Tender, juicy chicken threaded on skewers with colorful peppers and onions makes these Asian Chicken Skewers a fast, flavorful dinner. They’re simple enough for a weeknight and elegant enough to serve to guests.
Chicken Skewers
Grilled chicken skewers are one of my go-to meals. Cubes of boneless, skinless chicken breast soak up a sweet-and-salty Asian-style marinade, then get threaded together with red and green peppers and purple onion. The vegetables caramelize on the grill and add bright color and texture that make each bite satisfying. These skewers are easy to prepare, quick to cook, and versatile—perfect for a busy evening, a backyard barbecue, or an entertaining appetizer.
Because they cook fast and present so nicely, skewers are a great way to share a meal. Kids and adults alike enjoy eating from a stick, and they take the fuss out of plating and serving.
Grocery list for chicken skewers and marinade
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lb)
- Green pepper
- Red pepper
- Purple (red) onion
- Honey
- Soy sauce
- Ground ginger
- Garlic powder
Asian Chicken
How long do you grill chicken skewers?
- These kabobs take about 14–16 minutes on the grill total—roughly 7–8 minutes per side over medium heat.
Pro Tip: If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken to prevent burning. If you don’t have skewers, long, soaked chopsticks or metal skewers work well too.
How do I make chicken skewers?
- Combine the marinade ingredients—honey, soy sauce, ground ginger, and garlic powder—in a bowl and whisk until smooth.
- Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces, add to the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for 4–8 hours for best flavor.
- Soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes if using.
- Remove the chicken from the refrigerator. Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers, alternating with pieces of green pepper, red pepper, and purple onion until the skewer is full.
- Preheat the grill to about 350°F (medium heat). Place the skewers on the grill, cover, and cook for 7–8 minutes. Rotate the skewers and cook another 7–8 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the juices run clear.
The honey in the marinade helps the chicken develop a beautiful golden glaze on the grill and adds a hint of sweetness that balances the soy. The peppers char slightly and become wonderfully sweet, while the onion softens and contributes savory depth. Altogether these skewers are colorful, simple, and full of flavor.
Serve them hot from the grill with a side of steamed rice, a simple salad, or grilled vegetables. They also work well sliced over a grain bowl or tucked into warm flatbreads with a drizzle of additional sauce. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for a day or two and reheat nicely in a hot skillet or under the broiler for a few minutes to re-crisp the edges.
More ideas for meals on a stick
- Bacon Ranch Chicken Kabobs
- Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Kabobs
- Marinated Grilled Vegetable and Steak Kabobs
- Assorted kebab recipes for easy grilling
Ready to fire up the grill? These skewers are a quick way to elevate a weeknight meal or impress guests with minimal effort. If you make them, consider photographing your creation and sharing it on social media—it’s always fun to see different variations and serving ideas.
Asian Chicken Skewers — Recipe
Tender, juicy chicken marinated in a simple Asian-style sauce, threaded with peppers and onions, and grilled until caramelized and juicy.
Prep: 20 mins • Cook: 15 mins • Marination: 4 hrs • Total: 35 mins
Ingredients
- 2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1″ pieces
- 1 green pepper, cut into 1″ pieces
- 1 red pepper, cut into 1″ pieces
- 1 purple onion, cut into 1″ pieces
- For the Asian Marinade:
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ground ginger, and garlic powder. Add the chicken pieces, mix to coat, cover, and refrigerate for 4–8 hours.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before assembling.
- Thread the marinated chicken, green pepper, red pepper, and purple onion onto skewers, alternating ingredients until the skewers are full.
- Preheat the grill to medium (about 350°F). Place skewers on the grill, cover, and cook 7–8 minutes. Rotate and grill another 7–8 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
- Remove from the grill and let rest a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information (approx. per serving)
- Calories: 163 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Fat: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 72 mg
- Sodium: 546 mg
- Potassium: 512 mg
- Sugar: 6 g
- Vitamin A: 555 IU
- Vitamin C: 33.3 mg
- Calcium: 12 mg
- Iron: 0.7 mg
Nutrition estimates are calculated and may vary. For precise values, run the ingredients through your preferred nutrition calculator.
Did you make this? Share a photo and tag me on Instagram so I can see your grilled creations!