Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers are a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, offering a fantastic taste of Asian-inspired cuisine with minimal effort.
Key Ingredients for Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for at least 30 minutes)
How to Make Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers:
These Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers are your ticket to a fuss-free, flavor-packed meal that’s both incredibly simple to prepare and delightfully satisfying. The tender, marinated chicken grilled to perfection offers a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and a hint of spice, making it a guaranteed hit. With a prep and marinating time of just 15 minutes and a grilling time of about 10-12 minutes, you can have a delicious dinner on the table faster than you might think.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Ensure the honey or brown sugar is fully dissolved into the liquid.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the bowl with the marinade. Toss gently to ensure each piece of chicken is evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor. If you’re very short on time, you can marinate for just 15 minutes, but longer marinating will yield more pronounced flavors.
- Preheat Your Grill: Preheat your outdoor grill (or indoor grill pan) to medium-high heat. Ensure the grill grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking. If using wooden skewers, make sure they have been soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the prepared skewers. Don’t overcrowd the skewers; leave a small space between each piece of chicken to allow for even cooking and charring. Aim for about 4-5 pieces of chicken per skewer, depending on their size.
- Grill the Skewers: Place the assembled skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for approximately 5-6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has developed nice grill marks and a slightly charred exterior. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes on a clean plate or cutting board. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken even more tender and flavorful.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Before serving, sprinkle the Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers generously with fresh chopped cilantro and toasted sesame seeds. These add a burst of freshness and a delightful nutty crunch that perfectly complements the savory chicken. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers:
You’re going to adore these Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers because they deliver an explosion of vibrant, Asian-inspired flavors that are shockingly simple to achieve. The star is the succulent marinated chicken, grilled to a perfect tender bite with those irresistible smoky char marks, making them far more exciting than your average grilled chicken. Plus, making these at home is a brilliant money-saver compared to ordering takeout, and the quick marinade doubles as a delicious glaze, adding an extra layer of savory sweetness that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe.
Think of these skewers as a delightful weeknight shortcut to that delicious takeout you crave, but with the added benefit of knowing exactly what’s going into your food and enjoying it fresh off the grill. They are incredibly versatile, perfect for a quick dinner alongside some jasmine rice and steamed veggies, or as an appetizer at your next backyard barbecue. So go ahead, fire up that grill and give these Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers a try – your taste buds will thank you!
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Properly storing and reheating your Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers ensures you can enjoy their deliciousness even after the initial meal.
- Refrigeration: Once cooled, store any leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is well-sealed to prevent the chicken from drying out.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken skewers. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen skewers to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating (Stovetop): The best way to reheat is on the stovetop. Place the skewers in a skillet over medium heat with a tablespoon of water or a little extra marinade if you have it. Cook, turning occasionally, until heated through.
- Reheating (Oven): You can also reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or until warm. This method works well if you have multiple skewers to reheat.
- Reheating (Microwave): While the microwave is the quickest option, it can sometimes lead to drier chicken. If using the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, checking for doneness, and consider wrapping them loosely in damp paper towel to help retain moisture.
Final Thoughts:
These Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers are a culinary triumph of simplicity and flavor, proving that delicious meals don’t need to be complicated. Give them a try for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is to love.
Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Ensure the honey or brown sugar is fully dissolved into the liquid.1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred), 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger, 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Add the cubed chicken to the bowl with the marinade. Toss gently to ensure each piece of chicken is evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor. If you’re very short on time, you can marinate for just 15 minutes, but longer marinating will yield more pronounced flavors.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Preheat your outdoor grill (or indoor grill pan) to medium-high heat. Ensure the grill grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking. If using wooden skewers, make sure they have been soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the prepared skewers. Don’t overcrowd the skewers; leave a small space between each piece of chicken to allow for even cooking and charring. Aim for about 4-5 pieces of chicken per skewer, depending on their size.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Place the assembled skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for approximately 5-6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has developed nice grill marks and a slightly charred exterior. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes on a clean plate or cutting board. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken even more tender and flavorful.
- Before serving, sprinkle the Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers generously with fresh chopped cilantro and toasted sesame seeds. These add a burst of freshness and a delightful nutty crunch that perfectly complements the savory chicken. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish, 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds, for garnish