Whether you’re grilling outside or cooking up something fun in the kitchen, Chicken on a Stick is always a hit! These juicy, marinated chicken skewers are flavor-packed, easy to make, and perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to parties and backyard barbecues.
Kids love them because they’re fun to eat (who doesn’t love food on a stick?!), and grown-ups love them because they’re tender, customizable, and go with just about any dipping sauce or side dish. You can cook them on the grill, in a grill pan, or even bake them in the oven.
What You’ll Need
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Wooden or metal skewers
Pro Tips for Juicy Chicken Skewers
✅ Soak Wooden Skewers – If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling or baking to prevent burning.
✅ Cut Evenly – Cut chicken into uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
✅ Marinate for Flavor – Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for more intense flavor.
✅ Don’t Overcrowd – Leave a little space between each piece on the skewer for better cooking.
✅ Double the Batch – These go fast! Make extra for lunches, meal prep, or leftovers.
Tools You’ll Need
- Tongs
- Cutting board & sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Skewers (metal or wooden)
- Grill, grill pan, or baking sheet
Substitutions & Variations
🌿 Herb-Lover’s Twist – Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the marinade.
🔥 Spicy Version – Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
🍗 Different Protein – Use shrimp, beef, or tofu instead of chicken.
🥦 Veggie Skewers – Add bell peppers, zucchini, or onions between chicken pieces.
🍍 Tropical Style – Add pineapple chunks for sweet-and-savory flavor!
Make-Ahead Tips
- Marinate the chicken the night before and refrigerate until ready to skewer and cook.
- You can assemble skewers a few hours ahead, cover, and chill until ready to cook.
- Freeze uncooked marinated chicken in a bag and thaw overnight when ready to use.
How to Make Chicken on a Stick
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, soy sauce, honey, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken pieces and toss to coat.
- Cover and marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes to 8 hours.
Step 2: Assemble the Skewers
- Thread marinated chicken pieces onto soaked wooden skewers, leaving space at each end.
Step 3: Cook the Skewers
Grill or Pan Method:
5. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
6. Cook skewers for 3–4 minutes per side, or until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
Oven Method:
5. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
6. Place skewers on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve with dipping sauce or your favorite sides!
Leftovers & Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked skewers (remove from stick) for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Microwave gently or reheat in a skillet or oven until warm.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken on a Stick recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser—simple, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re grilling with friends, prepping school lunches, or serving picky eaters, these skewers always deliver big smiles!
💬 Have fun with this one and tell me how yours turned out! Did your kids help assemble the skewers? Try a fun twist? Let me know in the comments! 🍢💛
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