Introduction
This delicious chicken skewers recipe combines a variety of flavorful ingredients to create a mouthwatering dish suitable for any occasion. The marinade features a blend of savory, sweet, and tangy elements that infuse the chicken with a rich taste. Perfect for grilling, this dish promises to impress your family and friends.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1. ⅓ cup reduced sodium soy sauce
2. 3 tablespoons ketchup
3. 2 tablespoons honey
4. 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
5. 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
6. 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
7. 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
8. 3 cloves garlic, minced
9. 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks
10. 1 ½ tablespoons canola oil
11. Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
12. 2 green onions, thinly sliced
13. 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
Prep Time
2 hours (up to 8 hours for marinating)
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 12 hours (including marinating)
Yield: Serves 4-6 people
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a medium bowl, combine the reduced sodium soy sauce, ketchup, honey, toasted sesame oil, Dijon mustard, rice wine vinegar, freshly grated ginger, and minced garlic. Reserve 1/3 cup of this mixture and set it aside for later use.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
In a gallon-sized Ziploc bag or a large bowl, combine the remaining soy sauce mixture with the cut chicken thighs. Ensure the chicken pieces are well-coated in the marinade. Marinate for at least 2 hours or up to 8 hours, turning the bag occasionally. Once marinated, drain the chicken from the marinade.
Step 3: Skewer the Chicken
Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers. Brush each skewer with canola oil and season them with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 4: Preheat the Grill
Preheat the grill to medium heat, ensuring it is hot enough for cooking the chicken skewers.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken Skewers
Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook the chicken, turning occasionally, until fully cooked. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F, which typically takes about 10 minutes. In the last 1-2 minutes of cooking, brush the skewers with the reserved soy sauce mixture for added flavor.
Step 6: Serve the Skewers
Remove the chicken skewers from the grill and serve them immediately. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds, if desired.
Notes
Note 1: Marinade Time
For best results, aim for at least 4 hours of marination; however, do not exceed 8 hours to prevent the chicken from becoming too salty or mushy.
Note 2: Skewers
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent them from burning.
Note 3: Cooking Method
Grilling is preferred, but the chicken skewers can also be cooked in an oven or stovetop grill pan if necessary.
Note 4: Serving Suggestions
These chicken skewers pair well with steamed rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Cook techniques
Marinating
Marinating is a process that enhances the flavor and tenderness of meat. In this recipe, chicken thighs are marinated in a flavorful soy sauce mixture, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat. It’s recommended to marinate for at least 2 hours, but for best results, marinate for up to 8 hours.
Grilling
Grilling involves cooking food over direct heat, which imparts a smoky flavor and attractive grill marks. Preheat the grill to medium heat to ensure even cooking. Turn the chicken skewers occasionally for uniform grilling and to prevent burning.
Using Skewers
Threading marinated chicken onto skewers makes it easier to grill and serve. It allows for quick cooking and ensures that each piece gets exposure to the heat. Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before use to prevent burning.
Brushing with Sauce
Brushing the skewers with reserved marinade in the last minutes of grilling adds an extra layer of flavor and moisture to the chicken. Be sure to do this after the chicken is already cooking to avoid contamination from raw meat.
Garnishing
Garnishing with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds adds visual appeal and enhances the flavor profile of the dish. Fresh garnishes can elevate the overall presentation and taste.
FAQ
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but keep in mind that they may cook faster than thighs due to their lower fat content.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for a minimum of 2 hours and up to 8 hours for optimal flavor. Avoid marinating longer than 8 hours as acidic ingredients can break down the meat too much.
What can I serve with these chicken skewers?
These chicken skewers pair well with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. You can also serve them with dipping sauces such as extra soy sauce or a spicy sriracha sauce.
Can I bake the chicken skewers instead of grilling?
Yes, you can bake the chicken skewers in an oven preheated to 400°F for approximately 20-25 minutes, turning once, until fully cooked.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for accurate readings.
Conclusion
This grilled chicken dish offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors, enhanced by the umami richness of soy sauce and the brightness of ginger and garlic. Perfect for a summer BBQ or a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to satisfy while being easy to prepare.
Asian-Style Stir-Fry
Combine the marinated chicken with your choice of vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas for a quick and colorful stir-fry. Serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Chicken and Vegetable Skewers
Incorporate bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms onto the skewers along with the marinated chicken for a more varied and nutritious grilling option.
Honey Soy Glazed Tofu
Substitute the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version. Follow the same marinade and grilling instructions for a delicious plant-based protein option.
Sesame Chicken Salad
Use the grilled chicken to top a fresh salad of mixed greens, sliced cucumbers, and shredded carrots. Drizzle with leftover soy sauce mixture for dressing.
Spicy Chicken Wraps
Wrap the grilled chicken in whole wheat tortillas with avocado, lettuce, and a spicy mayo or sriracha sauce for a tasty finger food option.
Chicken Fried Rice
Use leftovers to stir-fry with rice, peas, carrots, and scrambled eggs for a quick and satisfying fried rice meal.
Teriyaki Chicken Pizza
Top pizza dough with a layer of the reserved soy sauce mixture, marinated chicken, green onions, and mozzarella cheese for a unique flavor twist on pizza night.
