Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers

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.

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.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Marinating Time 30

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

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
0.5 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

Equipment

Medium Bowl
Outdoor grill or indoor grill pan
Wooden or metal skewers
Clean plate or cutting board

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

Notes

For longer storage, freeze cooked skewers for up to 2-3 months. Reheat on stovetop, in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or in microwave with damp paper towel.