Korean Chicken Skewers
Low Carb Korean Chicken Skewer Recipe: This easy chicken kebab recipe is glazed with a tantalizing blend of Asian chiles, ginger, and garlic. It’s easy to make and SO DELICIOUS!
Chicken On A Stick Recipe
Something I’ve noticed over the years is that I can make a standard grilled chicken recipe with a special dry rub or glaze, and my family will enjoy it.
However, if I take the exact same glaze and brush it over chicken I have chopped and threaded onto wooden skewers… My family goes nuts over it!
What is it about putting food on a stick that makes it so exciting?
Is it the fact that you no longer need utensils? Or is it the higher glaze to chicken ratio, because the chicken is cut into small chunks? I have no idea. What I do know is that five extra minutes of preparation makes a world of difference to the people I love most.
Chicken Kebabs (Kabobs)
Another mystery is the spelling of kebabs or kabobs. I actually think kebab is the official term. However, we’re sticking with skewers today to eliminate confusion.
One thing I can tell you for sure is that whenever you use wooden skewers to make chicken skewers, it’s important to soak the skewers in water before you start.
Pro Tip: Well-soaked skewers won’t burn up on a hot grill. However, if you skip this step you will end up with little pieces of chicken laying over the grates, with burnt wood sticking out.
Korean Chicken Skewers Recipe
We love Korean Fried Chicken, with its crispy crust and spicy-sweet glaze.
Yet today I wanted to recreate this classic recipe into something a little lighter and leaner. So I combined boneless skinless chicken breasts with a tantalizing Korean-inspired glaze made with Gochugaru chile flakes.
Gochugaru chile flakes are one of the most prominent Korean ingredients. They give Korean barbecue sauce (Gochujang) its unique flavor, and are also found in kimchi, and many traditional Korean soups and grilled dishes.
You can find Gochugaru at a standard grocery chain with a good International section, at all Asian markets, and online.
P.S. If you’ve never been to your local Asian market, it’s time you go. It’s fun to explore the unique ingredients, snacks, and even dishes and cookware!
Chicken Skewers Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts – Or boneless chicken thighs, cut into small cubes.
- Honey – A little goes a long way.
- Soy Sauce – If you use gluten-free soy sauce this recipe is entirely gluten-free. You can also use coconut aminos for a paleo version.
- Gochugaru – Korean chile flakes. You could substitute Gochujang chile paste. However, it is not always gluten-free, FYI. Crushed red pepper would work as well.
- Sesame Oil – To add deep nutty essence.
- Ginger – Freshly grated is best for this recipe.
- Garlic – Freshly minced.
- Sesame Seeds – For the garnish.
These classic Asian ingredients makes a bold zesty glaze that gives plain chicken a brilliant makeover.
Chicken Skewers Cooking Tips
There are a few things that can make or break this Korean Chicken Skewers recipe. Be sure to…
- Soak your skewers. As mentioned above, if you use wooden skewers and skip this step, you will end up with a mess on the grill… And possibly no skewers left.
- Spray the chicken. Instead of trying to spray or oil the grill grates, I find it’s easier to spray the chicken with nonstick cooking spray before placing it on the grill.
- Grill low. Cook on medium-low, so the chicken pieces do not burn.
- Glaze. Partially cook the chicken before adding the glaze. This protects the glaze from burning.
See the Full (Printable) Korean Chicken Skewers Recipe Below. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does This Recipe Last In The Fridge?
Fully cooked leftover chicken skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 to 5 days.
Can I Use Chicken Strips?
You can, just remember that the bigger the chicken piece the longer it takes to fully cook. Make sure that you keep the chicken on the grill for a little longer.
How Would You Suggest I Use Gochujang Paste In Place Of The Pepper Flakes?
Reduce the honey to 3 tablespoons, then add 3 tablespoons of gochujang paste.
How Should I Garnish the Chicken on a Stick?
Chopped scallions (green onions) sprinkled over the top adds a nice pop of freshness. Also chopped cilantro or mint are great options.
More Protein Recipes
- Chipotle BBQ Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Bacon Wrapped Chicken Skewers
- “Street Meat” Grilled Lamb Kebab Recipe
- Teriyaki BBQ Shrimp Skewers Recipe
- Tandoori Chicken Tikka Skewers
- Pretzel Crusted Chicken Skewers
- Beef Kafta Kabob
Korean Chicken Skewers Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 3 pounds boneless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons gluten free soy sauce (or coconut aminos for paleo)
- 3 tablespoons gochugaru chile flakes
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- nonstick cooking spray
- 12 wooden skewers
Instructions
- Soak 12 wooden skewers in a pan of water while you are prepping the ingredients. Preheat the grill (or a grill pan) to medium-low heat.
- Chop the chicken into 3/4 inch cubes. In a small bowl, mix the honey, soy sauce, gochugaru, sesame oil, ginger and garlic. Whisk well.
- One at a time, take the skewers out of the water and thread chicken cubes on the skewers. Once all the chicken is skewered, salt and pepper them liberally. Then spray the skewers with nonstick cooking spray on both sides.
- Place the chicken skewers on the grill. Grill for 2 minutes per side. Then brush half the glaze over the skewers and grill another 3 minutes. Flip the skewers one last time and glaze again. Grill for 3 more minutes.
- Remove from the grill. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve warm.
Love, Love, Love. Served over oven roasted frozen cauliflower rice that I mixed with some of the sauce and more soy sauce. So good. My husband doesn’t like oriental so I don’t tell him what it is until he eats and he loved this!
Great recipe Sommer. I used boneless thighs and riced cauliflower and skewered some red onion and red and green bell pepper and hit them with the glaze right at the end.
Winter is finally over and I will make this again!
Ooh I need to make these! I already have gochujang paste but not sure how much to use?
Can this recipe be made with chicken strips instead of chicken chunks?
Hi Gerri, Sure! :)
Korean BBQ is getting increasingly more and more popular! This is a great recipe.
Some ingredients I’m familiar with and some I was not but these turned out delicious! Thanks for sharing!
I loved how easy and delicious this is! My whole family loved it!
How would you suggest I use gocuchang paste in place of the pepper flakes?
Hi Sharon,
I haven’t tried this, but my first attempt would be to reduce the honey to 3 tablespoons, then add 3 tablespoons of gochujang paste.
I loved the seasoning on this chicken, it was so good!
I was looking for a new chicken recipe and I’m so glad I found these skewers! The glaze is amazing and I’ll make this recipe again and again.