Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers

My family and I are always on the lookout for quick, easy, and flavourful meals, especially during the warmer months when grilling season is in full swing. We recently stumbled upon a recipe for Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers, and let me tell you, it has become an instant family favorite! From the moment the tantalizing aroma of honey and mustard filled our backyard to the last juicy bite, these skewers were a hit. Even my picky eaters devoured them, praising the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. The chicken was incredibly tender, thanks to the simple yet effective honey mustard marinade, and the slight char from the grill added a delightful smoky depth. This recipe is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly versatile, perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend barbecues, or even meal prepping for the week ahead. If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing, fuss-free grilling recipe that will leave everyone wanting more, look no further than these Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers – you won’t be disappointed!

Ingredients

This recipe focuses on fresh, simple ingredients to create a flavourful and satisfying dish. Here’s what you’ll need to make these mouthwatering Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers:

For the Honey Mustard Marinade:

• 1/2 cup Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard provides a sharp, tangy base for the marinade, cutting through the sweetness of the honey and adding complexity. Look for a good quality Dijon for the best flavour.
• 1/4 cup Honey: Honey is the star of the sweet element, bringing natural sweetness and a beautiful glaze to the chicken as it grills. Use your favourite type of honey; wildflower, clover, or even buckwheat honey will work well, each offering slightly different nuances in flavour.
• 1/4 cup Olive Oil: Olive oil adds moisture to the marinade, helping to keep the chicken juicy during grilling. It also helps to emulsify the marinade ingredients, creating a cohesive sauce. Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its flavour and health benefits.
• 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar adds a crucial element of acidity to the marinade, balancing the sweetness and tanginess. It also acts as a tenderizer for the chicken, helping to break down the proteins and ensure a melt-in-your-mouth texture. You can substitute with white wine vinegar or lemon juice if needed.
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced: Fresh garlic provides a pungent, aromatic base that complements both the honey and mustard beautifully. Mince the garlic finely to ensure it infuses the marinade evenly.
• 1 teaspoon Paprika: Paprika adds a subtle smoky and slightly sweet flavour to the marinade, enhancing the overall depth of taste. Smoked paprika can be used for an even smokier dimension.
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt: Salt is essential for flavour enhancement, drawing out the natural flavours of the chicken and the other marinade ingredients. Use sea salt or kosher salt for best results.
• 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a touch of spice and enhances the savoury notes of the marinade.

For the Chicken Skewers:

• 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Chicken breasts are the ideal choice for skewers as they are lean, readily available, and cook quickly on the grill. Ensure they are boneless and skinless for easy preparation and even cooking. Cut them into 1-inch cubes for optimal skewer size and grilling.
• Wooden or Metal Skewers: You can use either wooden or metal skewers. If using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning. Metal skewers are reusable and conduct heat, which can help cook the chicken from the inside out, but be mindful they will get very hot.
• Optional: Vegetables for Skewers (Bell Peppers, Onions, Zucchini): Adding vegetables to your skewers not only enhances the flavour and visual appeal but also provides added nutrients and fibre. Bell peppers (various colours), red onions, and zucchini are excellent choices that grill well and complement the honey mustard flavour profile. Cut vegetables into similar sizes to the chicken for even cooking.

Instructions

Follow these simple step-by-step instructions to create perfectly grilled and flavourful Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers:

1. Prepare the Honey Mustard Marinade:

• In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously until all ingredients are well combined and the marinade is smooth and emulsified. This ensures all the flavours are properly blended and will coat the chicken evenly.
• Taste the marinade and adjust seasonings as needed. You may want to add a touch more honey for sweetness, mustard for tanginess, or salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the flavour will intensify as the chicken marinates.

2. Marinate the Chicken:

• Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Uniformly sized cubes will ensure even cooking on the grill.
• Place the chicken cubes into the bowl with the honey mustard marinade. Toss to coat the chicken thoroughly, ensuring each piece is well covered in the marinade.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken and marinade to a resealable plastic bag.
• Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or ideally for 2-4 hours for maximum flavour infusion. Longer marinating times (up to 4 hours) will result in more tender and flavourful chicken. Do not marinate for longer than 8 hours, as the acidity in the marinade can start to break down the chicken too much, affecting its texture.

3. Prepare the Skewers (If using vegetables):

• If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes while the chicken marinates. This prevents them from burning on the grill.
• If adding vegetables, wash and chop them into bite-sized pieces, approximately the same size as the chicken cubes. Bell peppers should be seeded and cut into squares, onions into wedges, and zucchini into rounds or half-moons.
• Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, alternating with vegetables if desired. Aim to leave a small space between each piece to allow for even cooking and airflow. Don’t overcrowd the skewers. If you are just doing chicken skewers, aim for about 4-5 chicken cubes per skewer for easy handling and grilling.

4. Preheat the Grill:

• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-450°F or 190-230°C). A medium-high heat will allow the chicken to cook through without burning on the outside.
• Clean the grill grates with a grill brush to remove any debris from previous grilling sessions. This prevents sticking and ensures clean grill marks.
• Lightly oil the grill grates with cooking oil (such as vegetable oil or canola oil) using tongs and a paper towel. This will further prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill.

5. Grill the Chicken Skewers:

• Carefully place the honey mustard chicken skewers onto the preheated grill.
• Grill for approximately 8-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a chicken cube to check for doneness.
• During the last few minutes of grilling, you can brush the skewers with any remaining marinade from the bowl for an extra glaze and flavour boost. Be sure to cook the marinade that has been in contact with raw chicken thoroughly by grilling it for a few minutes to ensure food safety.
• Look for nice grill marks and a slightly caramelized glaze from the honey. Avoid charring the skewers excessively.

6. Rest and Serve:

• Once the chicken skewers are cooked through, remove them from the grill and place them on a clean platter.
• Tent loosely with foil and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, resulting in more tender and flavourful skewers.
• Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers!

Nutrition Facts

(Estimated, per serving – based on 4 servings, without side dishes)

• Serving Size: Approximately 2-3 skewers
• Calories: Approximately 350-450 calories (depending on portion size and ingredients)

Approximate Nutritional Breakdown (per serving):

• Protein: 35-45g
• Fat: 15-25g (primarily from olive oil and chicken)
• Carbohydrates: 15-25g (primarily from honey and mustard)

Important Notes:

• These are estimated nutritional values and can vary based on specific ingredients used, portion sizes, and cooking methods.
• Adding vegetables to the skewers will increase the nutritional value and fibre content while slightly reducing the calorie count per serving of chicken.
• To reduce calories, you can use a lighter olive oil or reduce the amount of honey slightly.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (including marinade preparation and chicken cutting)
• Marinating Time: 30 minutes to 4 hours (minimum 30 minutes for flavour, optimal 2-4 hours)
• Cook Time: 8-12 minutes (grilling time, depending on grill temperature and chicken size)
• Resting Time: 5-10 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour (including minimum marinating time) to 4 hours 30 minutes (including optimal marinating time).

How to Serve Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers

These versatile Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers can be served in a multitude of ways, making them perfect for any occasion. Here are some delicious serving suggestions:

• Classic BBQ Sides:
  • Coleslaw: Creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet and tangy chicken.
  • Potato Salad: A classic potato salad (creamy or German-style) complements the skewers beautifully.
  • Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is a quintessential summer side dish.
  • Baked Beans: Sweet and smoky baked beans are a hearty and satisfying accompaniment.
• Fresh and Light Salads:
  • Green Salad: A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a healthy and refreshing side.
  • Pasta Salad: A vibrant pasta salad with vegetables and a light dressing is a great option.
  • Quinoa Salad: A nutritious quinoa salad with herbs, vegetables, and a lemon dressing adds a healthy grain component.
  • Watermelon and Feta Salad: A refreshing and summery salad with watermelon, feta cheese, mint, and a balsamic glaze.
• Grains and Starches:
  • Rice: Fluffy white rice, brown rice, or cilantro-lime rice are excellent bases for the skewers.
  • Quinoa: Cooked quinoa provides a healthy and protein-rich grain option.
  • Couscous: Light and fluffy couscous is a quick and easy side dish.
  • Roasted Potatoes: Roasted potatoes or sweet potato fries offer a heartier side.
• Vegetables:
  • Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli are perfect companions.
  • Steamed Vegetables: Steamed green beans, broccoli, or peas provide a simple and healthy side.
  • Sautéed Greens: Sautéed spinach or kale with garlic adds a nutritious and flavourful green element.
• Sauces and Dips:
  • Extra Honey Mustard Sauce: Serve extra honey mustard sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.
  • BBQ Sauce: Offer a classic BBQ sauce for those who prefer a smoky flavour.
  • Ranch Dressing: Ranch dressing can be a surprisingly good dipping sauce for chicken skewers.
  • Spicy Mayo: For a touch of heat, serve with a spicy mayonnaise or sriracha mayo.
• Serving Occasions:
  • Weeknight Dinners: Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
  • Summer BBQs and Cookouts: A crowd-pleasing main course for casual gatherings.
  • Picnics and Outdoor Events: Portable and delicious, ideal for picnics and outdoor parties.
  • Meal Prep: Cook a batch of skewers and enjoy them throughout the week in salads, wraps, or with grains.

Additional Tips for Perfect Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers

Here are five essential tips to ensure your Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers are a grilling success every time:

1. Don’t Skip the Marinating Time: While 30 minutes is the minimum, marinating the chicken for 2-4 hours significantly enhances the flavour and tenderness. The marinade penetrates the chicken, infusing it with the sweet and tangy honey mustard flavour and helping to break down the proteins for a more tender result. Plan ahead and allow enough time for marinating.
2. Soak Wooden Skewers (If Using): If you are using wooden skewers, soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling is crucial. This prevents them from catching fire and burning on the grill, ensuring they hold up throughout the grilling process and don’t impart a burnt flavour to the chicken.
3. Control the Grill Temperature: Medium-high heat is ideal for grilling chicken skewers. If the heat is too high, the outside of the chicken may char too quickly before the inside is cooked through. If the heat is too low, the chicken may dry out before it gets nicely browned. Use a grill thermometer to monitor the temperature and adjust as needed.
4. Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Leave some space between the skewers on the grill grates. Overcrowding can lower the grill temperature and lead to uneven cooking and steaming instead of searing. Grilling in batches if necessary ensures each skewer cooks properly and develops those desirable grill marks.
5. Use a Meat Thermometer: The best way to ensure your chicken is cooked to a safe and juicy internal temperature is to use a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of a chicken cube on a skewer to check for doneness. Overcooked chicken will be dry, so accurate temperature monitoring is key to juicy skewers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

A: Yes, you can definitely use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe. Chicken thighs are more forgiving and remain moist during grilling. Cut them into 1-inch cubes similar to chicken breasts. Keep in mind that chicken thighs may require slightly longer grilling time than chicken breasts to reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Q2: Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

A: While marinating for 2-4 hours is optimal, you can marinate the chicken for up to 8 hours in the refrigerator. However, marinating for longer than 8 hours is not recommended as the acidity in the marinade can start to break down the chicken too much, potentially making it mushy in texture.

Q3: Can I bake these chicken skewers instead of grilling?

A: Yes, you can bake these skewers in the oven if you don’t have access to a grill or prefer oven cooking. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), turning halfway through cooking. You can broil for the last few minutes to achieve a slightly caramelized top, similar to grilling.

Q4: Can I make the honey mustard marinade ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! You can prepare the honey mustard marinade up to 2-3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This can save you time on the day you plan to grill the skewers. Just give the marinade a good whisk before using it to ensure all ingredients are well combined.

Q5: How do I store leftover Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers?

A: Leftover Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can gently warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or in a microwave until heated through. Be careful not to overheat them, as they can become dry. You can also enjoy them cold in salads or wraps.

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