Chinese chicken on a stick is a delightful dish that combines the tenderness of marinated chicken with the smoky flavors of grilling. Perfect for parties, family dinners, or casual gatherings, these skewers are sure to impress your guests. The sweet and savory dipping sauce elevates this dish, making it a standout choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The marinade infuses the chicken with rich flavors, creating an irresistible taste in every bite.
- Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes of total preparation and cooking time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve as an appetizer at gatherings or as a main course for family dinners; it fits any meal plan.
- Fun to Eat: Skewers make dining interactive and enjoyable, especially for kids and adults alike.
- Customizable Heat: Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to control spice levels according to your preference.
Tools and Preparation
To make Chinese chicken on a stick, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden skewers
- Meat thermometer
- Basting brush
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill or grill pan: Provides the perfect cooking surface for achieving those delicious grill marks and smoky flavor.
- Meat thermometer: Ensures the chicken is cooked safely to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Wooden skewers: Essential for holding the marinated chicken pieces together while grilling.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8-10 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish
How to Make Chinese chicken on a stick
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine:
1. Soy sauce
2. Hoisin sauce
3. Honey
4. Rice vinegar
5. Sesame oil
6. Minced garlic
7. Minced ginger
8. Crushed red pepper flakes (if using)
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss well to coat. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
Step 2: Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Make sure it is clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking during cooking.
Step 3: Skewer the Chicken
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto soaked wooden skewers. Leave a little space between each piece to allow even cooking.
Step 4: Grill the Skewers
Place the chicken skewers on the grill. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until they are fully cooked with nice grill marks. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Remove the skewers from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. Drizzle with extra sauce if desired and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy!
How to Serve Chinese chicken on a stick
Chinese chicken on a stick is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a fun family dinner, these skewers can be adapted to suit any occasion. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
Serve as an Appetizer
- Serve the skewers as bite-sized appetizers at parties. Pair them with a sweet and savory dipping sauce for extra flavor.
Create a Main Course
- Arrange the chicken on a bed of steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables. This transforms the skewers into a delicious main course that’s both filling and satisfying.
Add Fresh Salads
- Complement the chicken with a fresh salad. A light cucumber salad with sesame dressing pairs beautifully and balances the flavors.
Make It a Fun DIY Meal
- Set up a DIY station where guests can assemble their own wraps using lettuce leaves, rice paper, or tortillas along with the chicken skewers and various toppings.
Pair with Dipping Sauces
- Offer multiple dipping sauces like sweet chili sauce, peanut sauce, or soy sauce to let everyone choose their favorite flavor combination.
How to Perfect Chinese chicken on a stick
To ensure your Chinese chicken on a stick turns out perfectly every time, consider these tips that will enhance flavor and cooking technique.
- Marinate Longer: For deeper flavor, let the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more effectively.
- Use High Heat: Grill at medium-high heat to get that perfect char without drying out the chicken. A good sear locks in moisture.
- Soak Skewers: Always soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This prevents them from burning during cooking.
- Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure each skewer reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This guarantees safety and juiciness.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Leave space between each piece of chicken on the skewer. This promotes even cooking and helps achieve those beautiful grill marks.
Best Side Dishes for Chinese chicken on a stick
Pairing side dishes with your Chinese chicken on a stick can enhance your dining experience. Here are some excellent options:
- Fried Rice: A flavorful mix of rice, vegetables, and protein makes fried rice an ideal complement to grilled skewers.
- Steamed Broccoli: This simple side adds color and nutrients while balancing out the rich flavors of the skewers.
- Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls filled with veggies provide an enjoyable crunch alongside your tender chicken.
- Noodle Salad: A cold noodle salad tossed in soy sauce and sesame oil brings freshness and texture to your meal.
- Cucumber Salad: Refreshing cucumbers dressed in vinegar add brightness and contrast to the savory chicken flavors.
- Asian Slaw: A crunchy slaw made from cabbage and carrots offers extra crunch and zesty flavor that pairs well with grilled items.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Chinese chicken on a stick can be simple, but certain mistakes can ruin the experience. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- preparation: Not marinating the chicken long enough can result in bland flavors. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but longer is better.
- uneven cooking: Skewering pieces too tightly can cause uneven cooking. Leave space between the chicken pieces for better heat circulation.
- insufficient grilling time: Taking the skewers off the grill too early may lead to undercooked chicken. Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- neglecting soak skewers: Failing to soak wooden skewers can cause them to burn on the grill. Soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before use.
- skipping garnishes: Forgetting to garnish with sesame seeds and green onions can make your dish less appealing. A simple garnish enhances presentation and flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Chinese chicken on a stick in airtight containers.
- It will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Chinese chicken on a stick
- Freeze the cooked skewers in freezer-safe bags or containers.
- They can be stored for up to 2 months.
Reheating Chinese chicken on a stick
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals until warm, checking regularly to avoid overcooking.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, turning frequently until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chinese chicken on a stick?
Chinese chicken on a stick refers to marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection, often served with a tasty dipping sauce. They are popular appetizers or main dishes at gatherings.
Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
Yes! You can substitute with beef, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option while maintaining similar flavors with the marinade.
How do I make the dipping sauce?
To create a delicious dipping sauce, mix hoisin sauce with soy sauce and a dash of honey. Adjust proportions according to your taste preference.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Chinese chicken on a stick is great for meal prep, as it stores well and tastes fantastic when reheated.
Can I cook these skewers in the oven?
Yes! If you don’t have access to a grill, you can bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for around 20 minutes or until cooked through.
Final Thoughts
Chinese chicken on a stick offers an irresistible blend of flavors that everyone will enjoy. It’s perfect for parties or casual family dinners. Don’t hesitate to customize with different marinades or vegetables on the skewers! Give this recipe a try and savor its deliciousness!
Chinese chicken on a stick
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Chinese chicken on a stick is a mouthwatering dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Asian cuisine right to your table. This recipe features tender, marinated chicken grilled to perfection, making it an excellent choice for parties, family dinners, or casual gatherings. The sweet and savory notes of the marinade combined with a simple dipping sauce create an irresistible treat that will impress your guests. Quick to prepare and easy to customize with your favorite spices or vegetables, these skewers are both fun to eat and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons minced ginger
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Add chicken pieces to the marinade and toss well; cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
- Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Thread marinated chicken onto soaked skewers with space between each piece.
- Grill skewers for about 4-5 minutes per side until fully cooked (165°F internal temperature).
- Serve warm with optional garnishes of sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 skewers (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
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