Juicy Grilled Sesame Chicken Skewers Ready in Just 30 Minutes!

Sesame chicken skewers offer a tasty mix of Asian flavors and the art of grilling.

These skewers start with a marinade that turns plain chicken into something special.

The tender meat paired with nutty sesame seeds makes for an unforgettable meal.

Grilling gives the chicken a smoky flavor and creates crispy edges that are hard to resist.

People who cook at home or those who grill often find these skewers easy to prepare and serve in different ways.

Whether it’s a summer cookout or a family barbecue, these flavorful skewers add excitement to any meal.

Why Grilled Sesame Chicken Skewers Are So Tasty

• Minimal Prep Time: Whip up this flavor-packed dish in under 30 minutes of active cooking, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner plans.
• Versatile Grilling Option: Adaptable for both outdoor barbecues and indoor grill pans, these skewers deliver restaurant-quality taste with minimal kitchen effort.
• Flavor-Packed Marination: Infuse chicken with a bold blend of Asian-inspired seasonings that tenderize and elevate the meat, creating a mouthwatering meal that impresses without complex techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Suitable for family dinners, game day gatherings, or casual entertaining, these skewers appeal to both kids and adults with their sweet and savory profile.

Grilled Sesame Chicken Skewers Ingredient Guide

• Chicken: Tender meat that forms the base of the skewers, best when using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for even cooking.

• Soy Sauce, Water: Provide essential liquid and salty flavor for marinating and glazing.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds tangy brightness to balance the marinade.
• Brown Sugar: Creates a sweet undertone and helps with caramelization.

• Garlic, Ginger: Bring depth and traditional Asian flavor profile, fresh is always better than pre-minced.

• Sesame Oil: Adds distinctive nutty essence, authentic Asian cooking touch.
• Crushed Red Pepper: Introduces gentle heat and spiciness.

• Cornstarch, Water: Creates smooth, glossy glaze that clings to chicken.

• Sesame Seeds, Scallions: Provide visual appeal and fresh, crunchy texture, toasting seeds enhances their flavor.

How To Grill Sesame Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

• Soy sauce
• Water
• Brown sugar
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Crushed red pepper

Drop chicken cubes into a sealed container and completely coat with marinade. Let chicken soak in refrigerator for at least one hour, allowing flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.

Step 2: Prepare Cooking Tools

Submerge wooden skewers in water to prevent burning. Thread marinated chicken pieces carefully onto each skewer, ensuring even distribution.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Crank grill temperature to high heat. Place skewers directly on hot grates. Cook each side for approximately 5 minutes. Check chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F to guarantee safe consumption. Allow skewers to rest momentarily after grilling.

Step 4: Whip Up Glossy Glaze

Combine liquid ingredients in saucepan over medium heat. Create cornstarch slurry in separate container. Pour slurry into simmering mixture, stirring until sauce thickens beautifully.

Step 5: Final Tasty Touch

Generously brush warm glaze over grilled skewers. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and freshly sliced scallions on top. Serve hot and savor every delicious bite!

Tips For Juicy Grilled Sesame Chicken Skewers

• Maximize Marinade Magic: Let chicken soak in marinade overnight for deeper, more intense flavors that penetrate every bite.
• Prevent Skewer Burn: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to stop them from catching fire during grilling.
• Check Chicken Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F, guaranteeing safe and juicy results every time.
• Adjust Spice Level: Control heat by reducing or increasing crushed red pepper according to personal preference and family's spice tolerance.
• Glaze Consistency Tip: Slowly add cornstarch slurry while stirring continuously to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth, glossy sauce.

How To Keep And Reheat Grilled Sesame Chicken Skewers

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days.
• Cool Down: Allow skewers to reach room temperature before sealing to prevent moisture buildup and potential bacterial growth.
• Reheat: Warm skewers in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. Brush with extra glaze to restore moisture and prevent dryness.
• Best Practice: Remove skewers before reheating or carefully slide chicken off wooden skewers to ensure even heating and maintain original texture.

Top Sides For Grilled Sesame Chicken Skewers

• Craft Cool Rice Companion: Serve skewers over jasmine or sticky coconut rice to soak up the delicious sesame glaze and balance the savory grilled chicken.
• Select Refreshing Wine Match: Choose a crisp, slightly sweet Riesling or Gewürztraminer that complements the chicken's tangy marinade and cuts through the rich sesame notes.
• Design Vibrant Side Salad: Create a fresh cucumber and green apple slaw with rice vinegar dressing to provide a crunchy, bright contrast to the warm, intense skewered chicken.
• Boost Asian-Inspired Beverage: Mix a cold Japanese Asahi beer or green tea to cleanse the palate and enhance the dish's subtle ginger and sesame flavors.

Different Ways To Try Grilled Sesame Chicken Skewers

• Vegetarian Tofu Skewers: Replace chicken with firm tofu cubes, marinated in the same sesame sauce for a plant-based alternative that's packed with protein and flavor.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Swap brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener and use cauliflower chunks instead of chicken for a keto-friendly option that maintains the savory sesame profile.
• Spicy Korean-Style Adaptation: Increase crushed red pepper and add gochujang paste to the marinade for a fiery Korean-inspired rendition with extra heat and depth.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, perfect for those with wheat sensitivities while preserving the authentic sesame chicken taste.

Grilled Sesame Chicken Skewers Q&A

• Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with pork, beef, or shrimp. Just ensure the meat is cut into similar-sized cubes and adjust cooking times accordingly.

• Is it necessary to use all the marinade ingredients?

While each ingredient adds depth to the flavor, you can omit crushed red pepper if you prefer less heat. However, don’t skip essential components like soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.

• What if I don't have a grill?

No problem! You can cook these skewers on a stovetop grill pan, in the oven at 425°F, or even under the broiler. Just ensure the chicken reaches the correct internal temperature.

• How can I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?

Ensure your grill grates are clean and lightly oiled before cooking. Also, avoid moving the skewers too much during the first few minutes of grilling.

Juicy Grilled Sesame Chicken Skewers Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sesame Chicken Skewers combine Mediterranean flavors with simple ingredients for a mouthwatering meal. Crisp herbs, zesty marinade, and perfectly grilled chicken create a delightful experience you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein

• 2 pounds chicken breast, cubed (1-inch pieces)

Marinade and Liquid Components

• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup water
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger

Seasoning and Garnish

• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
• 2 tablespoons sliced scallions
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant marinade by whisking together soy sauce, water, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and crushed red pepper in a spacious mixing bowl.
2. Submerge chicken cubes completely in the aromatic liquid, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Transfer to a sealed container and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour, allowing flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
3. Prepare wooden skewers by soaking them in water to prevent burning during grilling. Remove chicken from marinade and carefully thread pieces onto the prepared skewers.
4. Heat grill to high temperature, creating optimal conditions for achieving a perfect char and caramelization.
5. Position skewers on the hot grill, cooking approximately 5 minutes per side until chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F, with a golden-brown exterior.
6. Allow grilled skewers to rest briefly, which helps redistribute internal juices and maintain tenderness.
7. Simultaneously prepare a glossy glaze by combining soy sauce, water, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat.
8. Create a cornstarch slurry in a separate cup by mixing cornstarch with water until smooth.
9. Pour slurry into simmering sauce, stirring continuously until the glaze thickens and becomes luxuriously glossy.
10. Generously brush warm glaze over freshly grilled skewers, ensuring complete coverage.
11. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced scallions as a final flourish before serving immediately.

Notes

• Toast sesame seeds beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and prevent burning during garnishing.
• Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier and more tender skewers, which can handle longer marinating times without becoming tough.
• Opt for metal skewers to prevent burning and ensure even cooking, especially if grilling at high temperatures.
• Adjust red pepper flakes for spice level, reducing or omitting for sensitive palates

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg