Quick & Zesty Grilled Sesame Chicken Skewers Recipe

Sesame chicken skewers dance with delightful flavor combinations that spark culinary excitement.

Marinating techniques unlock deep, complex taste profiles for serious home cooks.

Tender meat chunks absorb gorgeous seasonings while promising an extraordinary meal experience.

Mediterranean and Asian influences merge beautifully in this simple yet sophisticated recipe.

Unexpected spice blends create mouthwatering aromas that draw everyone to the kitchen.

Grilling transforms ordinary ingredients into something spectacular and memorable.

Grilled Sesame Chicken Skewers with Bold Flavor

• Capture Authentic Asian Flavors: Blend traditional marinade ingredients like soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil to create a mouthwatering Asian-inspired dish that transports your taste buds.
• Master Simple Grilling Technique: Learn an easy method to transform basic chicken into a restaurant-quality meal with perfectly charred, juicy skewers that impress family and friends.
• Customize with Quick Glaze: Craft a versatile sauce that elevates the chicken's flavor profile, allowing you to adjust sweetness and thickness to match your personal preference.
• Prep-Ahead Meal Solution: Marinate chicken in advance, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings where you want maximum taste with minimal last-minute effort.

Ingredients for Grilled Sesame Chicken Skewers

• Chicken: Tender cubes that will absorb the flavorful marinade and become a delicious grilled dish.

• Soy Sauce, Water, Rice Vinegar: Provide a balanced, tangy base that helps tenderize and season the chicken.
• Sesame Oil: Adds a distinctive nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste profile.

• Brown Sugar: Brings a rich sweetness and helps create caramelization during grilling.
• Garlic, Ginger: Contribute bold, aromatic flavors that are classic in Asian-inspired marinades.
• Crushed Red Pepper: Introduces a mild heat and subtle spiciness to the dish.

• Cornstarch, Water: Create a thickening slurry that gives the glaze a glossy, smooth consistency.

• Sesame Seeds, Scallions: Add texture, crunch, and fresh visual appeal to the finished dish.

How to Grill Sesame Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Craft the Flavor-Packed Marinade

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

Pour the marinade over chicken cubes in a sealable container, ensuring every piece gets coated. Seal and let the flavors dance in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to a full day for maximum taste explosion.

Step 2: Prepare Skewers for Grilling

If using bamboo skewers, give them a quick water bath for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers with care.

Fire up the grill to high heat. Grill the skewers for 5 minutes on each side until the chicken reaches a perfect golden brown and is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F / 75°C).

Let the skewers rest for 5 minutes after grilling.

Step 3: Create the Glossy Sesame Glaze

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

In a separate cup, whisk together cornstarch and water to create a smooth slurry.

Once the glaze starts simmering, pour in the slurry and stir continuously until the sauce thickens beautifully (about 12 minutes).

Step 4: Final Touch and Serve

Generously brush the warm, glossy glaze over the grilled chicken skewers.

Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and scatter fresh sliced scallions on top. Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement!

Tips for Juicy Sesame Chicken Skewers

• Prevent bamboo skewers from burning by submerging them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling, ensuring they stay intact during cooking.
• Let chicken soak in marinade up to 24 hours for deeper, more intense taste that penetrates every bite of the meat.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 165°F, guaranteeing perfectly cooked, safe-to-eat chicken without drying out.
• Maintain high heat for beautiful char marks, but watch closely to prevent burning, rotating skewers for even cooking and caramelization.

Variations of Sesame Chicken Skewers to Try

• Asian Fusion Chicken Skewers: Replace soy sauce with fish sauce and add lemongrass and Thai chili for a Southeast Asian flavor profile.
• Korean BBQ Style: Incorporate gochujang paste into the marinade for a spicy, sweet Korean-inspired version with deep red color.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Swap sesame oil with olive oil, add oregano, rosemary, and lemon zest for a Mediterranean herb-infused skewer experience.
• Coconut Curry Chicken Skewers: Mix coconut milk into the marinade and add mild curry powder for a creamy, aromatic variation with tropical undertones.

Pairings for Grilled Sesame Chicken Skewers

• Pair Zesty Asian Lager: Crack open a crisp Japanese or Korean beer like Sapporo or Hite to complement the sesame chicken's bold flavors and cut through the richness of the marinade.
• Balance with Jasmine Rice: Serve warm jasmine rice alongside the skewers to soak up the delicious glaze and provide a neutral base that enhances the chicken's complex seasoning.
• Create Bright Cucumber Salad: Whip up a quick cucumber salad with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of sugar to provide a cool, refreshing contrast to the grilled chicken's warmth and spice.
• Select Crisp Riesling: Choose a slightly sweet German or Washington state Riesling that balances the soy sauce's saltiness and complements the chicken's sesame and ginger notes with its light, fruity profile.

Storing Grilled Sesame Chicken Skewers Correctly

Store leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate skewers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Wrap individual skewers tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.

Place skewers on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature until warmed through.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange skewers on a baking sheet. Drizzle with extra glaze to prevent drying. Warm for 10-12 minutes until heated completely.

FAQs

• What's the purpose of marinating the chicken?

Marinating helps tenderize the meat, infuse deep flavors, and keep the chicken moist during grilling. The combination of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil creates a rich, savory profile that enhances the chicken’s taste.

• Can I use a different type of vinegar?

While rice vinegar works best for authentic Asian flavor, you can substitute with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. Just note that each will slightly alter the final taste of the dish.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest piece of chicken to ensure there’s no pink color and the meat looks opaque white.

Grilled Sesame Chicken Skewers Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sesame chicken skewers bring Mediterranean summer flavors dancing across your plate with juicy marinated chicken and nutty sesame notes. Bold spices and simple grilling techniques create a quick weeknight dinner that connects global cuisine straight to your kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

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

Marinade and Glaze:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) soy sauce
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) water
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) brown sugar
• 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)

Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons sliced scallions
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty 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. Refrigerate for 1-24 hours to infuse deep flavors.
3. Prepare wooden skewers by soaking them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
4. Remove chicken from marinade and carefully thread onto pre-soaked skewers, creating evenly spaced portions.
5. Heat grill to high temperature (around 450°F), creating ideal searing conditions for chicken.
6. Place skewers on hot grill, cooking approximately 5 minutes per side until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, with beautiful caramelized edges.
7. Allow grilled skewers to rest for 5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
8. Create a glossy glaze by combining soy sauce, water, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat.
9. Prepare cornstarch slurry in a separate container by mixing cornstarch with water until smooth.
10. Pour slurry into simmering sauce, stirring continuously until glaze thickens (approximately 12 minutes).
11. Generously brush warm glaze over grilled chicken skewers, ensuring complete coverage.
12. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced scallions as a final garnish.
13. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the vibrant, sesame-infused chicken skewers.

Notes

• Marinate longer for deeper flavor intensity, allowing chicken to absorb more delicious sesame and soy notes.
• Prevent bamboo skewers from burning by completely submerging them in water before grilling, ensuring they don’t catch fire.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting traditional soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, maintaining the same rich umami profile.
• Balance heat levels by adjusting crushed red pepper quantities, making the dish mild or spicy according to personal preference.

• Prep Time: 2 hours
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 270 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg