Introduction
Transform humble chicken into an explosion of flavor with these Sticky Korean Chicken Skewers! Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste in a fraction of the time. Forget takeout – let’s get cooking!
Why This Works
This recipe is all about speed and deliciousness. Pre-marinated chicken ensures quick cooking, while the vibrant Korean BBQ sauce delivers an unforgettable sweet and savory punch. It’s easy enough for a beginner, yet impressive enough to wow your family and friends.
Key Ingredients
- 🐔 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 🧅 1 medium onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 🌶️ 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🍯 1/4 cup honey
- 🥄 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 🌶️ 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 🍎 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- sesame oil 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 🥣 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 🍚 1/4 cup cornstarch
Instructions
1️⃣ In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, gochujang, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and ginger.
2️⃣ Add chicken and onion to the bowl, ensuring the chicken is fully coated in the marinade. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge for maximum flavor!).
3️⃣ Thread chicken and onion onto skewers.
4️⃣ In a separate small bowl, combine cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry.
5️⃣ Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
6️⃣ Cook the skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is slightly caramelized. Add a tablespoon of water to the pan if the sauce gets too sticky.
7️⃣ Brush the skewers with the cornstarch slurry during the last minute of cooking for extra gloss and stickiness.
8️⃣ Serve immediately over rice or with your favorite sides.
Handy Tips
- Marinate the chicken for longer for deeper flavor. Overnight is ideal!
- Use metal skewers for even cooking. Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before using to prevent burning.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook the skewers in batches if necessary.
Heat Control
Medium-high heat is key for getting that beautiful caramelization on the chicken without burning it. If the sauce starts to burn, reduce the heat slightly and add a splash of water.
Crunch Factor
While these skewers aren’t crunchy in the traditional sense, the slightly caramelized sauce adds a delightful textural contrast to the tender chicken and onions.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- Use pre-cut chicken to save even more time.
- Grill the skewers for a smoky flavor!
Storage Tips
Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
Gift Packaging Ideas
These skewers are perfect for potlucks or gatherings! Package them in individual containers or on a platter garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy: Add a tablespoon of sriracha or gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) to the marinade.
🌟 Sweet & Sour: Add a tablespoon of pineapple juice to the marinade.
🌟 Garlic Lover’s: Double the amount of minced garlic in the marinade.
🌟 Nutty: Toast some sesame seeds and sprinkle them over the finished skewers.
Troubleshooting
- Dry Chicken: Ensure the chicken is fully cooked through but not overcooked. If it’s too dry, add a little more honey or water to the pan during cooking.
- Burning Sauce: Reduce the heat and add a splash of water to prevent burning.
- Skewers Falling Apart: Use high-quality skewers and don’t overcrowd the pan.
FAQ
- Can I use other vegetables? Yes! Bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms would all be delicious additions.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Marinate the chicken ahead of time, and thread onto skewers just before cooking.
- Can I freeze these skewers? It’s best to cook and then freeze for optimal quality.
Conclusion
These Speedy Sticky Korean Chicken Skewers are a guaranteed weeknight winner! They’re quick, easy, delicious, and perfect for busy cooks. Try them tonight and share your creation with us on [link to Ratemyrecipes]! Enjoy!
30-Minute Korean Chicken Skewers: Weeknight Dinner Winner
Quick and flavorful Korean chicken skewers marinated in a savory sauce, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes to create the marinade.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and let them sit for 15 minutes.
- Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 180u00b0C).
- Thread the marinated chicken onto the soaked bamboo skewers.
- Grill the skewers for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char.
- Remove from the grill and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Tips
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for longer if time allows.
- Serve with steamed rice and a side of pickled vegetables for a complete meal.