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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Heat grill to high temperature, creating optimal conditions for achieving a perfect char and caramelization.
- 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.
- Allow grilled skewers to rest briefly, which helps redistribute internal juices and maintain tenderness.
- Simultaneously prepare a glossy glaze by combining soy sauce, water, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Create a cornstarch slurry in a separate cup by mixing cornstarch with water until smooth.
- Pour slurry into simmering sauce, stirring continuously until the glaze thickens and becomes luxuriously glossy.
- Generously brush warm glaze over freshly grilled skewers, ensuring complete coverage.
- 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