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STICKY ASIAN CHICKEN THIGHS

Looking for a quick and easy dinner that will impress your family and friends? Look no further than this delicious Sticky Asian Chicken Thighs recipe! This dish is packed with flavor, with a sweet and savory sauce that clings to the chicken perfectly. Plus, it’s easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.

INGREDIENTS

For the Chicken:

  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 ½ to 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 5 pieces)
  • Salt and pepper (optional)

For the Sauce:

  • ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Thai sweet chili sauce
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger

For the Garnish:

  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

EQUIPMENT

  • Whisk
  • Kitchen tongs
  • Digital thermometer

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then pierce it lightly with a sharp knife. This helps the sauce absorb better and speeds up cooking.
  • Heat sesame oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil starts shimmering, add the chicken thighs, smooth side down. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan. Sear the chicken for 7 ½ minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Reduce the heat to medium after a few minutes to prevent over-browning. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer, aiming for 165°F.
  • Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate. Discard the excess fat and scrape any browned bits from the skillet. Wipe the pan with a paper towel to remove any remaining grease.
  • In a bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients. Pour the sauce into the skillet, set the heat to medium-high, and bring to a boil for 1-2 minutes. Uncover, reduce the heat, and stir constantly until the sauce thickens to your liking, about 1-2 minutes.
  • Add the chicken back into the skillet one piece at a time, coating each piece in the sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
  • Serve hot over rice.

Notes:

  • Double the sauce recipe if you want extra sauce for the rice or leftover chicken. The chicken absorbs the sauce as it sits, so you may need more for leftovers.
  • Try using cubed chicken or drumsticks if you don’t have thighs available.
  • To prevent splattering, lower the heat when searing the chicken.
  • You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge in an airtight container, like a mason jar.

NUTRITION (PER SERVING)

  • Calories: 265 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Monounsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 129mg
  • Sodium: 1114mg
  • Potassium: 435mg
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 11g
  • Vitamin A: 81 IU
  • Vitamin C: 1mg
  • Calcium: 45mg
  • Iron: 2mg

EASY GRILLED ASIAN CHICKEN SKEWERS WITH HONEY GARLIC SAUCE

These Asian chicken skewers feature tender chicken breast marinated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, delivering juicy and flavorful bites every time. Grill them for a smoky char or bake them to golden perfection in the oven. Perfect for a quick dinner or feeding a crowd, these easy-to-make skewers are guaranteed to impress.

INGREDIENTS

Chicken Skewers

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Honey Garlic Sauce

  • ¼ cup butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup honey
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • ¼ cup water

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat the Grill or Oven: If grilling, preheat the grill to medium-high heat. For oven cooking, preheat to 400°F (200°C).

Prepare the Chicken: Thread the chicken cubes onto the soaked bamboo skewers, leaving small gaps between the pieces to ensure even cooking.

Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

  • Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Stir in honey, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  • Dissolve the cornstarch in ¼ cup water, then whisk it into the sauce. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.

Cook the Chicken Skewers

  • Grill Method: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until fully cooked and slightly charred. Brush with the honey garlic sauce during the last few minutes of grilling.
  • Oven Method: Arrange the skewers on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, then brush with sauce and broil for 2-3 minutes to achieve a glossy finish.

Serve: Let the skewers rest for a few minutes. Serve with additional honey garlic sauce for dipping.

NOTES

  • Marinating Option: For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken in half of the honey garlic sauce for 1-2 hours before threading onto skewers.
  • Add Vegetables: Incorporate colorful vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or onion between the chicken pieces for a balanced dish.
  • Skewer Safety: Soak bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
  • Adjust Sauce Thickness: Modify the consistency of the sauce by adding more or less cornstarch slurry based on your preference.
  • Serving Suggestion: Pair with steamed rice or an Asian-style salad for a complete meal.