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Sesame Chicken Kabobs Recipe

4.9 from 85 reviews

These Sesame Chicken Kabobs are a flavorful and easy-to-make grilled dish featuring tender chicken thighs marinated in a savory blend of soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic. Perfect for summer barbecues or a tasty weeknight dinner, these kabobs are garnished with toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions for an added crunch and burst of flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Marinade Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup reduced sodium soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons canola oil
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Prepare Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, ketchup, honey, toasted sesame oil, Dijon mustard, rice wine vinegar, grated ginger, and minced garlic until well combined. Reserve 1/3 cup of the marinade for basting later, and set it aside.
  2. Marinate Chicken: Place chicken chunks in a large Ziploc bag or bowl. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken, seal or cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 8 hours, turning occasionally to ensure even marination.
  3. Preheat Grill: When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium heat to ensure even cooking and perfect grill marks.
  4. Prepare Skewers: Drain the chicken from the marinade and thread the chunks onto skewers evenly. Brush the kabobs with canola oil and season them with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  5. Grill Chicken: Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally to cook all sides evenly. Confirm the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
  6. Baste and Finish Grilling: During the last 1-2 minutes of grilling, brush the chicken kabobs with the reserved marinade to enhance flavor and create a glossy finish. Continue cooking until the glaze is slightly caramelized.
  7. Serve: Remove the kabobs from the grill and garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Notes

  • For best results, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs as they remain juicier and more flavorful on the grill compared to chicken breasts.
  • Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
  • You can marinate the chicken overnight to intensify the flavors.
  • If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the kabobs under a broiler or on a grill pan on the stovetop.
  • Make sure to turn the kabobs frequently to prevent charring and ensure even cooking.

Keywords: Sesame chicken kabobs, grilled chicken skewers, Asian chicken kabobs, honey soy chicken, grilled chicken recipe