Juicy, flavorful chicken bites marinated in a smoky-sweet blend of honey, Dijon, and spices — perfect for barbecues, parties, or a quick weeknight dinner.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marinating Time: 30–120 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes (plus marinating)
Servings: 4
Calories: ~220 kcal
Ingredients
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Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – 1 lb, cut into bite-sized pieces
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Olive oil – 2 tbsp
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Soy sauce – 2 tbsp
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Honey – 1 tbsp
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Dijon mustard – 1 tbsp
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Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
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Smoked paprika – 1 tsp
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Salt & black pepper – to taste
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Fresh parsley – chopped, for garnish
Instructions
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Make the marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. -
Marinate the chicken:
Add chicken pieces, tossing until fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor). -
Preheat the grill:
Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. -
Assemble:
Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving slight space between each piece for even cooking. -
Grill:
Cook skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is fully cooked (internal temp: 165°F) and grill marks appear. -
Rest & serve:
Let chicken rest for a few minutes, then garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Quick Notes & Pro Tips
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Don’t overcook: Bite-sized pieces cook quickly — pull them off the grill as soon as they reach 165°F.
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No skewers? Grill chicken directly or use a grill basket.
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Marinate longer: For even deeper flavor, marinate up to 4 hours.
Why You’ll Love It
These grilled chicken bites are quick, versatile, and packed with flavor — ideal as an appetizer, main course, or protein for salads and wraps.
Variations & Serving Suggestions
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Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes.
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Switch the protein: Try chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
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Pair with: Fresh salads, grilled veggies, or pita bread with tzatziki.
Storage & Make-Ahead
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Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Freeze: Freeze marinated raw chicken in a sealed bag for up to 3 months.
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Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet or microwave to avoid drying out.
FAQs
Q: Can I cook these without a grill?
A: Yes! Use a grill pan or bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes.
Q: Can I prep these ahead?
A: Absolutely — marinate the chicken the night before for a quick cook the next day.
Q: What skewers work best?
A: Metal skewers are reusable and won’t burn, but pre-soaked wooden skewers are a budget-friendly option.
Personal Note
These are my go-to for summer cookouts — quick to make, easy to customize, and always a crowd-pleaser. They’re also great for meal prep since they reheat well and pair with nearly anything.