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Easy Grilled Asian Chicken Skewers with Honey Garlic Sauce

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.
Total Time 55 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Chicken Marinade:
  • 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breast): Chicken thighs are recommended for their juiciness and flavor, but chicken breast can also be used for a leaner option.
  • ¼ cup soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free: Adds umami and saltiness to the marinade.
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Provides a nutty aromatic depth to the flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Adds acidity and brightness to balance the richness of the other ingredients.
  • 1 tablespoon honey: A touch of sweetness to complement the savory soy sauce.
  • 3 cloves garlic minced: The garlic infuses the chicken with savory flavor and aroma.
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated: Adds a fresh, spicy kick to the marinade.
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes optional: For a subtle heat that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
  • 2 tablespoons green onions chopped: These add a mild, fresh onion flavor that complements the other ingredients.
  • For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
  • 3 tablespoons honey: Sweetens the sauce creating a sticky, caramelized glaze for the chicken.
  • 3 cloves garlic minced: Garlic infuses the sauce with its pungent, savory flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari: For saltiness and a deeper umami flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness of the honey.
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water: To thicken the sauce and give it a syrupy consistency.
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil: For a nutty finish in the sauce.
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated: Adds warmth and spice to the sauce.
  • For Garnish Optional:
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds: Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
  • Chopped cilantro or green onions: For fresh aromatic garnish.
  • Lime wedges: For a touch of brightness and acidity to balance the sweet and savory flavors.

Method
 

  1. FIRST STEP: PREPARE THE CHICKEN
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. SECOND STEP: MAKE THE HONEY GARLIC SAUCE
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. THIRD STEP: ASSEMBLE THE SKEWERS
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. FOURTH STEP: GLAZE WITH HONEY GARLIC SAUCE
  15. 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.
  16. 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.
  17. FINAL STEP: SERVE AND ENJOY
  18. Plate the Skewers: Arrange the skewers on a platter and serve with a side of lime wedges for a fresh, zesty burst of flavor.
  19. 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