Best Asian Skewer Chicken - Grilled (video recipe)
These skewer chicken are sweet-tangy marinated with Asian flavors and take less than 30 minutes to make. Most of the ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
Summer isn't summery without the grill. right? I mean you have to have a few BBQ sessions. Here in the Middle East skewers are almost an everyday affair in summer.
About this Asian skewer chicken
If you like Asian food, then you will love this recipe. The combination of soy, brown sugar, and ketchup adds a nice stickiness to the chicken, and yet, the flavors are not overpowering. The leftover marinade also makes a nice sauce to serve with the skewers.
My kids love these skewers over steamed rice. But, plain or buttered noodles work just as well.
Useful tips and tools
- Use a glass or stainless bowl when marinating strong flavors. Plastic tends to hold on to Thai flavors.
- Of course, you will need a grill pan whether you grill indoors or out.
- The skewers are best soaked in water for 10 minutes so they do not burn over the grill.
- And, always use kitchen tongs to protect your hands.
Ingredients and substitutes
- Chicken - I like chicken thighs, but chicken breast works just as well.
- Sesame Oil - Adds a nice smoky and Asian flavor, but can omit it. Sesame oil has a long shelf life, so if you do venture into Asian cooking sesame oil is a good flavor to have at home.
- Soy sauce - I like to use the low sodium soya sauce. But, if you use the regular, which has salt added, you may want to reduce the quantity of salt in the dish.
- Brown sugar - Adds flavor and color. If you don't have brown sugar - just use regular white sugar.
- Ginger/garlic - These are a must when you cook meat dishes. If you don't have fresh, go ahead and add a 1tsp each of powdered garlic and ginger. Although, with Asian cooking it's all about fresh ingredients.
- Ketchup - Adds a nice tangy flavor from the tomatoes.
- Onion powder - Fresh onions make the marinade very liquidy and burn easily on the grills. The powder is a great way to add flavor.
How to make Asian chicken skewers (save/pin)
- In a glass or stainless bowl ( do not use aluminum or other metal), add all the marinade ingredients along with the chicken.
- Combine well - cover and leave to marinate for 15 mins on the counter up to 3 hours in the fridge.
- Thaw chicken an hour before cooking.
- Soak bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes (this prevents them from burning).
- Skewer the chicken and set aside.
- Put the remaining marinade and 1/4 cup water in a saucepan or frypan.
- Cook the marinade for 2 to 3 minutes until thick like syrup - set aside.
- Cook the chicken on a hot grill, turning once every 2 minutes until cooked on all sides. About 4 to 5 minutes per skewer.
- In the last two minutes, brush the chicken with the sauce. This adds a nice glaze.
- Serve over steamed rice or noodles with the remaining sauce.
- Any leftover will keep in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
- The chicken also freezes well for up to a month.
Description
These skewer chicken are sweet-tangy marinated with Asian flavors and take less than 30 minutes to make. Most of the ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
ADJUST SERVINGS HERE - 6 servings
Ingredients
- 500 grams (1 lb) Chicken cut into cubes
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp Ginger grated
- 1 tbsp Onion powder
- 2 tbsp Rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp Brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Sesame oil
- 4 tbsp Soy sauce or chilly oil
- 2 tbsp Chilly sauce spicy
- 2 tbsp Ketchup
Instructions
- In a glass or stainless bowl ( do not use aluminum or other metal), add all the marinade ingredients along with the chicken.
- Combine well - cover and leave to marinate for 15 mins on the counter up to 3 hours in the fridge.
- Thaw chicken an hour before cooking.
- Soak bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes (this prevents them from burning).
- Skewer the chicken and set aside.
- Put the remaining marinade and 1/4 cup water in a saucepan or frypan.
- Cook the marinade for 2 to 3 minutes until thick like syrup - set aside.
- Cook the chicken on a hot grill, turning once every 2 minutes until cooked on all sides. About 4 to 5 minutes per skewer.
- In the last two minutes, brush the chicken with the sauce. This adds a nice glaze.
- Serve over steamed rice or noodles with the remaining sauce.
Recipe Notes
- Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces but not too small as they will shrink further.
- If possible marinate the chicken for a few hours so they absorb more flavor
- The sauce can be cooked down further until it gets sticky (eventually the sugar caramelizes it to become sticky)
- Cook the chicken closer to cooking the time to prevent it from drying out
- Don't crowd the skewers with too many chicken pieces this will stew not grill the chicken. And, some parts towards the center can remain undercooked.
- If you don't have skewers, drain the chicken from the marinade and stir fry it in a wok or heavy bottom skillet. Add the sauce at the end of cooking. You can also toss in some boiled noodles.
- Any leftover will keep in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
- The chicken freezes well for up to a month too.
Equipment
Nutrition Information
Calories: 51kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 2gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 908mgPotassium: 71mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 60IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 1mg
The nutrition information and metric conversion are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee its accuracy. If this data is important to you please verify with your trusted nutrition calculator. Thank you
Did you make this recipe? Tag @veenaazmanov on instagram or #hashtag it #veenaazmanov
Frequently asked questions
Can I use chicken breast for these skewer chicken?
Absolutely. Chicken breast is leaner and cooks much faster. When overcooked it can become dry. So, make sure to cook just until done, about 3 minutes at first. Then, 2 minutes more should be just right.
How far in advance can I make these chicken skewers?
It is best to marinate these ahead of time, but cook them just before you are ready to eat. They can be marinated up to 4 hours ahead of time leaving you enough time to do everything else.
Are these skewer chicken spicy?
The chili paste you use will determine how spicy these skewers will be. Reduce or use more as per your taste
Can I add vegetables along with these skewer chicken?
Yes, if you want you can add pieces of veggies like onion, pepper, tomato in between the chicken pieces.
SAVE THIS RECIPE ON PINTEREST FOR LATER. TRIED MY RECIPE? SHARE IT WITH ME, PLEASE.
Share a picture of your work with me by uploading an image here below my image on this board. You can also find a collection of my tutorials and recipes here on Pinterest.
You may also like
- Slow Cooker Apricot Cranberry Chicken
- Lentil chicken curry
- Quick Ginger Chicken Stir Fry,
- Easy Indian Chicken Biryani
- Slow Cooker Indian Chicken Curry,
- Honey Balsamic Chicken,
- Lemon Butter Chicken
- Turmeric Rice with Chicken and Peas
- Kung Pao Chicken
- General Tso Chicken
- Chicken Burgers
- Chicken and Rice Skillet - 20 mins
- Chicken Pasta in 15 mins
Thai Curry Chicken Skewers Recipe in 15 minutes
These Thai chicken skewers are better than take away or restaurant style chicken satay and take less than 15 minutes to make with ingredients you probably already have in the kitchen. What can be easier than combine ingredients and grill on a stick? Serve with rice or noodles for a quick full meal.
Chicken Malai Kebabs aka Murg Malai Kebabs
A popular Indian classic, commonly known as Murg Malai Kebabs. These chicken malai kebabs are creamy chicken skewers. A simple, easy and effortless recipe using a yogurt-based marinade with cheese and spices takes five minutes to marinate and six minutes on the grill. Serve with naan, chapati, roti or flavored rice.
Chicken Kebabs Middle Eastern
These Middle Eastern chicken kebabs are marinated in Greek yogurt and aromatic spices before cooking on a hot grill. They are perfect crowd pleasers for BBQs and summer parties. Serve over some turmeric rice or with tahini and hummus in pita bread. A surprisingly simple and easy recipe for chicken skewers.
Moroccan Chicken Skewers aka Chicken Kebabs
A step by step tutorial on how to make the best Moroccan Chicken Skewers aka Moroccan Chicken Kebabs, seasoned with exotic Moroccan spices such as smoked cumin, cinnamon, and ginger and paired with gentle veggies such as onions tomatoes peppers before being grilled on high heat for that ultimate BBQ
Moroccan Ground Beef Kebabs
These Moroccan ground beef kebabs are as easy as 123. Combine the ingredients together, skewers them, and grill them to perfection. Mince beef kebabs cook fairly quickly so these takes barely 5 to 6 minutes on the grill. Serve them with flavored rice or pita bread and tahini. Don't forget to serve some homemade hummus and aromatic salads for that full Middle Eastern experience.
Shelley
Oh my - these chicken skewers look amazing, and very much like something my family would adore! Thank you for the great tips and FAQs - I especially liked the suggestions about controlling/adjusting the spiciness (since my guys like spicy foods but my daughter doesn't), and about adding veggies, which I think is a GREAT idea! Another terrific recipe post - you have such great ideas!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you so much, Shelly. I hope you try this soon. Great day
GUNJAN C Dudani
This is a such a delicious recipe. We all loved it. My brother will make it again this weekend because he loved it so much.
Veena Azmanov
Thank you so much, Gunjan. So happy your family enjoyed it so much
Haley D. Williams
This dish is simply delicious! The sesame oil does add a smoky flavor.
Veena Azmanov
Yes, it does Haley, Thanks for the feedback. Glad you enjoyed it
Mary
These chicken skewers are full of flavor and so easy to make! Thanks!
Veena Azmanov
You are very welcome, Mary. Thank you for the feedback
Amy
Wow this chicken looks so saucy and delicious!
Veena Azmanov
It is, thanks, Amy
Christian Guzman
This was outstanding! So tasty on the grill. Thank you for giving me a reason to fire it up!
Veena Azmanov
Thanks, Christian. I am happy you enjoyed it. Thanks for the feedback
Sisley White
This is my kind of recipe. So easy to do and gave beautiful results. Thank you so much.
Veena Azmanov
You are very welcome Sisley. I am so happy you enjoyed it.