Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers
Every summer, the aroma of grilled food wafts through the air, bringing back fond memories of backyard barbecues. One dish that always steals the show is Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers. I remember the first time I made these skewers; I could hardly wait for the chicken to marinate. The sweet and tangy combination of honey and dijon mustard is irresistible, and it perfectly complements the juicy, tender pieces of chicken and vibrant vegetables. It’s a dish that not only pleases the palate but also brings family and friends together around the grill.
As the sun sets, the grill sizzles with flavor, and the laughter of loved ones fills the air. Each skewer is a burst of color and flavor, making them visually appealing and absolutely delicious. I often find myself experimenting with different vegetable combinations or adjusting the marinade to suit my mood. For me, these skewers represent the essence of summer cooking—simple, flavorful, and fun!
Recipe Snapshot
45 mins
30 mins
15 mins
Medium
350 kcal
30 g
Gluten-Free
10 g
Chef’s Knife, Whisk, Mixing Bowl
The Charm of This Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers
Perfect for Summer Gatherings
There’s something special about firing up the grill during summer. The Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers are perfect for outdoor gatherings, bringing friends and family together over a shared meal. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or just having a simple dinner, these skewers will impress your guests.
Kid-Friendly and Fun
These skewers are a hit with kids and adults alike! The sweet flavor from the honey makes it appealing for children. Plus, they can join in on the fun by assembling their own skewers. It’s a great way to get them involved in cooking!
Versatility in Ingredients
One of my favorite aspects of this recipe is its versatility. You can use a variety of vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or even mushrooms. Feel free to switch things up according to your preferences or what’s in season. It’s incredibly customizable!
Healthy and Wholesome
Grilling is a healthier cooking method compared to frying, allowing excess fat to drip away. The Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers are packed with protein from the chicken and vitamins from the veggies, making it a nutritious choice for any meal.
Quick to Prepare
With a prep time of about thirty minutes and quick cooking, these skewers are an excellent option for a weeknight meal. You can marinate the chicken earlier in the day, making it easier to throw together dinner in no time.
A Flavorful Marinade
The marinade of honey and dijon mustard is what makes these skewers truly stand out. It adds a delightful sweetness and tanginess that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. You’ll love brushing the skewers with the extra marinade while they cook, enhancing the flavor even more!
Shopping List for Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers
When it comes to the ingredients for these delightful skewers, each one plays an integral role in creating a flavor-packed meal. The combination of chicken and colorful vegetables not only makes for a tasty dish but also a nutritious one. The key players here are dijon mustard and honey, which together lend an irresistible sweetness and tang. Let’s get started with what you’ll need!
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into cubes for easy skewering. This lean protein keeps the meal healthy and satisfying.
- 2 bell peppers: Chopped into 1-inch pieces, adding color and crunch to your skewers.
- 1 zucchini: Cut into rounds, providing a tender, juicy element to balance the chicken.
- 1 red onion: Chopped into 1-inch pieces, offering a delightful sweetness when grilled.
- Kosher salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning, enhancing the flavors of all ingredients.
- â…“ cup + 3 tablespoons dijon mustard: The star of the marinade, giving these skewers their signature flavor.
- ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons honey: Adds sweetness and a beautiful glaze when grilled.
- 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the marinade adhere and adds richness.
- Fresh chives: For topping, offering a fresh finish and added flavor.
- Jasmine rice: A perfect base to serve these skewers on, making for a complete meal.
How to Make Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers
Making Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers is not only simple but also a fun activity for any home cook. Follow these easy steps to create a delicious meal that everyone will love!
- Start by chopping the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This allows the meat to cook evenly and quickly on the grill.
- Next, prepare your vegetables. Ensure they are roughly the same size as the chicken pieces—this helps everything cook uniformly. The larger chunks of bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion will add great texture and flavor.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the dijon mustard (⅓ cup), honey (¼ cup), and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. This marinade is what makes the skewers stand out with its sweet and tangy flavor.
- Begin assembling your skewers. Start by skewering a few pieces of vegetables first, then add a chunk of chicken, followed by more vegetables. Alternate between chicken and veggies until your skewer is filled, usually around four to five pieces of chicken per skewer.
- Season the assembled skewers generously with kosher salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Once all skewers are ready, place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle and brush most of the honey-dijon marinade on top, reserving a little for after grilling. Let them marinate for about 15 to 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- While the skewers marinate, preheat your grill to the highest setting. This ensures a nice char on the meat and veggies.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining honey and dijon. This mixture will be brushed on the skewers while grilling, adding an extra layer of flavor.
- Place the skewers on the grill. Close the lid and grill for about 5 minutes, then use grill tongs to gently turn them and grill for a few more minutes. You might need to turn them again once or twice for even cooking.
- Keep an eye on the internal temperature of the chicken—it should reach 165 degrees F for safe consumption. Total grilling time should be around 10 to 12 minutes.
- A few minutes before they are finished cooking, brush the skewers with the reserved honey-dijon mixture, allowing for a delightful glaze.
- Once done, remove the skewers from the grill and serve immediately. They pair wonderfully with fluffy jasmine rice!
Things Worth Knowing
- Grilling Temperature: It’s crucial to preheat your grill to ensure a good sear. A hot grill helps lock in flavors and juices.
- Uniform Size: Keeping the meat and vegetables uniform in size ensures even cooking, so everything comes out tender and delicious.
- Marinating Time: Allowing the skewers to marinate for more than 20 minutes can enhance the flavor. If you have more time, marinate for a few hours.
- Internal Temperature: Always check the internal temperature of the chicken. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Substitutions and Tips
When making Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers, consider these helpful tips to enhance your cooking experience!
- Storage: Leftover skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them gently in the microwave.
- Freezing: You can freeze the marinated chicken and vegetables before cooking. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before grilling.
- Pairing: Consider serving these skewers with a refreshing salad or grilled corn on the cob for a complete meal.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian twist, substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, and add your favorite veggies.
- Marinade Variations: Experiment with different marinades, like adding some spices or citrus zest for a unique flavor.
- Skewer Soaking: If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
Serving Ideas for Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers
When it comes to serving Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers, the options are endless!
- Over Rice: Serve the skewers over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice for a heartier meal.
- With Dips: Pair with dips like tzatziki or a light yogurt-based sauce to complement the flavors.
- Seasonal Vegetables: Add seasonal grilled vegetables on the side, such as grilled asparagus or corn.
- Picnic Style: These skewers are perfect for picnics—wrap them in foil and enjoy them cold or at room temperature.
- Meal Prep: These skewers can be prepped ahead of time for an easy weeknight meal. Just grill them when you’re ready to eat!
- Family Gatherings: Ideal for barbecues or family gatherings, where everyone can enjoy assembling and grilling their own skewers.
- Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chives or parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.
- Leftover Ideas: Use any leftovers to make a delicious wrap or salad the next day!
FAQ
Conclusion
The Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers bring a wonderful combination of sweet and tangy flavors that will elevate any summer gathering. Easy to prepare and fun to grill, these skewers are perfect for sharing with friends and family. So why not give them a try tonight? You’ll love how delicious and satisfying they are!
Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Chop the chicken into pieces.
- Make sure to chop the vegetables to be roughly the same size as the chicken pieces - in larger chunks. This helps the skewers stay uniform in size and helps everything cook in around the same amount of time.
- Whisk together the ⅓ cup dijon, ¼ cup honey and 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- Make 5 to 6 chicken skewers: skewer a few pieces of vegetables first, then a chunk of chicken, more vegetables, a piece of chicken and so on. I do about 4 to 5 pieces of chicken per skewer, but this is totally up to you! Do as many as you wish. Season them all over with salt and pepper.
- Once all the skewers are ready, place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle and brush most of the honey + dijon marinade mixture all over the skewers. Reserve the rest for after grilling. Let marinate for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to the highest setting. In a small bowl, I whisk together the other 2 tablespoons of honey and 3 tablespoons of dijon, for brushing the skewers while grilling. This is optional but very delicious!
- Place the skewers on the grill. Close the lid and grill for 5 minutes, then use grill tongs to gently turn them and grill for a few more minutes. Turn again once or twice more. I find these take about 10 to 12 minutes total - but make sure your chicken is at 165 degrees F when the internal temp is taken. A few minutes before they are finished, I brush them all over with the extra honey dijon.
- Remove the skewers from the grill. You can brush with the reserved honey dijon. Serve with the jasmine rice.
Notes
- Storage: Leftover skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them gently in the microwave.
- Freezing: You can freeze the marinated chicken and vegetables before cooking. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before grilling.
- Pairing: Consider serving these skewers with a refreshing salad or grilled corn on the cob for a complete meal.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian twist, substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, and add your favorite veggies.
- Marinade Variations: Experiment with different marinades, like adding some spices or citrus zest for a unique flavor.
- Skewer Soaking: If you're using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
