Name: Spicy Honey Chicken and Sweet Potato Kebabs Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1-2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 1/2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2-inch pieces; 1 large sweet onion, cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks and layers separated; 7 (12-inch) bamboo skewers*; 3 Tbsp. olive oil; 2 tsp. garlic powder; 2 tsp. chili powder; 1 tsp. kosher salt; 1 tsp. black pepper; 1 tsp. ground cumin; 1 tsp. paprika; 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper; 6 Tbsp. honey; 2 tsp. apple cider vinegar

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If you’re searching for a flavor-packed dish that seamlessly brings together sweet, spicy, and savory elements, look no further than these Spicy Honey Chicken and Sweet Potato Kebabs. This recipe delivers succulent chicken, creamy sweet potatoes, and aromatic onions, all brought to life with a bold, honey-spiked glaze and a playful mix of spices. Imagine every bite bursting with contrast: a gentle heat from chili and cumin, balanced by rich honey and tangy vinegar, all caramelized to perfection on a sizzling grill. Perfect for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or even meal prep, these kebabs promise both comfort and excitement—essentially BBQ on a stick, but with far more attitude.

Spicy Honey Chicken and Sweet Potato Kebabs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in these Spicy Honey Chicken and Sweet Potato Kebabs plays a starring role—either building flavor, lending color, or ensuring the perfect texture. The list is refreshingly simple, yet nothing is by accident; each piece brings out the best in the others, making these kebabs a celebration on a skewer.

Sweet Potatoes: Packed with natural sweetness and vibrant color, their creamy texture pairs wonderfully with the spicy glaze.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Tender and juicy, chicken thighs soak up all the bold marinade flavors without drying out over the grill.
Sweet Onion: Adds mellow sweetness and a bit of crunch, plus a delicious aroma as it cooks.
Bamboo Skewers: Skewers keep it all together; soak them first to avoid scorching on the grill.
Fresh Basil (optional): A sprinkle before serving provides fresh color and a hint of herbaceous flair.
Olive Oil: Helps bind the spices and keeps everything moist and glossy on the grill.
Garlic Powder: A must for that comforting, savory base note.
Chili Powder: Brings warm heat and a touch of smokiness to both the chicken and potatoes.
Kosher Salt: Essential to draw out and elevate all flavors.
Black Pepper: Adds a grounding kick and complexity.
Ground Cumin: Contributes earthiness and a subtle toasty aroma.
Paprika: Gives color and a sweet glimmer of smoke.
Crushed Red Pepper: For those little sparks of heat in every bite.
Honey: Shines in the glaze, delivering sticky sweetness that caramelizes as it cooks.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Cuts through the richness and balances the honey with bright tang.

How to Make Spicy Honey Chicken and Sweet Potato Kebabs

Step 1: Par-Cook the Sweet Potatoes

Begin by peeling and chopping your sweet potatoes into bite-sized cubes. Place them in a saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook for a quick 5 minutes—just enough to soften them slightly but keep their shape, so they grill up perfectly tender later on. Drain and let cool so they’ll be easy to thread onto skewers.

Step 2: Mix Up the Spice Blend and Glaze

While your sweet potatoes cool, whisk together olive oil with garlic powder, chili powder, salt, black pepper, cumin, paprika, and crushed red pepper in a bowl. This aromatic mix is your ticket to layers of flavor. In a separate bowl, stir together honey and apple cider vinegar for the sticky glaze that will make these Spicy Honey Chicken and Sweet Potato Kebabs truly sparkle.

Step 3: Season the Chicken, Potatoes, and Onions

Toss the chicken pieces with half of the spice mixture so every chunk gets well coated. Then, divide the remaining spice blend between your potatoes and onion chunks. Toss gently, making sure all the pieces are seasoned but not smashed—remember, we want those potatoes to keep their structure.

Step 4: Assemble the Kebabs

Alternate threading chicken, sweet potato, and onion onto the soaked bamboo skewers. This not only makes for a visually gorgeous skewer but ensures every bite is perfectly balanced. Aim for about seven hearty skewers total. Once assembled, give them a generous brush with half of your honey glaze—this is where the sticky-sweet magic begins!

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Heat your grill to medium, clean and oil the grates, and get ready for some sizzle. Arrange the kebabs and cook for around 8 minutes, turning often, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred in spots. The aroma will have you drooling! If using breast meat instead of thighs, start checking around the 6-minute mark to avoid overcooking.

Step 6: Glaze and Garnish

Once the Spicy Honey Chicken and Sweet Potato Kebabs come off the grill, immediately brush them with the rest of your honey glaze. If you’re feeling extra fancy, shower them with thinly sliced basil for freshness and a bit of green pop. Serve hot and get ready for rave reviews!

How to Serve Spicy Honey Chicken and Sweet Potato Kebabs

Garnishes

Fresh basil is a knockout on these kebabs—a quick sprinkle brings brightness and color, complementing the warm spices and honey. You can also add a squeeze of lemon for a splash of acidity, or a little extra drizzle of honey if you love things sweet and sticky.

Side Dishes

Pair your Spicy Honey Chicken and Sweet Potato Kebabs with a simple green salad, grilled corn, or even a big bowl of herby couscous. The savory, caramelized flavors of the kebabs play well with almost any fresh or slightly tangy side. For a complete summer spread, add a cool yogurt dip or some grilled pita on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Skewers are already fun, but why not lean in? Arrange them colorfully on a rustic platter or wooden cutting board, scatter with microgreens or extra herbs, and add lemon wedges for brightness. For parties, offer dipping sauces alongside or slide the kebab contents off into a grain bowl for a beautiful deconstructed meal. These Spicy Honey Chicken and Sweet Potato Kebabs are meant to wow, so don’t be shy with presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (they tend to disappear fast!), just remove the meat and veggies from the skewers. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll keep happy and tasty for up to three days. The flavors will meld even more, making next-day lunches a serious treat.

Freezing

For longer storage, let the kebabs cool completely, then transfer the pieces to a freezer-friendly bag or container. You can freeze these for up to two months. When ready to enjoy again, thaw in the fridge overnight—just know that the sweet potatoes may soften a bit more after freezing but will still taste delicious.

Reheating

To reheat and preserve the best texture, pop the kebab pieces under the broiler for a few minutes or warm them in a skillet on medium heat until hot. The glaze will get sticky and irresistible all over again. Microwaving will work in a pinch, but you might lose a little of that signature char.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works wonderfully in Spicy Honey Chicken and Sweet Potato Kebabs, just keep an eye on your grill time. Breast cooks a touch faster, so begin checking for doneness around 6 minutes to keep everything juicy and tender.

Do I have to soak the bamboo skewers?

Yes, soaking the skewers for at least 30 minutes helps prevent burning on the grill. This quick step saves you from any charred splinters and keeps your kebabs looking and tasting great.

Can I prepare these in advance?

Definitely! Assemble the skewers and toss them with the spice mixture up to one day ahead, storing them covered in the fridge. Wait to glaze and grill until just before serving for the freshest, boldest results.

What if I don’t have a grill?

No grill? No problem! You can roast these kebabs on a baking sheet in a 425°F oven, turning halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and caramelized—expect about 15 minutes of cooking time.

How spicy are these kebabs?

They bring a friendly level of warmth thanks to chili powder and crushed red pepper, but the sweet potatoes and honey glaze balance the heat beautifully. If you’re spice-sensitive, simply dial down the crushed red pepper for a milder kick.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend these Spicy Honey Chicken and Sweet Potato Kebabs enough—they combine the ease of weeknight cooking with the pop and excitement of a dinner party dish. Try them out the next time you fire up your grill, and watch everyone reach for seconds. Here’s to bringing a little extra sizzle to your table!