Grilled Charcoal Chicken Skewers with Honey-Dijon Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken skewers brushed with a tangy honey-Dijon glaze, grilled over charcoal for a smoky finish perfect for outdoor lunches or picnics. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 30 minutes pairs pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, honey, Dijon mustard for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs into 1.5-inch cubes and place them in a large bowl.
  2. Step 2: In a separate small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper until smooth and combined.
  3. Step 3: Pour the honey-Dijon marinade over the chicken cubes and toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
  4. Step 4: Preheat a charcoal grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F) and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
  5. Step 5: Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the soaked wooden skewers, dividing evenly.
  6. Step 6: Grill the chicken skewers over direct heat for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the glaze is caramelized and slightly charred.
  7. Step 7: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Charcoal Chicken Skewers with Honey-Dijon Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Charcoal Chicken Skewers with Honey-Dijon Glaze?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep honey from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Charcoal Chicken Skewers with Honey-Dijon Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Charcoal Chicken Skewers with Honey-Dijon Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Charcoal Chicken Skewers with Honey-Dijon Glaze?

American bbq & smoked like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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