Hot Honey Chicken Skewers - Easy and Fun Grilling Recipe
Hot Honey Chicken Skewers - Easy and Fun Grilling Recipe! is a medium American recipe that serves 4. 370 calories per serving. Recipe by Laura in the Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 1 hr 10 min
Cost: $19.99 total, $5.00 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (cut into bite‑size chunks, all pieces same size)
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil (for seasoning chicken)
- 1 Tbsp Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp Salt (regular table or kosher salt)
- 2 Tbsp Garlic and Herb Seasoning (generous, salt‑free blend)
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika (adds smoky flavor without heat)
- 3 Tbsp Honey (for sweet glaze)
- 2 Tbsp Buffalo Sauce (your favorite brand)
- 4 pieces Metal Skewers (small) (prefer metal for even heat and safety)
- 2 ears Fresh Corn (grilled then kernels cut off)
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (halved)
- 0.25 cup Cilantro (chopped)
- 1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for corn salad dressing)
- 1 Tbsp Lime Juice (freshly squeezed)
Instructions
Season the Chicken
Cut the chicken thighs into uniform bite‑size chunks. In a mixing bowl combine olive oil, lemon juice, salt, garlic‑herb seasoning, and smoked paprika. Add the chicken pieces and toss until evenly coated.
Time: PT10M
Thread onto Skewers
Thread the seasoned chicken pieces onto the small metal skewers, leaving a little space between pieces for heat circulation.
Time: PT5M
Prepare the Honey‑Buffalo Glaze
In an oven‑safe skillet combine honey, buffalo sauce, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Warm over medium heat, stirring gently until the mixture bubbles lightly.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium heat
Preheat the Grill
Heat the grill to medium‑high, about 400°F (204°C).
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 400°F
Grill Chicken and Corn
Place the chicken skewers and corn ears on the grill. Grill the chicken 5 minutes per side, turning once. Grill the corn for about 10 minutes, turning every few minutes until charred.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 400°F
Baste with Glaze
During the last 5 minutes of grilling, brush the honey‑buffalo glaze over the chicken skewers, turning to coat both sides.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 400°F
Rest the Skewers
Remove the chicken and corn from the grill. Let the skewers rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Time: PT5M
Make the Corn Salad
Cut the grilled corn kernels off the cob. In a bowl combine corn kernels, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped cilantro, drizzle with extra‑virgin olive oil, add lime juice and a pinch of salt. Toss gently.
Time: PT5M
Plate and Serve
Arrange the hot honey chicken skewers on a serving platter alongside the fresh corn salad. Serve immediately.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 370
- Protein
- 25g
- Carbohydrates
- 30g
- Fat
- 15g
- Fiber
- 4g
Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Nut-Free
Allergens: Honey, Potential dairy in buffalo sauce
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
- Instead of Olive Oil: Vegetable Oil, Canola Oil
- Instead of Lemon Juice: Lime Juice
- Instead of Salt: Sea Salt
- Instead of Garlic and Herb Seasoning: Italian Seasoning, Herbes de Provence
- Instead of Smoked Paprika: Regular Paprika
- Instead of Honey: Maple Syrup
- Instead of Buffalo Sauce: Hot Sauce mixed with a dash of butter
- Instead of Metal Skewers (small): Wooden Skewers (soaked)
- Instead of Fresh Corn: Frozen Corn Kernels
- Instead of Cherry Tomatoes: Grape Tomatoes
- Instead of Cilantro: Parsley
- Instead of Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Avocado Oil
- Instead of Lime Juice: Lemon Juice
Equipment Needed
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Mixing Bowl
- Metal Skewers
- Tongs
- Grill (gas or charcoal)
- Oven‑Safe Skillet
- Basting Brush
- Serving Platter
- Measuring Spoons
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cut chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking
- Baste the chicken with glaze during the final minutes to avoid burning the honey
- Do not over‑cook the chicken thighs; they stay juicy
- Use metal skewers for even heat transfer and safety
- Cut corn kernels off the cob carefully while hot
Chef Tips from the Video
- Metal skewers conduct heat, helping the chicken cook from the inside out
- Let the chicken rest after grilling to lock in juices
- A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime at the end brightens the glaze and salad
Troubleshooting
Chicken turns out dry
Do not over‑cook; grill only until internal temperature reaches 165°F and baste during the last minutes.
Glaze burns or caramelizes too quickly
Reduce heat to medium‑low and stir constantly; add a splash of water if it thickens too fast.
Corn kernels are tough
Grill the ears until fully charred and tender before cutting; you can also par‑boil the corn for 3 minutes before grilling.
Salad becomes soggy
Add the dressing just before serving and toss lightly; keep the corn kernels dry after cutting.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken and corn salad in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Chicken skewers can be frozen without glaze for up to 2 months; reheat and baste fresh glaze before serving.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Marinate the chicken in the seasoning mixture up to 4 hours in the refrigerator
- Prepare the honey‑buffalo glaze and store in a sealed jar for 1 day
- Corn salad can be assembled 2 hours ahead; keep dressing separate until serving
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of hot honey chicken skewers in American barbecue cuisine?
Grilled chicken skewers have long been a staple of American backyard barbecues, offering a quick, handheld protein that cooks fast over high heat. The addition of a honey‑buffalo glaze reflects the modern trend of blending sweet and spicy flavors, popularized by regional wing sauces and summer picnics.
What are traditional regional variations of corn salad in the United States?
In the Southwest, corn salads often feature jalapeño, cotija cheese, and lime. In the Midwest, they may include red bell pepper and a creamy mayo base. The fresh lime‑cilantro version in this recipe highlights a lighter, summer‑ready style common in California and the Pacific Northwest.
How is hot honey chicken traditionally served in Southern BBQ gatherings?
Southern BBQ often serves chicken on the bone with a dry rub, but many modern cooks finish the meat with a glaze or sauce. The honey‑buffalo glaze adds a glossy, sticky coating that is typically brushed on during the final minutes of grilling, creating a caramelized exterior while keeping the interior juicy.
What occasions or celebrations is hot honey chicken skewers commonly associated with in American culture?
These skewers are popular at summer cookouts, Fourth of July picnics, backyard parties, and casual game‑day gatherings because they are easy to eat, visually appealing, and can be made in large batches for crowds.
What authentic ingredients give hot honey chicken skewers their distinctive flavor compared to regular grilled chicken?
The combination of honey for sweetness, buffalo sauce for tangy heat, smoked paprika for smoky depth, and a splash of lemon juice for brightness creates a layered flavor profile that sets this dish apart from plain seasoned grilled chicken.
What other American side dishes pair well with hot honey chicken skewers?
Classic pairings include coleslaw, grilled corn on the cob, potato salad, baked beans, or a fresh cucumber‑tomato salad. The bright corn‑tomato‑cilantro salad in this recipe complements the sweet‑spicy glaze perfectly.
How has the use of honey in BBQ sauces evolved in recent American cooking trends?
Honey has become a go‑to sweetener in modern BBQ sauces because it caramelizes quickly, adds a natural gloss, and balances the heat from hot sauces. Chefs now often pair it with spicy elements like buffalo or sriracha to create the popular sweet‑heat flavor profile.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making hot honey chicken skewers at home?
Common errors include cutting chicken pieces unevenly, over‑cooking the thighs, letting the honey glaze burn, and basting too early. Follow the timing steps, keep the heat medium‑low for the glaze, and baste only during the final minutes of grilling.
Why does this recipe use metal skewers instead of wooden skewers?
Metal skewers conduct heat, helping the chicken cook evenly from the inside while preventing the skewer itself from burning. Wooden skewers can char or catch fire on a hot grill, especially during longer cooking times.
What does the YouTube channel Laura in the Kitchen specialize in?
The YouTube channel Laura in the Kitchen focuses on approachable, family‑friendly recipes that often feature quick weeknight meals, grill‑ready dishes, and seasonal produce, with an emphasis on clear step‑by‑step instruction and practical kitchen tips.
Can I make the hot honey chicken skewers ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, you can season and thread the chicken up to 4 hours ahead, keeping it covered in the refrigerator. After grilling, store the skewers in an airtight container; reheat gently on the grill or in a skillet and brush with fresh glaze before serving.
Last updated: August 20, 2026
