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The appetizer, Chic bistro

Honey mustard chicken skewers

Honey mustard chicken skewers are an appetizer for 6 people, made with chicken breast marinated and grilled on small sticks. They take 25 minutes of active work, the marinade is made the night before, and only the grilling is left to do before guests arrive. The level is very easy, the cost is around €1.60 per person, and the key is cutting the chicken into even cubes so every skewer cooks the same way.

Tender chicken glazed in honey and mustard, threaded on little sticks, so everyone keeps a free hand for their drink.

Honey mustard chicken skewers
For
6 people
Work
25 min
Total time
40 min
Prep
Prepared the day before
Difficulty
Very easy
Cost per person
€1.60
Calories per person
150 kcalcalculated by Kiloach, your weight coach

The chicken stays juicy under a glossy glaze, sweetened by honey and given some bite by grainy mustard. Garlic and lemon add just enough punch so every bite has character without feeling heavy. These are the kind of skewer you grab with your fingers, standing up, drink in the other hand.

This is a finger food recipe, perfect for a cocktail style dinner with friends where guests nibble on several small things before sitting down, or for a birthday buffet where kids pick at it too. It works year round, but it really shines once the weather warms up, served outside alongside other cold and warm bites.

The schedule

What happens when, so you can be with your guests instead of in the kitchen.

  1. The day before 2 steps
  2. The same day 1 step
  3. Before the guests arrive 1 step, 10 min
  4. When it's time to serve 1 step

The night before, make the marinade, set aside the serving sauce separately, and let the chicken marinate in the fridge overnight. In the morning, thread the cubes onto soaked wooden skewers. Right before guests arrive, grill the skewers in a pan or under the broiler. When it's time to serve, brush them with the reserved sauce and arrange them on a warm platter.

The ingredients

6 people

Butcher

  • Chicken breasts 700 g

Pantry

  • Liquid honeyoften in the pantry 3 tbsp
  • Whole grain mustardoften in the pantry 3 tbsp
  • Olive oiloften in the pantry 2 tbsp
  • Wooden skewers 24
  • Saltoften in the pantry 1 pinch
  • Pepperoften in the pantry 1 pinch

Fruits and vegetables

  • Garlic 2 cloves
  • Lemon juice 1 tbsp

Allergens Mustard

The recipe, moment by moment

The day beforeWhat's better after resting overnight in the fridge.

  1. Mix the honey, mustard, oil, crushed garlic, lemon juice, salt and pepper, then set aside 2 tablespoons of this sauce in a small bowl.

    Keeping a separate bowl means you avoid reusing marinade that touched raw meat.

  2. Cut the chicken into 2 cm cubes and coat them in the remaining marinade, then cover and refrigerate overnight.

    Don't go past 24 hours, the lemon starts to cook the meat.

The same dayDuring the day, whenever you get a moment.

  1. Thread 3 to 4 cubes onto each wooden skewer.

    Soak the skewers in water for 10 minutes first, they won't burn on the grill.

Before the guests arriveThe last hour, right before the doorbell rings.

  1. Grill the skewers in a pan or under the oven broiler until golden on all sides. 10 min

    Turn them every 2 minutes, the honey caramelizes without burning.

When it's time to serveThe final touches, right in front of your guests.

  1. Brush the skewers with the reserved sauce and arrange them on a warm platter.

    A sprig of fresh thyme and a few mustard seeds on top give them a festive touch.

Our tips to get it right

  • Let the excess marinade drip off the chicken before threading it onto the sticks, too much liquid will make the pan smoke and the meat steam instead of browning.
  • Go easy on the salt in the marinade, the mustard and honey already bring plenty of flavor on their own.
  • If you cook these in the oven, use the broiler setting and place the skewers near the top so they color without drying out.

The variations

  • Swap the chicken for firm tofu cubes marinated the same way, for a vegetarian version that is just as flavorful.
  • Use a darker honey like chestnut honey instead of plain liquid honey, for a deeper, more robust flavor.
  • For kids, set aside a few skewers made without garlic and with a milder mustard instead of the grainy one.

What to serve it with

  • Raw veggies with a yogurt dip
  • A fresh tabbouleh on the side
  • A chilled rosé for the aperitif

Storage

Cooked skewers keep for 2 days in the refrigerator in a sealed container. Reheat them gently in a pan or oven so they stay moist instead of drying out. Freezing isn't recommended, the marinated chicken loses texture.

Questions about this recipe

Can you make these skewers with chicken thighs instead?

Yes, boneless thighs work very well and stay even juicier than breast meat. Use the same marinating time and keep an eye on cooking, thighs sometimes need an extra minute.

Can these skewers be cooked on a grill outside?

Yes, it's actually a great option in summer. Just make sure to soak the wooden skewers beforehand and watch them closely, the honey caramelizes fast over open flame.

How do you keep the wooden skewers from burning?

Soak the skewers in cold water for 10 minutes before using them. The water keeps the wood from catching fire whether you cook under the broiler, in a pan, or on a grill.

How many skewers should you plan per person?

For a cocktail style dinner with other bites, plan on 3 to 4 skewers per person. This recipe makes 24, which works for 6 people as long as chicken isn't the only dish served.

Can honey mustard chicken skewers be made ahead?

Yes, it's even recommended. The recipe needs 25 min of work in total, split up like this, the day before, 2 steps, the same day, 1 step, before the guests arrive, 1 step, when it's time to serve, 1 step.

How long does it take to make honey mustard chicken skewers?

Allow 40 min in total, including resting and cooking time, of which 25 min is actual work. The recipe is rated "very easy".

How many calories are in honey mustard chicken skewers?

About 150 kcal per person, for a recipe meant for 6 people. The calories are calculated by Kiloach, your kilo coach, the app that partners with Mon Chou.

How much does honey mustard chicken skewers cost?

About €1.60 per person, that's €9.60 for 6 people, based on average supermarket prices.

What allergens does this recipe contain?

This recipe contains mustard. Remember to ask your guests about their allergies before putting your menu together.

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