Ingredients
2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (preferred) or breasts
½ cup soy sauce
¼ cup honey
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (or ½ tsp ground ginger)
½ teaspoon white pepper (black pepper works too)
Wooden bamboo skewers (soaked in water)
Optional garnish: Toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions
Instructions
1. **Prep the Skewers:** Soak your bamboo skewers in cold water for at least 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning on the grill or in the oven.
2. **Cut the Chicken:** Cut the chicken thighs (or breasts) into uniform 1-inch chunks.
3. **Make the Marinade:** In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, vegetable oil, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, ginger, and white pepper.
4. **Marinate:** Add the chicken chunks to the bowl and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to 4 hours is best for maximum flavor).
5. **Assemble:** Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers. (Don’t pack them too tightly; leaving a tiny bit of space helps them cook evenly). Discard the excess marinade.
6. **Cook (Grill Method):** Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Oil the grates lightly. Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the edges are slightly charred.
7. **Cook (Oven Method):** Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place skewers on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked to 165°F (74°C).
8. **Serve:** Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions immediately before serving.
Notes
Meat Choice: Chicken thighs are highly recommended because they stay juicy and tender even under high heat. If using chicken breasts, be careful not to overcook them.
Glaze Tip: For an extra sticky finish, you can reserve 2 tablespoons of the marinade *before* adding the raw chicken. Brush this reserved sauce onto the skewers during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
Storage: Leftover skewers can be removed from the sticks and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. They are great added to fried rice or salads.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grill
- Cuisine: Chinese