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Firecracker Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe Easy Honey Sriracha Glaze

firecracker grilled chicken skewers - featured image

These Firecracker Grilled Chicken Skewers feature a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors with a sticky honey sriracha glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or avocado oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 3 tablespoons sriracha sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • Optional garnishes: chopped fresh cilantro, thinly sliced green onions, sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Cut chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes, keeping pieces uniform for even cooking (about 10 minutes).
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, lime juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper (about 5 minutes).
  3. Add chicken cubes to marinade, toss to coat, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes up to 2 hours.
  4. While chicken marinates, combine honey, sriracha sauce, soy sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, and rice vinegar in a small bowl; whisk until smooth and set aside.
  5. If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning; metal skewers do not need soaking.
  6. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving space between pieces (about 5 minutes).
  7. Place skewers on grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, turning carefully with tongs. After flipping, brush glaze generously onto chicken. Repeat basting every time you turn the skewers for a total of 12-15 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  8. Remove skewers from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and sesame seeds if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F. Soak bamboo skewers for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Baste glaze multiple times during grilling for a sticky, caramelized finish. Keep a spray bottle of water nearby to manage flare-ups caused by the honey glaze. Let skewers rest after cooking to lock in juices.

Nutrition

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