Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce
These Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce are the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy. The marinated chicken is skewered and grilled to juicy perfection, then topped with a luscious honey garlic sauce. Ideal for a weeknight dinner, weekend barbecue, or as a party appetizer, this dish offers a burst of flavor with minimal prep. You can enjoy these skewers with a side of rice, salad, or veggies for a complete meal.
Introduction
Grilled chicken skewers are a versatile and easy-to-make dish that can be tailored to many flavor profiles. For this recipe, the chicken is marinated in a delicious mix of soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic, then grilled to perfection. The real star is the honey garlic sauce—an irresistible combination of sweetness and savory depth that elevates the dish. These skewers are perfect for summer grilling or any time you’re craving a flavorful, quick meal.
The History of Ingredients
The ingredients in this recipe draw heavily from Asian flavors, specifically those found in Chinese and Japanese cuisines. Soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic are common ingredients in many Asian dishes, contributing salty, nutty, and aromatic flavors. Honey is often used in Asian cooking to balance the savory elements with sweetness, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
Grilled meat on skewers, also known as kebabs, has been a staple in many cultures across the globe for centuries, including in Asia. The concept of grilling food on skewers dates back to ancient times, where it was a simple and practical method of cooking meat over an open flame. In this recipe, grilling the chicken brings out the smoky flavors that complement the rich sauce perfectly.
Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- Chicken Breast or Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for skewers.
- Soy Sauce: Provides a salty umami flavor that forms the base of the marinade.
- Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty, rich flavor to the chicken.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a pungent and aromatic base note.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a subtle zing and warmth to the marinade.
- Rice Vinegar or Lime Juice: A little acidity helps balance the rich flavors.
- Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to the marinade and enhances the grilling flavor.
- Sesame Seeds (optional): For garnish, providing a nice crunch and extra flavor.
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- Honey: Sweetens and glazes the chicken with a beautiful shine.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth to the sauce.
- Soy Sauce: Adds a salty, savory depth to the sauce.
- Rice Vinegar: Balances the sweetness with a bit of tang.
- Cornstarch: To thicken the sauce, giving it a syrup-like consistency.
- Water: To adjust the consistency of the sauce.
Step-by-Step Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken breast or thighs (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or lime juice)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and honey. Add the chicken cubes and mix well, making sure the chicken is coated evenly in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but preferably 2-4 hours for maximum flavor.
- Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine honey, garlic, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the water until smooth. Slowly pour this mixture into the sauce, stirring constantly. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Skewer the Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and has a nice golden-brown color with grill marks.
- Glaze with Sauce: During the last 2 minutes of grilling, brush the chicken with the honey garlic sauce to create a glossy, flavorful coating. You can also drizzle the sauce over the chicken when serving.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the skewers and serve with extra honey garlic sauce on the side. Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro, if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers
- Marinate for Longer: For the most flavor, marinate the chicken for several hours or even overnight.
- Watch the Grill: Chicken cooks quickly on the grill, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. You want a nice char on the outside while keeping the inside juicy.
- Serve with Sides: These skewers are great with steamed rice, a fresh salad, or grilled vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
- For Extra Flavor: Add a bit of chili paste or red pepper flakes to the marinade or sauce if you want a touch of heat.
- Use Skewers Wisely: Be sure not to overcrowd the skewers; leaving space between the chicken pieces allows for even grilling.
Variations and Customizations
- Spicy Version: Add chili flakes, sriracha, or a bit of hoisin sauce to the marinade or sauce for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for firm tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian or vegan version.
- Add Veggies: Thread bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes onto the skewers along with the chicken for added flavor and color.
- Pineapple or Mango: Add chunks of pineapple or mango to the skewers for a sweet, tropical flavor that pairs beautifully with the honey garlic sauce.
- Soy-Free Option: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free and soy-free version of this dish.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
While these skewers are delicious, they do have some calories due to the honey and sesame oil. Here are a few tips to make them healthier:
- Lean Chicken: Opt for skinless, boneless chicken breast for a leaner option, or use chicken thighs if you prefer a bit more flavor and juiciness.
- Control the Honey: You can reduce the amount of honey in the sauce if you want to cut down on sugar.
- Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
A typical serving (1 skewer with sauce) contains approximately:
- Calories: 180-220
- Protein: 20-25g
- Carbs: 10-15g
- Fat: 7-10g (depending on oil used)
FAQ
- Can I make this recipe in the oven? Yes! You can bake the marinated chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. For a grilled effect, you can broil it in the oven during the last 2-3 minutes.
- Can I use skin-on chicken? While skinless chicken is recommended for skewers, you can use skin-on chicken pieces if preferred. Just note that the skin will add extra fat and may require more attention on the grill to ensure it gets crispy without burning.
- How do I store leftovers? Leftover chicken skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave. You can also freeze cooked skewers for up to 3 months.
- Can I use a grill pan or stovetop? Yes, if you don’t have an outdoor grill, you can cook the skewers on a grill pan or skillet on the stovetop. Just heat the pan on medium-high heat and cook the skewers, turning occasionally, until fully cooked.
- Can I prepare the sauce in advance? Yes, the honey garlic sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Simply reheat it before using.
Enjoy these easy and flavorful grilled chicken skewers—perfect for a tasty meal with a delightful Asian twist!
Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce
These Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce are the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy. The marinated chicken is skewered and grilled to juicy perfection, then topped with a luscious honey garlic sauce. Ideal for a weeknight dinner, weekend barbecue, or as a party appetizer, this dish offers a burst of flavor with minimal prep. You can enjoy these skewers with a side of rice, salad, or veggies for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Method
- FIRST STEP: PREPARE THE CHICKEN
- Cut the Chicken: Begin by cutting the boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breast) into bite-sized cubes, about 1 to 1.5 inches in size. If using chicken breasts, be sure to trim off any excess fat and cut the chicken into even pieces.
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, chili flakes (if using), and chopped green onions. Stir everything together until the ingredients are well mixed.
- Coat the Chicken: Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but for best results, marinate for 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken fully.
- Preheat the Grill: While the chicken marinates, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 10-15 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- SECOND STEP: MAKE THE HONEY GARLIC SAUCE
- Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a small saucepan, add the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and grated ginger. Stir the mixture over medium heat and bring it to a simmer.
- Thicken the Sauce: Mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry and add it to the sauce. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes as the sauce thickens into a syrupy consistency.
- Simmer: Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat and set it aside. You can also store it in the fridge if you’re preparing the skewers in advance.
- THIRD STEP: ASSEMBLE THE SKEWERS
- Skewer the Chicken: Once the chicken has marinated, take the chicken cubes and thread them onto the skewers. If you’re using wooden skewers, be sure they are soaked in water to prevent burning. You can pack the chicken pieces tightly or leave a little space between them for even cooking.
- Oil the Grill: Brush the grill grates or grill pan lightly with oil to prevent sticking. You can use a paper towel dipped in oil or a non-stick spray for this step.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and has nice grill marks. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Depending on the thickness of the chicken and the heat of your grill, this could take about 10-12 minutes in total.
- FOURTH STEP: GLAZE WITH HONEY GARLIC SAUCE
- Baste the Skewers: During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the chicken skewers with the honey garlic sauce. Allow the sauce to caramelize and form a sticky glaze on the chicken.
- Serve with Extra Sauce: Once the chicken is fully grilled and glazed, remove it from the grill and drizzle additional honey garlic sauce over the skewers for added flavor. Optionally, you can sprinkle the skewers with toasted sesame seeds and fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions for garnish.
- FINAL STEP: SERVE AND ENJOY
- Plate the Skewers: Arrange the skewers on a platter and serve with a side of lime wedges for a fresh, zesty burst of flavor.
- Pairing Suggestions: These grilled chicken skewers pair wonderfully with a side of steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or a simple cucumber salad. The sweet and savory flavors will complement any of these side dishes.
Notes
- rving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 35g