These Garlic Chili Chicken Skewers are juicy, flavorful, and packed with a sweet-and-spicy kick. They’re quick to make in the air fryer, but you can also bake them in the oven or grill them for a smoky char. The garlicky chili sauce takes them over the top, sticky, spicy, and irresistible! If you love chicken skewers, you’ll also enjoy my Bang Bang Chicken Skewers and a roundup of my best chicken skewer recipes for easy weeknight dinners or party appetizers.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Wooden Skewers: Soak the wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using. This helps prevent them from burning in the air fryer, oven, or on the grill.
- Chicken: I used boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer; they work just as well.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil keeps the chicken moist and adds subtle flavor. You can substitute avocado oil or a neutral vegetable oil if you like.
- Lime Juice: Brightens the flavor and balances the sweet and spicy notes. Lemon juice can be used as a simple swap.
- Paprika: Gives a mild smokiness and rich color to the chicken. Smoked paprika works if you want a deeper flavor.
- Garlic Powder: Adds savory flavor without extra moisture. You could also use fresh minced garlic; just reduce the amount slightly to prevent burning.
- Garlic Chili Sauce: A simple blend of butter, honey, and garlic chili oil (which you can make as hot or as not as you like!). It’s sweet, spicy, and garlicky, perfect for brushing over the cooked skewers to finish them.
Wooden Skewers vs. Metal Skewers
You can use wooden or metal skewers for these chicken skewers, even in the air fryer. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent charring during cooking. You can also break them in half if they’re too long for your air fryer or oven. If you’re using metal skewers, just make sure they fit in the air fryer basket or on your grill. Both types work well, so choose whichever is easiest for you!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs work just as well. They’re slightly more tender, but either option will be juicy and flavorful on the skewers.
Do I have to use wooden skewers?
No, you can also use metal skewers. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning, and break them in half if needed to fit your air fryer, oven, or grill.
Can I make these chicken skewers ahead of time?
Yes! For easy prep, you can cube the chicken and store it covered in the refrigerator up to 24 hours in advance. When you’re ready to cook, toss it with the olive oil, lime juice, and seasonings, thread onto skewers, and air fry. I recommend seasoning right before cooking for the best texture and flavor. Then brush with the warm garlic chili sauce just before serving.
How spicy is the garlic chili sauce?
The sauce has a medium kick from the chili oil, balanced with honey for sweetness. You can adjust the heat by using less chili oil, swapping for a milder version, or making your own.
Can I bake chicken skewers instead of using the air fryer?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F, place the skewered chicken on a lined baking sheet, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Then brush with the garlic chili sauce and serve.
Can I grill these chicken skewers?
Yes! Grill over medium-high heat for 8 to 10 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches 165°F internally. Brush with the garlic chili sauce while still hot.
Serving Ideas
- Over Rice or Quinoa: Serve the skewers over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or quinoa for a simple and satisfying weeknight dinner.
- With Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up the garlic chili sauce.
- With Fresh Veggies: Pair with roasted asparagus, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a simple side salad for a lighter option.
- As Party Appetizers: Cut the skewers into smaller portions and serve with toothpicks. I love this for game day, cookouts, or casual entertaining.
- With Dipping Sauce: Extra garlic chili sauce, a cooling yogurt dip, or a squeeze of fresh lime takes these skewers to the next level.
How to Store Garlic Chili Chicken Skewers
Refrigerator: Store cooked skewers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or air fryer to keep them juicy and flavorful.
Freezer: You can freeze the cooked skewers for up to 2 months. Wrap individually or in small batches with foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tip: Brush a little extra garlic chili sauce on the skewers after reheating to refresh the flavor and keep them sticky and delicious.
Garlic Chili Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
Chicken Skewers
- wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Garlic Chili Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons honey
- ¼ cup garlic chili oil (click for recipe)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine chicken, olive oil, lime juice, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to evenly coat the chicken.
- Working one skewer at a time, thread 4 to 5 pieces of chicken onto each soaked wooden skewer.
- Add the skewers to the basket of your air fryer in a single layer. (Depending on the size of the air fryer, you may have to work in batches.)
- Air fry at 400°F* for 11 to 12 minutes, flipping the skewers halfway through. The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- While the chicken is cooking, set a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt completely. Stir in the honey, followed by the garlic chili oil, mixing until smooth and fully combined. Remove from heat.
- When the skewers are done cooking, transfer them to a serving plate and drizzle or brush the garlic chili sauce generously over the top. (If the sauce begins to separate, simply warm it up before brushing it over the chicken.)
- Serve the skewers hot, with any extra garlic chili sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the seasoned cubes of chicken onto the skewers, then onto the lined baking sheet.
- Cook the chicken skewers for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove from the oven. Brush with the garlic chili sauce and serve.
- Thread the seasoned chicken onto the skewers.
- Grill over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Brush the grilled chicken with the garlic chili sauce and serve.
Did you make this recipe?
You can tag me at @iamhomesteader.
What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
These chicken skewers turned out amazing. The sauce caramelized beautifully and the chicken stayed tender and juicy. I’ll definitely be making them again.
Elizabeth
These are so full of flavor, and I love that you can make them in an air fryer. Excellent!
Stephanie
I love chicken skewers, for both dinner ideas and for appetizers. These are so good! I love the garlic chili sauce.
Bella
So easy and packed with flavor. The garlic chili combo is the perfect balance of sweet heat, and the skewers cooked up perfectly.
