on the cob or baked beans. A drizzle of extra honey mustard sauce on top can enhance the flavor even further. If you're hosting a get-together, serving with small dipping bowls filled with extra marinade or some spicy mustard can make the meal interactive and delicious.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and work great for skewers.
→ How long can I marinate the chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours; just avoid soaking it too long to prevent the texture from changing.
→ Can I make these skewers in the oven?
Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
→ What dipping sauce pairs well with these skewers?
A simple ranch or a spicy yogurt dip complements the skewers beautifully.
Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers
I love making Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers for a quick and delicious meal. The combination of sweet honey and tangy mustard creates an irresistible marinade that makes the chicken so flavorful and juicy. Plus, grilling the skewers adds a lovely smokiness that enhances the taste even more. Whether it's a family dinner or a weekend barbecue with friends, these skewers are always a hit and so easy to prepare. I can’t wait for you to try this delightful recipe!
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Simple Everyday Cooking
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
How-To Steps
In a bowl, mix together honey, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Thread the marinated chicken onto the soaked skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
Preheat the grill over medium-high heat. Cook the skewers for about 12-15 minutes, turning frequently, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite sides!
Extra Tips
- For an additional layer of flavor, try adding bell peppers or onions to the skewers for some colorful veggies.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 15g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 40g