Jake Harper
Chinese chicken on a stick is a quick and easy dish that combines Asian-inspired flavours with chicken skewers. The chicken is marinated in a combination of sweet and savoury ingredients, such as soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and Chinese five spice, before being cooked on a grill, in an oven, or with an air fryer. The dish is often served as an appetizer or main course and can be paired with various sides, such as steamed rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dish | Appetizer, Main Course |
| Cuisine | Chinese, Asian-inspired |
| Flavours | Sweet, Savoury, Sticky, Lightly Charred |
| Ingredients | Skinless, Boneless Chicken Thighs, Soy Sauce, Honey, Sesame Oil, Rice Vinegar, Brown Sugar, Garlic, Ginger, Chinese Five Spice, Salt, Black Pepper, Bamboo Skewers |
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes (minimum) to 8 hours (maximum) |
| Cooking Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Methods | Griddle Pan, Grill, Air Fryer, Oven, BBQ |
| Serving Suggestions | Steamed Rice, Sriracha Noodles, Stir-fried or Roasted Vegetables, Steamed Buns, Quinoa Salad, Peanut Sauce |
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What You'll Learn
Marinade ingredients
Chinese chicken on a stick is a simple dish that is bursting with flavour. The marinade is key to this dish, with a combination of sweet and savoury flavours. The longer you leave the chicken to marinate, the more tender and juicy it will be.
The ingredients for the marinade are:
- Soy sauce—use light or dark soy sauce, or coconut aminos for a soy-free option.
- Honey—this can be swapped for brown sugar, pineapple juice, or a natural sweetener.
- Oil—peanut oil is a good choice for Chinese-inspired dishes, but canola or another neutral oil also works.
- Rice vinegar—this can be substituted with sake, red wine, dry sherry, or apple cider vinegar.
- Garlic—fresh garlic is best, but garlic paste or powder can also be used.
- Ginger—fresh grated ginger is ideal, but ground ginger powder is a good alternative.
Optional ingredients include:
- Chinese five spice
- Salt and black pepper
- Oyster sauce or hoisin sauce
- Sesame oil
- Red pepper flakes
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Cooking methods
Chinese chicken on a stick is a versatile dish that can be cooked using various methods, including grilling, baking, barbecuing, and air frying. Here are some detailed instructions for each cooking method:
Grilling:
Soak wooden or bamboo skewers in water for about 10 to 30 minutes to prevent them from burning. Metal skewers can also be used, but they will get hot, so handle them with care. Cut the chicken into cubes or strips, and prepare the marinade by combining ingredients such as soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and Chinese five spice. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to several hours for more intense flavours. Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, packing them closely together. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400 degrees F). Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 16 to 18 minutes, flipping them once halfway through.
Baking:
Follow the same preparation steps as for grilling, including soaking the skewers and marinating the chicken. Preheat your oven to the desired temperature. Place the skewers on a baking tray and cook for the recommended time, ensuring the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Barbecuing:
Barbecuing is a great option for outdoor cooking. Soak the skewers in water for about 15 minutes to prevent burning. Prepare the marinade and coat the chicken pieces as instructed above. Thread the chicken onto the skewers and place them on the barbecue grill. Cook for several minutes on each side until the chicken is charred and cooked through.
Air Frying:
Air frying is a convenient and quick method for cooking Chinese chicken on a stick. Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Metal skewers can also be used but will get hot. Prepare the marinade and thread the chicken onto the skewers. Preheat your air fryer, and cook the skewers for about 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and charred to your liking.
Regardless of the cooking method chosen, always ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee food safety. Enjoy your Chinese chicken on a stick as an appetiser or main course, pairing it with sides such as steamed rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables.
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Skewer types
Chinese chicken on a stick is a versatile dish that can be cooked in an air fryer, on a grill, or in an oven. The type of skewer used depends on the cooking method, with wooden and metal skewers being the most common options.
Wooden skewers are typically made of bamboo and are ideal for grilling, as they prevent the chicken from slipping off during cooking. It is important to soak wooden skewers in water for at least 10 to 30 minutes before using them to prevent burning. This step is especially important if you plan to cook the chicken on a barbecue, as it helps keep the sticks from catching fire or burning excessively.
Metal skewers are another option and can be used regardless of the cooking method. However, it is important to handle them with care, as they can get hot during cooking. Metal skewers are a good choice if you want to avoid the hassle of soaking wooden skewers.
The length of the skewers is also an important consideration. Ensure that the skewers are long enough to hold the chicken securely without being too long to fit in your cooking appliance, such as an air fryer.
Overall, the type of skewer used for Chinese chicken on a stick depends on personal preference and the chosen cooking method. Both wooden and metal skewers can be effective, and proper preparation, such as soaking wooden skewers, can help ensure a successful outcome.
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Serving suggestions
Chinese chicken on a stick is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
As an Appetizer or Main Course
Chinese chicken on a stick is perfect for serving as an appetizer or a main course. The skewers can be grilled, baked, or fried, making them ideal for various occasions, from casual get-togethers to family dinners. They are also excellent for entertaining, as they are easy to eat and can be cooked in large batches. Serve them straight from the grill or lay them out on a platter for guests to grab and enjoy.
With Dipping Sauces
The chicken skewers can be served with various dipping sauces, adding extra flavour and moisture to the dish. Some popular options include teriyaki sauce, a peanut sauce, or a combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Leftover marinade can also be used as a dipping sauce—simply cook it down into a sticky, sweet sauce. Alternatively, create a Thai peanut sauce by whisking together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
Accompanied by Side Dishes
Chinese chicken on a stick can be served with a variety of side dishes to create a complete meal. Steamed rice or Sriracha noodles are excellent options to accompany the skewers. Additionally, consider serving them with stir-fried or roasted vegetables, such as tenderstem broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas, or a refreshing Asian slaw made with cabbage and carrots. For a lighter option, offer a quinoa or rainbow salad with a Chinese-inspired dressing.
As Part of a Buffet
Chinese chicken on a stick is ideal for buffets and potlucks. They can be served alongside other Chinese dishes such as black pepper chicken, egg rolls, potstickers, or wonton soup. Include a variety of dipping sauces and side dishes to create a full buffet experience.
For Leftovers
Chinese chicken on a stick also makes for excellent leftovers. Remove the chicken from the stick and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat it in the microwave or add it to a stir-fry with steamed rice and vegetables. It can also be frozen for up to a couple of months and thawed overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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Storage and reheating
To store your Chinese chicken on a stick, let the chicken cool completely before placing it in the refrigerator. It can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze it for a later meal; it freezes well for up to a couple of months.
When reheating, make sure the chicken is heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat. To reheat, place the chicken in the fridge overnight to thaw, and then warm it in the microwave until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat the chicken and add steamed rice and vegetables to make a stir fry.
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Frequently asked questions
Chinese chicken on a stick is made of chicken cubes, which are marinated in a combination of sweet and savoury flavours, including honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar. The chicken is then threaded onto skewers and grilled, baked, or cooked in an air fryer or oven.
Both wooden and metal skewers can be used for Chinese chicken on a stick. Wooden skewers, such as bamboo skewers, should be soaked in water for at least 10 minutes to prevent them from burning during the cooking process. Metal skewers can also be used, but they will become hot and require careful handling.
Chinese chicken on a stick can be served as an appetizer or main course. It can be paired with various dipping sauces, such as teriyaki sauce, peanut sauce, or hoisin sauce. It goes well with steamed rice, Sriracha noodles, or stir-fried/roasted vegetables. It can also be served with steamed buns, quinoa salad, or a rainbow salad with a Chinese-inspired dressing.
