There’s something unmistakably joyful about summer evenings — the golden light stretching longer across the yard, the smell of fresh-cut grass, and the unmistakable scent of something sizzling on the grill. For my family, nothing says “summer gathering” quite like a platter of Grilled Honey BBQ Chicken Kabobs. It’s a dish that’s seen birthdays, Fourth of July parties, and spontaneous backyard dinners with friends — always disappearing faster than I can make them.

These kabobs bring together juicy chicken, sweet and tangy honey BBQ glaze, and colorful, fire-kissed veggies for a meal that feels like summer on a skewer. What I love most is how effortlessly it pulls people together — there’s something communal about food cooked on sticks and passed around outdoors.

Though this recipe feels like modern backyard magic, kabobs trace back centuries to Middle Eastern and Asian cultures where meat grilled over open flames was both a practical and celebratory way of cooking. This version is a tribute to that enduring tradition, with a sweet American twist that makes it perfect for barbecue season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Quick and easy: Just a few steps, and you’re ready to grill.
• Flavor-packed: Sweet, smoky, and slightly tangy — the honey BBQ sauce is unforgettable.
• Family-friendly: Even picky eaters love it.
• Great for entertaining: It’s colorful, shareable, and looks beautiful on a platter.
• Versatile: You can swap the veggies or marinate ahead to save time.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

• 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1½-inch pieces
• 1 cup honey BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 1 small red onion, chopped
• 1½ cups pineapple chunks
• 6 strips turkey ham, cut into pieces

HOW TO MAKE GRILLED HONEY BBQ CHICKEN KABOBS:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the marinade.
In a mixing bowl, combine the honey BBQ sauce, honey, and olive oil. Give it a good whisk until smooth. This sticky-sweet mixture is going to lock in flavor and help everything caramelize beautifully on the grill.

Step 2: Marinate the chicken.
Add the chicken pieces to a large zip-top bag or bowl and pour in half the sauce mixture. Toss to coat, seal, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight if prepping ahead). The longer it sits, the deeper the flavor.

Step 3: Assemble the kabobs.
Thread the marinated chicken, bell peppers, red onion, pineapple chunks, and turkey ham onto skewers, alternating for color and texture. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20–30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.

Step 4: Fire up the grill.
Preheat your grill to medium heat. Lightly oil the grates to keep the kabobs from sticking.

Step 5: Grill to perfection.
Place the kabobs on the grill and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning every few minutes. Brush with the remaining BBQ sauce as they cook, letting that sweet glaze thicken and char just a little for extra flavor.

Step 6: Serve and enjoy.
Transfer the grilled honey BBQ chicken kabobs to a platter and serve immediately. They’re perfect with rice, corn on the cob, or a chilled summer salad.

Helpful Tips:

• Chop evenly: Uniform pieces of chicken and veggies help everything cook evenly on the grill.
• Use metal skewers: If you grill often, invest in reusable metal skewers — no soaking required.
• Don’t skip the glaze: Brushing the remaining honey BBQ sauce while grilling takes the flavor to another level.
• Make it a meal: Pair with cilantro lime rice or grilled sweet potatoes for a hearty spread.

DETAILS:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes (plus marinating time)
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American
Diet: High-Protein, Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free BBQ sauce)

Notes:

• You can easily swap the turkey ham with additional veggies like zucchini or mushrooms.
• Pineapple adds a natural sweetness, but mango chunks are also a fun alternative.

Nutritional Information:

(Approximate per serving)
Calories: 360
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fat: 14g
Sugar: 18g
Fiber: 3g

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I bake these kabobs instead of grilling?
Yes! Place them on a baking sheet and roast at 425°F for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How long can I marinate the chicken?
Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but up to 24 hours is ideal for maximum flavor.

Can I make these ahead?
Yes, you can prep and skewer everything ahead of time. Store covered in the fridge until ready to grill.

Storage Instructions:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the grill or in a skillet. You can also remove the chicken and veggies from the skewers and toss them into a salad or wrap for a delicious next-day meal.

Related Recipes:

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:

• Grilled Cowboy Butter Chicken Skewers
• Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken: A Flavorful Summer Tradition
• Street Corn Chicken Tacos
• BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs: The Perfect Sweet and Savory Summer Skewers

Conclusion:

These grilled honey BBQ chicken kabobs are more than just a meal — they’re a celebration of warm nights, family gatherings, and simple pleasures. Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash or just craving something grilled and delicious, this recipe never fails to satisfy. Try it once, and I promise it’ll become a staple on your summer rotation.

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