Honey Lavender Chicken Skewers

Tender chicken skewers bathed in honey and culinary lavender transform ordinary grilling into a feast kissed by summer’s floral notes. This is my secret to effortless entertaining the dreamy aroma always draws everyone outdoors and the first bite guarantees compliments every time.

I stumbled on this combo after a trip to a lavender farm and now it is my go to for summer grill nights. My younger niece always runs outside when she smells it sizzling she asks for extra lemon every time.

Ingredients

• Chicken: Choose boneless skinless breasts or thighs for best tenderness I prefer thighs for extra juiciness
• Honey: Adds essential sweetness opt for local raw honey for freshest flavor
• Dried culinary lavender: Buds bring delicate floral notes ensure they are food grade and lightly crush for best infusion
• Olive oil: Smooths the marinade and helps chicken stay moist select extra virgin for brightness
• Lemon juice: Fresh squeezed heightens all flavors and brightens the dish
• Dijon mustard: Adds subtle tang check ingredients for pure Dijon no additives
• Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic wakes up the marinade
• Salt: Essential for balancing and drawing out chicken flavor use flaky sea salt if possible
• Black pepper: Use fresh cracked for lively warmth
• Olive oil for brushing: Prevents sticking on the grill
• Lemon wedges: For serving squeeze over hot skewers
• Fresh herbs: Thyme parsley or whatever is on hand for color and aroma go with your garden

Instructions

Marinade Preparation:

Whisk together honey olive oil crushed lavender lemon juice Dijon mustard garlic salt and pepper in a large bowl until smooth. Take a minute to crush the lavender between your fingers this unlocks its fragrant oils and prevents bitterness.

Chicken Marinating:

Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and turn to coat evenly. Make sure every piece is glistening. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. The chicken will soak up all the floral sweetness if you go up to four hours the flavors deepen beautifully.

Skewer Prep:

If you are using wooden skewers soak them in water for at least thirty minutes. This small step prevents burning and makes threading easier. Metal skewers do not require soaking.

Threading Chicken:

Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers. Leave a tiny space between each chunk this ensures heat can circulate and every piece cooks through without steaming.

Grill Setup:

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium high. Brush the grates with olive oil using a paper towel or brush. This stops sticking and helps develop char.

Grilling the Chicken:

Place the skewers on the grill. Turn them every few minutes to achieve even browning. Grill for ten to twelve minutes until lightly charred at the edges and the inside is just cooked through. The chicken should be springy and juices run clear.

Finishing Touches:

Transfer the finished skewers to a platter. Sprinkle with fresh herbs for color and aroma. Serve with lemon wedges for a splash of brightness on each bite.

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What makes this recipe special for me is how the honey and lavender truly shine. I always use local honey and culinary lavender from the farmers market. The scent fills my kitchen and the color is so lively it reminds me of family vacations in small herb gardens. We all gather around the table debating who gets the prettiest skewer.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days. To keep skewers moist add a drizzle of olive oil before refrigerating. Reheat gently in a preheated oven or on a grill pan to restore their char.

Ingredient Substitutions

If honey is unavailable pure maple syrup is a delicious swap with its robust sweetness. Chicken thighs work better than breasts for juicy texture but you can use pork or tofu for variation. If you are low on lavender a pinch of rosemary or thyme still adds herbal fragrance.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these skewers with grilled vegetables or a chilled quinoa salad for a complete meal. Slices of feta and olives celebrate Mediterranean flavors. For a party I serve with a simple lemon herb yogurt dip or on flatbreads.

Cultural and Historical Context

Lavender has proud roots in Mediterranean and French cooking its floral qualities balance sweet and savory beautifully. Honey has symbolized hospitality across cultures so when I bring this dish to summer gatherings it always feels like a welcoming gesture.

Seasonal Adaptations

Use fresh lemon zest when citrus is in season Lavender is best in late spring to midsummer Try grilling alongside seasonal stone fruit like apricots for sweetness

Save

This dish is lively and welcoming and is a guaranteed favorite for grill nights. Each skewer bursts with bright summer flavor making even simple gatherings feel special.

Common Recipe Questions

→ How long should the chicken marinate?

Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor infusion.

→ What does culinary lavender add to the dish?

Culinary lavender provides subtle floral notes that complement the honey and enhance the chicken's taste.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Both boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work well, bringing tenderness and rich flavor.

→ How do I prevent wooden skewers from burning?

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading chicken and grilling.

→ What side dishes pair well with this dish?

Pair with crisp green salads, grilled vegetables, or light grains for a balanced and fresh meal.

→ Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Ensure all condiments are verified if sensitive.