These Honey-Garlic Chicken Kabobs with Rice are a quick, flavorful, and protein-packed meal ready in just 30 minutes. Tender marinated chicken is grilled to perfection, then brushed with a rich honey-garlic butter sauce, adding the perfect balance of sweetness and savory depth. Served over fluffy rice, this dish is a fantastic option for a healthy, satisfying dinner that’s easy to prepare!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Chicken Kabobs:

2-3 chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon minced garlic
Juice of ½ lime
1 ½ tablespoons Dano seasoning (or substitute with a mix of salt, paprika, and garlic powder)
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 cups uncooked white rice

For the Honey-Garlic Sauce:

3 tablespoons softened butter
1 habanero pepper, seeded and minced (optional, for spice)
Zest of 1 lime
Juice of ½ lime
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon Dano seasoning
1 teaspoon minced garlic
2 spring onions, sliced

Directions

Marinate the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken cubes, garlic, lime juice, seasoning, black pepper, olive oil, and baking powder. Mix well and marinate for at least 20 minutes.
Prepare the Rice: While the chicken is marinating, cook the rice according to package directions.
Make the Sauce: In a bowl, mix together butter, habanero pepper (if using), lime zest, lime juice, honey, seasoning, minced garlic, and sliced spring onions. Set aside.
Thread the Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water (to prevent burning), then thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers.
Grill the Chicken: Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place skewers on the grill and cook 2 minutes per side, turning until golden brown and fully cooked (about 8 minutes total).
Glaze with Sauce: Brush the chicken skewers with the honey-garlic butter sauce while still hot.
Serve: Plate the grilled chicken skewers over fluffy rice and serve with the remaining honey-garlic sauce on the side.

Nutrients (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 450 kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Sodium: 480mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 6g

This Honey-Garlic Chicken Kabobs with Rice recipe is simple, delicious, and packed with bold flavors—perfect for a weeknight dinner or grilling season. Enjoy a dish that’s both hearty and healthy! 🍗🍯🍚

The Beauty of Grilled Chicken Kabobs

Grilled chicken kabobs have long been a favorite for their versatility and ease of preparation. The concept of threading chunks of marinated meat onto skewers allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken more effectively, ensuring each bite is packed with seasoning. The cooking method—grilling—brings out the smoky flavors while keeping the chicken tender and juicy. This particular recipe takes it a step further by combining the simple grilling technique with a flavorful honey-garlic butter sauce, giving the dish an irresistible balance of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy notes.

The real charm of this dish lies in the fact that it’s not just about the chicken. The rice serves as the perfect base, providing a fluffy and light texture that complements the bold flavors of the kabobs. Whether you use white rice or opt for a healthier alternative like brown rice, this side makes for a hearty, fiber-packed complement to the protein-rich chicken.

Marinating the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

The key to making Honey-Garlic Chicken Kabobs so flavorful is the marinade. Combining minced garlic, lime juice, and a unique blend of Dano seasoning (or a mix of salt, paprika, and garlic powder) creates a marinade that infuses the chicken with depth and richness. The olive oil ensures that the chicken stays juicy, while the baking powder in the mix helps to tenderize the chicken even further.

Marinating the chicken for just 20 minutes before grilling may not seem like much, but it’s enough time for the chicken to absorb the bold flavors. The lime juice adds a refreshing zing, while the garlic infuses the meat with a savory aroma that perfectly complements the sweetness of the honey-garlic sauce added later.

The Magic of Honey-Garlic Butter Sauce

What sets this dish apart is the luscious honey-garlic butter sauce that coats the chicken skewers just before serving. This sauce is a harmonious combination of butter, honey, and garlic, with a hint of lime zest and habanero pepper (for those who enjoy a bit of spice). The sweetness of the honey pairs beautifully with the savory garlic, creating a mouthwatering glaze that gives the chicken a shiny, appetizing finish.

The sauce is brushed onto the chicken while it’s still hot from the grill, allowing it to seep into the tender meat, enhancing its flavor and adding a rich, glossy finish. The slight heat from the habanero pepper adds a fun kick, but it’s entirely optional for those who prefer a milder version of the dish. Whether you go for the spicy version or stick with the classic, the honey-garlic sauce will be the star of the show.

A Versatile and Customizable Dish

One of the reasons this recipe is such a winner is its versatility. The Honey-Garlic Chicken Kabobs can be served with a variety of sides to suit your preferences or dietary needs. While this recipe calls for white rice, you could easily substitute it with brown rice for added fiber, or even a grain like quinoa or couscous for a different texture.

For a vegetable-packed meal, consider adding grilled veggies to the skewers alongside the chicken. Vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or red onions take on a wonderful smoky flavor when grilled and pair perfectly with the honey-garlic chicken. You could also serve the dish with a refreshing green salad or a side of roasted vegetables to complete the meal.

The chicken itself can also be customized. While this recipe calls for chicken breasts, you could substitute it with chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful option. Tofu or tempeh would also make great plant-based alternatives, especially for those following vegetarian or vegan diets. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly.

Quick and Easy Preparation

One of the best aspects of this recipe is how quickly it comes together. In just 30 minutes, you can prepare and serve a full meal that’s both hearty and healthy. The rice cooks while the chicken marinates, so you don’t have to wait long for everything to be ready.

Grilling the chicken is another quick step—each side of the kabobs takes only a few minutes to cook, and the honey-garlic sauce adds a finishing touch that elevates the dish. The simplicity of the recipe means that you don’t need any advanced cooking skills to create a fantastic meal, making it perfect for beginners or anyone short on time.

Perfect for Meal Prep

Not only is this Honey-Garlic Chicken Kabobs with Rice recipe great for weeknight dinners, but it’s also ideal for meal prepping. The kabobs and rice store well in the fridge for a few days, making it easy to have a nutritious lunch or dinner ready to go. You can cook a batch of chicken kabobs and rice at the beginning of the week and enjoy them over several days, saving time while still eating a satisfying, homemade meal.

The grilled chicken and rice also reheat well, so it’s a great option for those who like to prepare their meals in advance. For an extra boost, pack some fresh vegetables or avocado on the side to make it a complete and balanced meal.

Conclusion: A Delicious and Easy Meal for Any Occasion

In conclusion, Honey-Garlic Chicken Kabobs with Rice is the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and nutrients. The marinated chicken, grilled to perfection and glazed with a sweet and savory honey-garlic sauce, pairs wonderfully with fluffy rice. The dish is versatile, quick to prepare, and easy to customize, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even a special dinner. Whether you’re grilling for a small family dinner or preparing a crowd-pleasing meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you coming back for more. With its perfect combination of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, it’s a dish that checks all the boxes for both taste and nutrition.

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