Juicy, tender chicken glazed in a luscious, sticky-sweet soy marinade—Sweet Soy Chicken Kabobs are a surefire win for any night of the week or backyard BBQ. Whether you’re preparing teriyaki chicken skewers grilled to perfection or roasting them in the oven, this dish brings unbeatable flavor, aroma, and visual appeal to your dinner table.
This recipe marries the bold, umami-rich depth of soy sauce with the natural sweetness of honey and the aromatic sharpness of garlic and ginger. The result? A well-balanced, slightly charred, mouthwatering kabob that will remind you of your favorite takeout but made healthier and fresher at home.
Let’s break down this recipe step-by-step and dive into flavor, technique, variations, and tips for making this your go-to chicken skewers marinade for all seasons.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are pantry-friendly and easy to find, but the result tastes anything but ordinary. Here’s everything you’ll need for a full-flavored meal:
Pour le Poulet:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cubed into 1.5-inch pieces
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Tip: Soak wooden skewers for 30 minutes in water before grilling to prevent burning.
For the Sweet Soy Marinade:
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ Tasse de miel (or brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 cuillère à soupe d'huile de sésame
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cuillère à soupe de sucre brun (optional, for added sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (optional, to thicken the glaze for drizzling)
🔄 Why This Recipe Works
Unlike basic teriyaki-style recipes that rely on bottled sauces, this homemade terriyaki marinade is rich, bold, and customizable. The sweet and salty soy base with a touch of acid and spice enhances the natural savoriness of the chicken and makes every bite pop.
You’ll get that classic teriyaki glaze effect on the grill, the depth of roasted notes in the oven, or the crispy edge of an air fryer—no matter your cooking method.
🔥 Cooking Options: Grill, Oven, or Air Fryer
Whether you’re cooking indoors or outdoors, Sweet Soy Chicken Kabobs are easy to prepare:
✅ Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers (Recommended)
- Preheat your grill to medium-high.
- Oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking.
- Grill skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning every 3–4 minutes until lightly charred and cooked through.
- Brush with reserved glaze during the last few minutes of cooking for a sticky finish.
✅ Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs in the Oven
- Préchauffer votre four à 425°F (220°C).
- Arrange skewers on a parchment-lined baking sheet with a wire rack.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway. Broil on high for 1–2 minutes at the end for caramelization.
✅ Air Fryer Method
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place skewers in the basket in a single layer.
- Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
🥣 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Marinade
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Soy sauce
- Miel
- Vinaigre de riz
- Sesame oil
- Minced garlic
- Grated ginger
- (Optional) Brown sugar and chili flakes
Reserve ½ cup of this mixture if you’d like to make a glaze later.
2. Marinate the Chicken
- Add chicken cubes to the marinade.
- Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes minimumou up to 12 hours for deep flavor.
Tip: For best results, use chicken thighs—they stay juicy and soak up more flavor.
3. Skewer the Chicken
Thread chicken onto skewers. Optionally alternate with:
- Red onion chunks
- Pineapple
- Zucchini
- Bell peppers
These not only add flavor and nutrition, but also make your kabobs more vibrant and visually appealing.
4. Cook Your Kabobs
Choose your preferred method (grill, oven, or air fryer), and cook until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temp of 165°F (74°C).
5. Make the Glaze (Optional but Highly Recommended!)
- In a saucepan, bring the reserved marinade to a simmer.
- Mix cornstarch with cold water to form a slurry.
- Add the slurry to the sauce, stirring until thickened.
- Drizzle or brush over hot kabobs before serving.
This step gives that restaurant-style glossy finish and flavor boost that takes these kabobs to the next level.
🧡 Serving Suggestions
Pair your Sweet Soy Chicken Kabobs with these flavorful sides for a complete and satisfying meal:
🍚 Rice & Grains
- Coconut jasmine rice
- Garlic fried rice
- Quinoa pilaf
🥗 Fresh Sides
- Cucumber and carrot slaw
- Sesame snap peas
- Asian chopped salad with cabbage
🍑 For a Sweet-Savory Twist
- Grilled peaches (like in honey-mustard teriyaki chicken and peach kabobs)
- Pineapple wedges brushed with honey and lime
🍽️ Perfect for Every Occasion
These kabobs are as versatile as they are tasty:
- Summer BBQs – Serve on a platter with tongs and dipping sauce.
- Weeknight dinners – Make extra for lunchboxes.
- Meal prep – Store in containers over rice or salad.
- Game night – Serve with toothpicks and dipping sauce for a fun finger food.
🍴 Make It Your Own: Delicious Variations
There are endless ways to customize your sweet soy chicken skewers:
🌶️ Spicy Sweet Soy Chicken
Add sriracha, gochujang, or chili garlic paste to the marinade for heat lovers.
🍋 Honey-Lime Chicken Skewers Recipe
Replace vinegar with lime juice and add lime zest. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
🍑 Sweet Soy & Peach Glaze
Add peach preserves or fresh grilled peach slices for a fruity twist that complements the soy perfectly.
🧄 Garlic-Lovers’ Version
Double the garlic for an extra savory hit in your teriyaki-style marinade.
🥬 Vegetarian Adaptation
Swap chicken with tofu, mushrooms, or tempeh for a plant-based version. Use the same marinade!
🧊 Storage & Meal Prep Tips
- Fridge: Store cooked kabobs in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze marinated raw chicken (without skewers) for up to 2 mois.
- Réchauffage: Microwave gently or reheat in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or leftover glaze to keep things juicy.
💡 Tips for Success
- Marinate Longer = Better Flavor: Aim for at least 2 hours if time allows.
- Cut Chicken Evenly: Uniform sizes cook evenly and look neater.
- D'Éviter La Surpopulation: Give skewers room when grilling or baking to allow for caramelization.
- Utiliser un Thermomètre à Viande: Chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) internally.
- Double the Marinade: Great to use as a dipping sauce or stir-fry base later.
📝 Final Thoughts
Sweet Soy Chicken Kabobs bring everything you love about bold Asian-inspired flavors into a simple, quick-cooking format. Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or roasting up a weeknight meal, this recipe is guaranteed to deliver big flavor with minimal fuss.
The marinade is rich and adaptable, the method is flexible, and the result is always juicy, sticky, and full of savory-sweet perfection. Bonus? It’s a perfect blank canvas for your favorite variations—from honey-lime chicken skewers to spicy gochujang twists or fruity grilled peach upgrades.
Once you try it, this recipe might just become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re craving comfort food, planning your next summer BBQ, or meal prepping with flavor in mind, these kabobs won’t disappoint.
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