Honey BBQ Chicken Skewers with Bell Peppers and Red Onion

Prep: 15 minCook: 15 min6 servingsmedium
Honey BBQ Chicken Skewers with Bell Peppers and Red Onion

Tender chicken thigh pieces marinated in savory coconut aminos and spices, then grilled on skewers with colorful bell peppers and red onions. A sweet and tangy honey BBQ glaze adds caramelized flavor in the final minutes of cooking. Perfect for summer cookouts, family dinners, or casual entertaining when you want something more exciting than plain grilled chicken.

Dairy-FreeNut-Free

Ingredients

6 servings
  • ¼ cup coconut aminos
    soy sauce1:1gluten-freeadds glutenadds soy

    Use soy sauce for traditional flavor

    Full guide →
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 ½ lbs chicken thighs, cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces
    chicken breast1:1lean

    Watch cooking time carefully to prevent drying

    Full guide →
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 tbsp spicy brown mustard
  • 3 tbsp honey
    maple syrup1:1vegan

    Provides similar sweetness with different flavor profile

    Full guide →
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 1 red onion, cut into 1 inch pieces

Instructions

  1. 1

    Whisk together coconut aminos, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper

  2. 2

    Add chicken and toss to coat, cover and marinate in refrigerator for 1 hour or up to overnight

  3. 3

    Whisk together BBQ sauce, mustard, honey, and worcestershire sauce

  4. 4

    Remove chicken from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking

  5. 5

    Skewer chicken with bell pepper and onion pieces, alternating between all 3

  6. 6

    Preheat grill to 400 degrees Fahrenheit

  7. 7

    Grill skewers for 5-7 minutes per side until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165 degrees

  8. 8

    For last 2 minutes, brush BBQ mixture over skewers, flipping to char with sauce

  9. 9

    Remove from grill and brush with more BBQ sauce before serving

Tips

Tip 1

Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier, more flavorful skewers that won't dry out on the grill.

Tip 2

Let chicken come to room temperature before grilling to ensure even cooking throughout.

Tip 3

Save some clean BBQ sauce for serving - don't use the same sauce that touched raw chicken.

Good to Know

Storage

Store leftover cooked skewers in refrigerator for up to 3 days in covered container.

Make Ahead

Marinate chicken up to overnight. Assemble skewers up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate.

Serve With

Serve immediately while hot with extra BBQ sauce on the side.

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't skip marinating time to avoid bland chicken

Watch

Preheat grill fully to prevent sticking

Watch

Use separate sauce for serving to avoid cross-contamination

Substitutions

Vegan Options

honey→
maple syrup1:1vegan

Provides similar sweetness with different flavor profile

Full guide →

Gluten-Free Swaps

coconut aminos→
soy sauce1:1gluten-freeadds glutenadds soy

Use soy sauce for traditional flavor

Full guide →

General Alternatives

chicken thighs→
chicken breast1:1lean

Watch cooking time carefully to prevent drying

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, but watch cooking time carefully as breast meat can dry out faster. Thighs stay more tender and juicy on the grill.

How long can I marinate the chicken?

Minimum 1 hour for flavor, up to overnight for best results. Longer marinating develops deeper flavor without affecting texture.

Can I make these in the oven instead?

Yes, bake at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, turning once and brushing with sauce in final minutes.