Garlic chicken skewers

Garlic chicken skewers are tender chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful mixture of garlic, chili, and mirin, grilled to perfection. Paired with a refreshing cucumber salad, they bring vibrant street food flavors to your table.

27 Nov 2025
Cook time 30 min
Prep time 140 min

Ingredients:

12 chicken thighs
2 garlic cloves
2 red hot chili peppers
4 shallots
1/2 cup mirin
1 tbsp sugar
1/3 cup sake
1 tsp soy sauce
2 tbsp lemon zest
2 cucumbers
1 tsp salt
1/3 cup vinegar
1 tsp sesame seeds

Garlic chicken skewers are a delicious and versatile dish that can bring the vibrant flavors of street food right to your home. Made with tender chicken thighs marinated in a delightful mix of mirin, sake, soy sauce, and other flavorful ingredients, these skewers are perfect for grilling to perfection. Serve them with a refreshing cucumber salad on the side for a complete and satisfying meal.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken Marinade:
- In a large bowl, mix the minced garlic, finely chopped red hot chili peppers, and shallots.
- Add the mirin, sugar, sake, soy sauce, and lemon zest to the bowl. Stir until well combined.
- Add the bite-sized chicken thigh pieces to the marinade, making sure each piece is well coated.
- Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for better flavor.

2. Prepare the Cucumber Pickle:
- In a separate bowl, mix the thinly sliced cucumbers with salt. Let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out the moisture.
- After 10 minutes, rinse the cucumbers under cold water and drain well.
- In a clean bowl, combine the vinegar and toasted sesame seeds. Add the drained cucumbers and toss to coat.
- Let the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

3. Skewer and Cook the Chicken:
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates.
- Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. Adjust the cooking time as necessary depending on the thickness of the chicken pieces.

4. Serve:
- Arrange the grilled chicken skewers on a serving platter.
- Serve the skewers alongside the cucumber pickles as a refreshing side dish.
- Optionally, you can garnish the skewers with additional lemon zest or chopped fresh herbs for extra flavor and presentation.

Once you've followed these steps, you'll have delicious chicken skewers that are sure to impress your family and friends. The combination of savory marinated chicken and a tangy cucumber salad creates a delightful balance of flavors. Enjoy your homemade street food experience right from the comfort of your kitchen!

Garlic chicken skewers FAQ:

How long should I marinate the chicken for the garlic chicken skewers?

For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken in the mixture for at least 1 hour. However, marinating overnight is recommended for a richer taste.

What is the cooking time for the garlic chicken skewers on the grill?

Grill the skewers for about 6-8 minutes per side, adjusting the time based on the thickness of the chicken pieces, until they are cooked through with nice grill marks.

How should I store leftover garlic chicken skewers?

Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before consuming.

Can I substitute any ingredients in the marinade for the garlic chicken skewers?

You can replace mirin with rice vinegar mixed with a little sugar, and use chicken breasts instead of thighs; just adjust cooking time accordingly for leaner meat.

What type of skewers should I use for grilling?

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Metal skewers can be used without soaking.

Cooking Tips:

- For best results, marinate the chicken thighs overnight or at least for a few hours to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.

- When skewering the chicken, make sure to leave small gaps between each piece to ensure even cooking.

- Preheat your grill to a high temperature before cooking the skewers; this will help to achieve a nice char on the outside while keeping the inside juicy.

- If you don't have a grill, you can also cook these skewers under a broiler or in a grill pan on the stove.

- Serve the skewers with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor.

- The cucumber salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge to allow the flavors to meld together.

Nutrition Facts

4 Servings
Calories 780kcal
Protein 50g
Carbohydrates 20g
Fiber 2.45g
Sugar 11g
Fat 50g

Garlic chicken skewers