Honey Lavender Chicken Skewers

Honey Lavender Chicken Skewers bring a special charm to summer tables with their blend of sweet honey and fragrant lavender. This recipe shines at picnics and backyard gatherings, offering just enough floral surprise to delight your taste buds without ever being overpowering.

I discovered this recipe on a whim while experimenting with summer flavors. Now it is tradition to fire up the grill for these skewers at the first sign of sunshine and watch friends come back for seconds.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose fresh, firm meat for tenderness and juiciness
• Honey: Provides a natural sweetness and luscious glaze. Use a floral local honey for best taste
• Olive oil: Helps the marinade cling to the chicken and keeps it moist during grilling
• Dried culinary lavender buds: Lightly crushed for the best flavor. Always use food grade lavender and check its aroma for freshness
• Fresh lemon juice: Adds brightness and balances the sweetness. Use freshly squeezed juice from ripe lemons
• Dijon mustard: Gives complexity and a gentle tang. Pick a smooth and robust Dijon you love
• Garlic cloves: Minced finely to infuse every bite with savoriness. Choose plump cloves without green shoots
• Salt: Essential for seasoning and drawing out flavors. Opt for fine sea salt for even distribution
• Freshly ground black pepper: Provides a subtle heat. Grind just before using for fullest aroma
• Olive oil for brushing grill: Keeps the chicken from sticking. Use a high quality extra virgin if you can
• Lemon wedges: For serving and a hit of extra citrus, squeeze just before eating
• Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley: Optional but add color and a garden fresh finish. Choose unwilted sprigs for garnish

Instructions

Make the Marinade:

Whisk together honey, olive oil, lavender, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl until well combined and the honey is fully dissolved. This creates the complex sweet, savory, and floral base that carries the chicken.

Marinate the Chicken:

Add chicken cubes to the marinade. Toss them until every piece is completely coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least one hour up to four hours for more pronounced flavors. This step ensures the chicken absorbs all the aromatics and stays juicy.

Prepare the Skewers:

If using wooden skewers, submerge them in water for at least thirty minutes to keep them from burning on the grill.

Skewer the Chicken:

Thread each marinated chicken piece onto the skewers. Leave a tiny gap between the pieces to let the heat circulate and cook everything evenly.

Preheat the Grill:

Set your grill or grill pan over medium high heat. Allow it to get hot, then brush the grates lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Grill the Skewers:

Arrange the chicken skewers on the grill. Cook for ten to twelve minutes, turning every couple of minutes so you get even grill marks and each side develops a golden caramelized crust. All pieces should be cooked through and slightly charred at the edges.

Garnish and Serve:

Transfer finished skewers to a serving platter, sprinkle with fresh herbs, and arrange lemon wedges on the side so everyone can add their own splash of citrus.

Save

When my little one first helped thread the chicken onto skewers, it became our special afternoon together.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They are great enjoyed cold over salads or reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If you want to freeze the chicken, marinate and freeze the uncooked pieces on a tray then transfer to a zip top bag for up to two months. Always thaw in the fridge before grilling for best texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Try chicken thighs instead of breasts for deeper flavor and extra juiciness. Swap honey with maple syrup for a slightly earthier sweetness. If lavender is difficult to find you can use lemon thyme which gives a hint of floral undertone.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these skewers with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc for a summery meal. Serve alongside a fresh green salad or grilled summer vegetables such as zucchini and bell peppers. Try tucking the chicken into warm pitas with a drizzle of yogurt sauce for a picnic friendly twist.

Cultural and Historical Context

Lavender has a long history in Mediterranean cuisines, especially in France, where it is used for both sweet and savory dishes. This recipe gives a nod to classic flavors of Provence, blending them with simple American grilling techniques.

Seasonal Adaptations

In spring use early chives and baby herbs for garnish. For fall try applewood chips on the grill for a hint of smoke. Add rosemary to the marinade for wintery depth and warmth.

Save

This dish is a conversation starter even among guests who have never cooked with lavender before. It turns a simple grilled meal into an occasion.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ How long should chicken marinate for best flavor?

For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, up to 4 hours for deeper infusion.

→ Can I substitute maple syrup for honey?

Yes, maple syrup can be used instead of honey for a different sweetness and nuanced flavor.

→ What herbs complement honey lavender chicken?

Fresh thyme, parsley, or rosemary work well as garnish and add layers of aroma to the dish.

→ Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.

→ How do I prevent wooden skewers from burning?

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to avoid burning.

→ What side dishes pair with these chicken skewers?

Serve with fresh salad, grilled vegetables, and enjoy alongside a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.