If you’re craving a delicious and easy-to-make meal, these Honey Sesame Chicken Skewers are the perfect choice! They’re juicy, sticky, and packed with amazing flavor, thanks to a sweet and savory marinade. Made in the air fryer, these skewers come together quickly and are perfect for a fun weeknight dinner or a fakeaway meal that feels like a treat. Trust me, you’ll want to make extra because these chicken skewers are that good!
Method
To start, marinate the chicken by adding the chicken thighs to a large mixing bowl along with Chinese 5 spice, white pepper, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, Chinese rice wine, and honey. Stir the ingredients together until the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or if you have more time, overnight. The longer the chicken marinates, the more the flavors can penetrate the meat, creating a richer taste.
Once the chicken has marinated, prepare the skewers. Make sure to soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before you use them, as this helps prevent them from burning during cooking. Take the marinated chicken pieces and thread them onto the skewers, aiming for about 6-7 pieces of chicken per skewer. This ensures even cooking and allows the chicken to cook thoroughly and evenly with a nice glaze on each piece.
Next, cook the skewers in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 190°C (375°F). Once preheated, carefully arrange the skewers in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. This allows hot air to circulate around the chicken for an even cook. Set the air fryer to cook for 18-20 minutes. Make sure to turn the skewers halfway through the cooking time to ensure both sides are cooked evenly and the meat is golden brown. After 18-20 minutes, check that the chicken is fully cooked by cutting into one of the pieces and making sure it is no longer pink inside.After the skewers are done cooking, finish and serve them. Carefully remove the skewers from the air fryer and transfer them to a plate. To garnish, sprinkle sesame seeds, chopped chives, or green onion greens over the chicken for added flavor and color. Serve hot and enjoy the juicy, sticky goodness of these Honey Sesame Chicken Skewers!
Necessary Tools
- Large mixing bowl for marinating the chicken
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
- Air fryer
- Tongs or spatula for turning the skewers
- Measuring spoons and cups for the marinade ingredients
Honey Sesame Chicken Skewers: A Juicy and Sticky Delight
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes20
minutes30
minutesIngredients
600g chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 tsp Chinese 5 spice
1/2 tsp white pepper
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1/2 tbsp sesame oil
1/4 tsp Chinese rice wine
1 tbsp honey
Directions
- Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, add the chicken pieces along with the Chinese 5 spice, white pepper, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, Chinese rice wine, and honey. Mix everything together until the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight if you have the time. Marinating overnight allows the flavors to soak in for an even tastier result! - Prepare the Skewers:
After marinating, take your wooden skewers (don’t forget to soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning in the air fryer). Pierce the chicken pieces onto the skewers, aiming for 6-7 pieces per skewer. This will ensure that each piece gets perfectly cooked and glazed. - Cook the Skewers in the Air Fryer:
Preheat the air fryer to 190°C (375°F). Arrange the chicken skewers in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook for 18-20 minutes, turning the skewers halfway through to ensure even cooking. The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through. Make sure to check that the chicken is fully cooked by cutting into one of the pieces. - Finish and Serve:
Once the chicken is done, remove the skewers from the air fryer and set them on a plate. Top the skewers with sesame seeds, chopped chives, or green onion greens for a burst of color and extra flavor. Serve them hot and enjoy!
Notes
- When marinating the chicken, make sure not to over-marinate. The chicken should be marinated for at least an hour, but overnight can make it even tastier.
- Be sure to soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning in the air fryer.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Arrange the skewers in a single layer for even cooking and browning.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these Honey Sesame Chicken Skewers over a bed of steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Pair with a side of roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or carrots for a balanced meal.
- These skewers are also great as an appetizer for a party—serve with a dipping sauce on the side!
Fun Fact
Did you know that sesame seeds have been around for thousands of years? In fact, they are one of the oldest crops known to humans! These little seeds are packed with nutrients and are a great addition to any meal, adding flavor and a crunch to dishes like these skewers.
Conclusion
These Honey Sesame Chicken Skewers are a quick, flavorful, and easy meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. The sticky honey glaze combined with the savory sesame flavor will make these skewers a hit with the whole family. With minimal prep time and a simple air fryer method, this recipe is a winner for busy nights when you want something delicious and satisfying. Give it a try and enjoy a fun, flavorful dinner that’s sure to please everyone at the table!
