Juicy Grilled Sesame Chicken Skewers Recipe: Summer’s Joy

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with these mouthwatering grilled sesame chicken skewers that pack a punch of flavor.

The combination of tender chicken and nutty sesame creates a remarkable blend of textures and tastes.

Marinades are the secret weapon for juicy, succulent meat that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Smoky grilled edges and a glossy sesame glaze turn simple chicken into something extraordinary.

Minimal ingredients and quick preparation mean you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in under 30 minutes.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet notes that will have your taste buds dancing.

Serve these skewers with steamed rice or a crisp salad for a complete meal that will become a new family favorite.

Grilled Sesame Chicken Skewers Bursting With Flavor

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Ingredients for Grilled Sesame Chicken Skewers

• Chicken: Lean and tender meat that serves as the main protein for the skewers.

• Soy Sauce, Water, Rice Vinegar: Provides a balanced and tangy flavor base for the chicken.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a caramelized exterior.
• Sesame Oil: Contributes a rich, nutty flavor characteristic of Asian cuisine.
• Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that provide depth and warmth to the marinade.
• Crushed Red Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and spiciness to the dish.

• Bamboo Skewers: Wooden sticks used for threading and grilling the chicken.
• Cornstarch, Water: Creates a thickening slurry for the glaze.

• Toasted Sesame Seeds, Scallions: Provide a fresh, crunchy finish and additional visual appeal to the dish.

Stepwise Instructions for Sesame Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

• Soy sauce
• Water
• Brown sugar
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger
• Crushed red pepper

Mix these ingredients thoroughly in a large bowl until the sugar completely dissolves.

Step 2: Infuse Chicken with Marinade

Drop chicken cubes into a sealed container and pour the marinade over them.

Ensure every piece gets coated evenly. Seal and park in the refrigerator for at least an hour, letting the flavors work their magic.

Step 3: Prepare Skewer Setup

Soak wooden skewers in water to prevent burning. This trick keeps them from turning into charcoal on the grill.

Step 4: Thread and Arrange Chicken

Carefully slide marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers. Pack them snugly but leave a little breathing room between chunks.

Step 5: Fire Up the Grill

Crank the grill to high heat. You want those beautiful char marks and smoky flavor.

Step 6: Grill to Perfection

Cook skewers for 5 minutes on each side. Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature for safe eating.

Step 7: Create Glossy Glaze

• Soy sauce
• Water
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Brown sugar

Whisk cornstarch with water to make a quick slurry. Add to the simmering sauce and cook until it thickens beautifully.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Brush warm glaze generously over grilled skewers. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and fresh scallion slices.

Serve hot and watch everyone dig in!

Tips to Achieve Perfectly Grilled Sesame Chicken Skewers

• Marinate chicken for the full 24 hours to allow deeper penetration of Asian-inspired seasonings.
• Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent charring during grilling.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165F/75C for safe consumption without overcooking.
• Stir cornstarch slurry slowly and continuously to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, glossy sauce.
• Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and fresh scallions for added texture and visual appeal.

Flavorful Variations for Sesame Chicken Skewers

• Tofu Sesame Skewers: Swap chicken with firm tofu cubes for a vegetarian protein option, maintaining the same marinade and grilling technique.
• Spicy Korean Chicken Variation: Replace crushed red pepper with gochujang paste for a bolder, Korean-inspired flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Option: Skip the brown sugar in marinade and serve skewered chicken inside crisp lettuce leaves for a carb-conscious meal.
• Oven-Baked Alternative: For those without a grill, bake skewers at 425F on a lined baking sheet, turning midway to ensure even cooking.

Pairing Ideas That Complement Grilled Sesame Chicken Skewers

• Pair with Crisp Sake: Select a chilled, light Japanese sake to complement the sesame and soy flavors, cutting through the richness of the grilled chicken with its clean, delicate profile.
• Enhance with Jasmine Rice Bed: Serve skewers over fluffy jasmine rice to absorb the savory glaze and provide a soft, fragrant base that balances the dish's bold Asian-inspired seasonings.
• Brighten with Asian Slaw: Create a tangy cabbage slaw with rice vinegar, julienned carrots, and a hint of sesame oil to add crunch and freshness that contrasts the grilled chicken's depth.

Storage Advice to Keep Sesame Chicken Skewers Fresh

• Store leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual skewers tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track storage time.
• Place skewers on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature until warmed through. Add a splash of water to retain moisture.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in the marinade?

The marinade includes soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and crushed red pepper, creating a rich and flavorful coating for the chicken.

• How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but for the best flavor, let it sit in the marinade for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.

• Why do I need to soak bamboo skewers?

Soaking bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes prevents them from burning on the grill and ensures even cooking of the chicken.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and appears white throughout with no pink areas.

Grilled Sesame Chicken Skewers Recipe

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4.5 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 2 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Sesame-crusted chicken skewers bring Mediterranean flavors dancing across your plate with irresistible charm. Marinated tender chicken pieces grill to golden perfection, offering delicious simplicity you can savor in every delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) chicken breast, cubed (1-inch pieces)

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) soy sauce
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) water
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) sesame oil

Aromatics:

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant marinade by blending soy sauce, water, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and crushed red pepper in a mixing bowl.
2. Submerge chicken cubes completely in the marinade within a sealed container, ensuring thorough coating.
3. Refrigerate for 1-24 hours to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.
4. Soak bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
5. Thread marinated chicken onto prepared skewers, creating uniform sections.
6. Heat grill to high temperature (around 450°F).
7. Position skewers on hot grill, cooking 5 minutes per side until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
8. Allow grilled skewers to rest for 5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute.
9. Simultaneously prepare glaze by combining soy sauce, water, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat.
10. Create cornstarch slurry in a separate container by mixing cornstarch and water.
11. Incorporate slurry into simmering sauce, stirring until mixture thickens (approximately 12 minutes).
12. Generously brush warm glaze over grilled chicken skewers.
13. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions as garnish.
14. Serve immediately while hot and aromatic.

Notes

• Marinate chicken for deeper flavor by allowing it to sit longer, up to 24 hours, for maximum taste absorption.
• Prevent bamboo skewers from burning by soaking them in water before grilling, which creates a protective barrier.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting crushed red pepper quantity or using alternative spices like sriracha or gochujang for different flavor profiles.
• Make recipe gluten-free by substituting regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious dish.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg