ASIAN STYLE GRILLED CHICKEN KABOBS

Summer grilling season is the perfect time to try out new and exciting recipes, and these Asian Style Grilled Chicken Kabobs are sure to be a hit at your next barbecue. Bursting with vibrant flavors and colorful veggies, these kabobs are marinated to perfection and served over a bed of fluffy white rice, making them a delightful and satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor-Packed Marinade: The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and pineapple juice creates a sweet and savory marinade that infuses the chicken and veggies with incredible flavor.
• Versatile: You can easily customize the kabobs by adding your favorite vegetables or swapping the chicken for shrimp or tofu.
• Perfect for Grilling: These kabobs are ideal for outdoor grilling, bringing a touch of summer to your dinner table.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.

Ingredients:

• Marinade:
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons reserved pineapple juice
• Kabobs:
  • 3 chicken breasts, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 can pineapple chunks (reserve juice)
  • 1 bell pepper (red or green), cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 onion, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1-2 zucchini, sliced thick
  • Mushrooms
  • Cherry tomatoes
• Other:
  • Wooden skewers
  • White rice, cooked (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade

1. In a mixing bowl, combine 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 3 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, 1 minced garlic clove, and 2 tablespoons reserved pineapple juice.
2. Whisk until the brown sugar is fully dissolved and the ingredients are well combined.

2. Marinate the Chicken and Vegetables

1. Place the chicken pieces in a large Ziploc bag and pour half of the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag and refrigerate for several hours.
2. Place the bell pepper, onion, zucchini, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes in another large Ziploc bag. Pour the remaining marinade over the veggies. Seal the bag and refrigerate for several hours.
3. Discard the chicken marinade after marinating. Reserve the vegetable marinade for later use.

3. Prepare the Skewers

1. Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
2. Assemble the chicken pieces onto separate skewers and the vegetables onto separate skewers.

4. Grill the Kabobs

1. Preheat the grill to medium-low heat.
2. Place the chicken kabobs on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through.
3. While the chicken kabobs are grilling, mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 1/4 cup water and add to the reserved vegetable marinade. Cook over medium heat until thickened.
4. During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the thickened marinade over the chicken kabobs.
5. Place the vegetable kabobs on the grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, brushing with the thickened marinade during the last few minutes of cooking.

5. Serve

1. Serve the grilled chicken and vegetable kabobs over a bed of cooked white rice.
2. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of sesame seeds, if desired.

Additional Information

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Marinating Time: Several hours
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 4-5 hours (including marinating time)
• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving

Tips

• Skewer Assembly: Assemble the chicken and vegetable kabobs separately to ensure even cooking.
• Vegetable Options: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms to the kabobs.
• Sauce: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs can be used and will provide a juicier texture. Just ensure they are cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

Can I bake these kabobs instead of grilling them?

Yes, you can bake the kabobs in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.

Can I prepare the marinade in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

Enjoy these flavorful and colorful Asian Style Grilled Chicken Kabobs, perfect for a summer cookout or a family dinner!