Hey, my grill-loving buddy! Let’s fire up something that’s going to make your taste buds dance—Grilled Sesame Chicken Skewers! Picture juicy chicken chunks kissed by the grill, coated in a sticky, nutty sesame glaze that’s got just the right mix of sweet and savory. These skewers are smoky, tender, and so packed with flavor you’ll be licking the sticks clean. Trust me, you’re going to love this one—it’s a total summer vibe, any time of year!
Why You’ll Love Grilled Sesame Chicken Skewers
These skewers are all about bringing bold flavor to your table—whether you’re firing up the BBQ for a chill night, wowing friends at a cookout, or just craving something deliciously simple. They’re fun, fast, and oh-so-addictive. Here’s why they’re about to become your go-to:
Versatile: Perfect for a quick dinner, a party appetizer, or a protein-packed lunch—skewers go anywhere!
Budget-Friendly: Uses basic ingredients that won’t dent your wallet—big taste, small spend!
Quick and Easy: Marinate, skewer, grill—boom, you’re eating in no time!
Customizable: Spice it up, tweak the sauce—these skewers are all about your vibe.
Crowd-Pleasing: That sesame kick and tender chicken? Kids and adults can’t get enough!

Ingredients in Grilled Sesame Chicken Skewers
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Here’s the lineup that makes these skewers irresistible. Simple stuff, huge flavor—let’s dive in:
Chicken Breast
Lean, juicy, and perfect for soaking up that marinade—cuts into bite-sized grilling gold.
Soy Sauce
Salty, umami goodness that’s the backbone of the marinade—brings the savory punch.
Honey
A sticky sweet touch that caramelizes on the grill—balances the saltiness just right.
Sesame Oil
Nutty, toasty, and rich—it’s the secret to that sesame magic in every bite.
Garlic
Minced and bold, it adds that irresistible zing to the marinade.
Ginger
A little fresh grate for warmth and a subtle kick—keeps it lively!
Sesame Seeds
Crunchy little gems for texture and that extra sesame pop—toast ‘em for max flavor.
Olive Oil
A slick for grilling—keeps the chicken from sticking and adds a golden glow.
Instructions
Let’s get these skewers sizzling! Here’s how to make ‘em happen:
Marinate the Chicken
Cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks. In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a splash of olive oil. Toss the chicken in, coat it well, and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight in the fridge for mega flavor!).
Skewer Up
Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers—if using wooden ones, soak ‘em in water for 20 minutes first to avoid burning. Pack ‘em snug but not too tight!
Preheat the Grill
Fire up your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C). Brush the grates with a little oil—keeps things smooth!
Grill to Perfection
Lay the skewers on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, until the chicken’s golden and cooked through (internal temp hits 165°F). That char? Pure bliss!
Sesame Finish
Brush with any leftover marinade in the last minute of grilling, then sprinkle with sesame seeds—let ‘em toast right on the grill.
Rest and Serve
Let the skewers rest for 2-3 minutes off the heat—keeps ‘em juicy. Serve hot and watch ‘em vanish!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 280
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating)
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating)
How to Serve Grilled Sesame Chicken Skewers
These skewers are a flavor party on their own, but a little flair makes ‘em shine—here’s how:
Fresh Salads: Pair with a cucumber-peanut salad or some crisp greens—cool and crunchy vibes!
Crusty Bread: Serve with warm naan or pita to soak up any drippy goodness.
Creamy Accompaniments: A side of soy-ginger dipping sauce or a dollop of yogurt—yum!
Vegetable Sides: Grilled zucchini or bell peppers keep that smoky theme going strong.
As a Standalone: Pile ‘em on a platter with extra sesame seeds and chopped green onions—simple and stunning!
Pro tip: Serve hot off the grill with a squeeze of lime for a zesty kick—total crowd-pleaser!
Additional Tips
Want to nail these skewers every time? Here’s some friendly scoop:
Prep Ahead: Marinate the chicken the night before—pop it in the fridge and skewer when ready.
Spice It Up: Add a dash of chili flakes or sriracha to the marinade for a fiery twist.
Dietary Adjustments: Use tamari for gluten-free or swap honey for maple syrup—still delish!
Storage Tips: Leftovers keep in the fridge for 3 days—reheat gently to keep ‘em tender.
Double the Batch: Double it up for a crowd—grill in batches or freeze extras pre-cooked!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute chicken with another meat?
A1: Yup! Pork or shrimp work great—just adjust grill time (shrimp’s quick—3-4 minutes!).
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Totally! Marinate and skewer ahead—grill fresh when you’re ready to eat.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Airtight container in the fridge for 3 days—reheat on the grill or in a skillet.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Sure! Freeze marinated, uncooked skewers—thaw in the fridge, then grill!
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Skillet on medium for 5 minutes or oven at 350°F for 10—keeps ‘em juicy!
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Oh yeah! Double the chicken and marinade—just grill in batches if needed.
Q7: Can I bake these instead?
A7: Yup! 400°F for 15-20 minutes on a lined tray—flip halfway for even cooking.
Q8: What if I don’t have sesame oil?
A8: Use extra olive oil with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds—close enough!
Q9: Can I use metal skewers?
A9: Absolutely! No soaking needed—they’re reusable and heat up fast.
Q10: How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
A10: Don’t overcook—pull at 165°F and let it rest; the marinade helps too!
Conclusion
There you have it, my friend—Grilled Sesame Chicken Skewers that’ll make your grill sing and your belly happy! They’re quick, they’re smoky, and they’re loaded with that sesame-soy goodness that’s pure summer on a stick. Whether you’re feeding the fam or just treating yourself, these skewers are a slam dunk. So fire up that grill, skewer some chicken, and let’s get cooking—you’ve got this, and it’s going to be insanely delicious!
PrintGrilled Sesame Chicken Skewers
These juicy, grilled chicken skewers are marinated in a flavorful soy, sesame, and garlic blend, then brushed with a glossy, sweet-savory sesame glaze. Perfect for barbecues, meal prep, or an easy weeknight dinner!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Marinade:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 2 pounds chicken breast, cubed (1-inch pieces)
For the Glaze:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
For Garnishing:
- 2 tablespoons sliced scallions
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
-
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, water, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and crushed red pepper.
- Add chicken cubes to a sealable container and pour over the marinade, ensuring even coverage.
- Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours for best flavor.
-
Prepare the Skewers & Grill:
- If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes.
- Remove chicken from the marinade and thread onto skewers.
- Preheat the grill to high heat.
- Grill skewers for 5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp: 165°F / 75°C).
- Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes.
-
Make the Glaze:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, add soy sauce, water, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and brown sugar.
- In a separate cup, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
- Once the glaze is simmering, stir in the slurry and cook until thickened (about 1–2 minutes).
-
Glaze & Serve:
- Brush the warm glaze over the grilled chicken skewers.
- Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the glaze.
- The chicken can be marinated overnight for a deeper flavor.
- You can serve these skewers with steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer (about 2 pieces of chicken)
- Calories: 230kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 1000mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 75mg