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Firecracker Grilled Chicken Skewers

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These firecracker grilled chicken skewers feature a perfect balance of spicy heat and sweet honey glaze, delivering juicy, tender chicken with a sticky, caramelized finish. Ideal for quick summer BBQs and crowd-pleasing outdoor meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for glaze)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (for serving)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Rinse and pat dry the chicken thighs, then cut into even 1.5-inch pieces.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, smoked paprika, chili flakes, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  3. Toss the chicken cubes in the marinade until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
  4. While the chicken marinates, whisk honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, and optional red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Set aside at room temperature.
  5. Thread marinated chicken pieces onto soaked skewers, leaving space between pieces for even cooking.
  6. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 375–400°F). If using charcoal, wait until coals are covered with white ash.
  7. Place skewers on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side.
  8. Brush generously with honey glaze every time you flip to build layers of sticky, caramelized coating.
  9. Watch for flare-ups; move skewers to cooler part of grill if flames get too high.
  10. Check doneness by ensuring juices run clear and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  11. Let skewers rest for a few minutes off the heat.
  12. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro or parsley and squeeze fresh lime over top before serving.

Notes

Soak bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor. Brush honey glaze multiple times during grilling to build a sticky coating. Watch for flare-ups and move skewers to indirect heat if needed. Use chicken thighs for juicier results. For gluten-free option, substitute tamari for soy sauce. Maple syrup or bourbon can be used instead of honey for glaze variations.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken skewers, firecracker chicken, honey glaze chicken, summer BBQ, spicy chicken skewers, easy grilled chicken

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/firecracker-grilled-chicken-skewers-recipe-easy-honey-glaze-tips/