Sophie Bennett
Chinese chicken on a stick is a popular dish at Chinese-American restaurants, often served as an appetizer. It is made by marinating chicken pieces in a combination of sweet and savoury ingredients, such as soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and spices, and then skewering and grilling or frying the chicken. The dish is known for its juicy, tender meat and light, crispy coating, which comes from a small amount of cornstarch in the marinade. Chinese chicken on a stick is a simple and easy dish to make at home and can be customised with various vegetables and spices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of dish | Appetizer or main course |
| Type of cuisine | Asian-inspired, Chinese, Chinese-American |
| Ingredients | Chicken, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ginger, garlic, brown sugar, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, sesame oil, green onion, sesame seeds, baking soda, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, Chinese five-spice powder, garlic powder, sugar, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, spices, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, dry mustard powder, star anise, fennel seeds, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove |
| Preparation method | Marinade, grill, BBQ, bake, oven, air fryer, stove, pan |
| Cooking time | 2-3 minutes, 6-8 minutes, 16-18 minutes |
| Skewers | Bamboo, metal, wooden |
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What You'll Learn
Chicken on a stick is an appetizer
Chicken on a stick is a popular dish at Chinese restaurants and for good reason—it's a delicious appetiser that's perfect for any gathering. This dish consists of tender and juicy pieces of chicken skewered and grilled to perfection. The key to its irresistible flavour lies in the marinade, which blends sweet and savoury notes with a hint of spice.
The chicken is typically cut into small, bite-sized cubes or strips, making it easy to eat and ensuring even cooking. The marinade, a combination of soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and spices, is then generously applied to the chicken, infusing it with flavour. The skewers are often garnished with green onions or sesame seeds, adding a fresh crunch and extra pop of flavour.
Preparation is simple and straightforward. The chicken is skewered after marinating, and then grilled, baked, or pan-fried until cooked to a golden brown. The marinade plays a dual role, as it can be reduced to a sticky, sweet sauce to brush over the cooked chicken, resulting in a mouthwatering glaze.
Chicken on a stick is an excellent choice for a quick weeknight dinner or as an appetiser for parties and gatherings. Its simplicity and versatility make it a favourite among cooks and diners alike. Whether grilled, baked, or fried, chicken on a stick delivers a burst of flavour in every bite, making it a crowd-pleaser that's sure to be a hit at any table.
So, the next time you're considering what to serve at your next gathering, remember that chicken on a stick is an appetiser that's sure to impress. With its juicy, flavourful chicken and convenient preparation, it's a dish that will have your guests asking for more.
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It's grilled chicken
Chinese chicken on a stick is a popular dish at Chinese-American restaurants and a common menu item at summertime state fairs. It is also a popular dish to make at home, as it is easy to prepare and cook. The dish is made up of pieces of chicken skewered and grilled to perfection. The chicken is usually cut into small, bite-sized pieces, marinated, and then grilled. The marinade is key to the dish, with a combination of sweet and savoury flavours. The most common type of marinade is teriyaki, but other variations include char siu and five-spice.
The chicken is typically skewered on bamboo skewers, which need to be soaked in water for about 15 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning. Metal skewers can also be used, but these do not need to be soaked. The chicken is then threaded onto the skewers, with the option of adding vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, zucchini chunks, or green peppers. The skewers are then grilled until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
The marinade typically includes ingredients such as soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and Chinese five-spice powder. The chicken is marinated for at least 30 minutes, but preferably for several hours or even overnight, to allow the flavours to develop and the meat to tenderise. The leftover marinade can be simmered and reduced to create a sticky, sweet sauce to brush over the grilled chicken.
Chinese chicken on a stick can be served as an appetiser or a main course and is a perfect dish for cookouts, potlucks, and backyard barbecues. It is a dish that is sure to please a crowd, with its bold flavours and fun presentation.
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Marinade is key to its flavour
Chinese chicken on a stick is a popular dish at Chinese restaurants and for good reason. The marinade is key to its flavour. The longer you leave the chicken to marinate, the more tender and flavourful it will be. Most recipes recommend leaving the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but you can leave it for up to 48 hours for maximum flavour.
The marinade itself is typically made with a combination of sweet and savoury ingredients, including soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and Chinese five-spice powder. Some recipes also include oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and baking soda, which helps to tenderize the meat.
To prepare the chicken for marinating, cut the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces. You can use chicken breasts, chicken thighs, or chicken tenders, depending on your preference. Place the chicken pieces in a bowl or plastic zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them, ensuring that all the pieces are evenly coated. Cover the bowl or bag with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge to marinate.
After the chicken has finished marinating, you can thread the pieces onto skewers. Soak the skewers in water for about 15 minutes beforehand, especially if you're using wooden or bamboo skewers, to prevent them from burning. Then, simply grill the skewers until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
The leftover marinade can also be used to create a delicious dipping sauce. Pour it into a saucepan, remove any large pieces of raw chicken, and simmer over medium heat until it thickens and becomes sticky. This sticky, sweet sauce is the perfect complement to the juicy, flavourful chicken skewers.
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It's easy to make at home
Chinese chicken on a stick is an easy dish to make at home. It's a popular appetizer at Chinese-American restaurants, and it's also a common menu item at summertime state fairs. The key to making this chicken is the marinade, which gives the dish its signature sweet and savoury flavour.
To make the marinade, you'll need soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, Chinese five spice, salt, and pepper. Some recipes also include oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and baking soda. Combine these ingredients in a bowl and whisk until well blended. You can also use a pre-made teriyaki sauce as a shortcut.
Next, prepare the chicken by cutting boneless chicken breasts, thighs, or tenders into small cubes or strips. Place the chicken in a bowl, pour the marinade over it, and stir to ensure all pieces are evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to overnight. The longer it sits, the more flavourful it will be.
While the chicken is marinating, soak bamboo skewers in cold water for about 15 minutes to prevent them from burning during cooking. If using metal skewers, you can skip this step. After marinating, thread the chicken onto the skewers, packing the pieces closely together.
To cook the chicken, you can grill, bake, pan-fry, or air fry it. For grilling, heat the grill to 400°F and cook the skewers for 16-18 minutes, flipping once halfway through. Alternatively, bake or pan-fry until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
Chinese chicken on a stick is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that's perfect for appetizers, main courses, or summertime gatherings. It's a crowd-pleaser that's sure to satisfy everyone's taste buds!
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It's also known as teriyaki chicken
Chinese chicken on a stick, also known as teriyaki chicken, is a popular dish at Chinese restaurants and summertime state fairs. It is a good source of protein, which is important for maintaining muscle mass and promoting satiety. However, some teriyaki sauce can be high in sodium and sugar, so it is advisable to choose recipes without added salt and sugar.
The dish is typically made with chicken tenders, breasts, or thighs that have been marinated in a combination of soy sauce, honey, and sake to create a perfect balance of sweet and savoury flavours. The chicken is then skewered and grilled to perfection, resulting in a crispy exterior and juicy, tender meat on the inside.
The marinade is a key component of the dish, and it is recommended to allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes or even overnight to enhance the flavour. The grill should also be brushed with oil to prevent sticking and the chicken can be basted with honey and soy sauce for additional flavour.
When preparing the chicken, it is important to cut the meat into small, evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking and ease of eating. Bamboo skewers are the preferred choice for grilling, as metal skewers may burn. It is also important to soak the bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before use to prevent them from burning and to ensure even cooking.
Chicken on a stick, or teriyaki chicken, is a delicious and easy-to-eat dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or main course. It is a popular choice for those who enjoy Asian-inspired cuisine and is perfect for summertime gatherings and cookouts.
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Frequently asked questions
Chicken on a stick is an Asian-inspired dish, consisting of pieces of chicken skewered and cooked over a flame or grilled.
The ingredients for chicken on a stick include chicken, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ginger, garlic, and skewers.
The chicken should be marinated for at least 30 minutes, but for more flavour, it can be left overnight.
Depending on the thickness of the chicken, it can be cooked in as little as 2 minutes. If using a grill, it should be cooked for 16-18 minutes, flipping the skewers halfway through.
