Chinese Chicken on a Stick Recipe
Introduction to Chinese Chicken on a Stick
If you love ordering from your local Chinese takeout, but want something that feels more personal, this Chinese chicken on a stick recipe is the perfect fit. Picture juicy pieces of cooked chicken cubes threaded on bamboo skewers, garnished with sesame seeds and laid on a wood cutting board—an experience that’s both flavorful and fun to make at home. The marinade—a zesty combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey—packs a flavorful punch with that signature umami flavor and nutty bite, while spices like granulated garlic and powdered ginger bring warmth.
Plus, the touch of rice wine vinegar cuts through the sweetness for perfect balance. Master expert tips for grilling juicy Chinese chicken on a stick. Learn proven techniques to create tender, flavorful skewers that will wow everyone at your next cookout!
The best part of this dish is that it doesn’t require much effort. With just a little prep, you can transform basic pantry staples into a meal that looks and tastes like it came from your favorite restaurant style menu. After marinating, the chicken cooks quickly on a hot grill or even in an air fryer. If you’re pressed for time, consider using a teriyaki chicken marinade as a shortcut, but nothing beats the depth of flavors when you make it from scratch.
Another highlight is how versatile this recipe can be. It’s not only a great appetizer, but it works as a simple, healthy family dinner. In fact, this finger food is perfect for when you’re entertaining guests, especially when you’re looking for something that feeds a crowd. Best of all, it’s low fat, lean, and high in protein—ideal for a variety of diets. With a cooking time of just 10-15 minutes, you’ll have a dish that looks stunning with its elevated presentation—whether for family or a special occasion.
The recipe is accessible to anyone, as all the ingredients can easily be found in most grocery stores. From the caramelized charrs and burnt ends on the edges of the chicken to the quick customize options with different sauces and meats, this recipe brings restaurant-quality food right to your kitchen. Give it a try and enjoy that homemade Chinese takeout feel in the comfort of your own home.
Personal Experience
I remember the first time I made Chinese chicken on a stick for a small family gathering. I wanted to recreate that familiar local Chinese takeout experience but with a personal touch. As the chicken marinated in the soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey, the smell already hinted at something special. Grilling the chicken cubes on bamboo skewers was quick, and watching the edges get those perfect caramelized charrs was satisfying.
When I served them with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a side of green onions, everyone couldn’t wait to dig in. The mix of sweet and savory was a hit, and it instantly became a favorite for family dinners and casual get-togethers. Now, it’s my go-to whenever I want to bring some fun and flavor to the table. Let’s try my favourite one Homemade Outback House Salad
Necessary Ingredients
- Wooden skewers – Enough for skewering the chicken
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts or boneless skinless chicken thighs – 1 to 2 pounds (adjust based on serving size)
- Light soy sauce – ¼ cup
- Rice vinegar (or substitute with saki, red wine, dry sherry, or apple cider vinegar) – 2 tablespoons
- Honey (or substitute with brown sugar, pineapple juice, or natural sweetener) – 2 tablespoons
- Oyster sauce – 2 tablespoons
- Ground ginger powder (or fresh grated ginger) – 1 teaspoon
- Garlic powder (or fresh garlic cloves) – 1 teaspoon
- White pepper – ½ teaspoon
- Sesame oil – 1 tablespoon
- Chilli powder or flakes (optional) – ½ teaspoon
For marinating and preparation:
- Large glass bowl, zip-top bag, or airtight container for marinating the chicken
- Large baking dish or bag for soaking the wooden skewers in water
- Grill for cooking the chicken
How to Cook Your Chinese Chicken on a Stick?
Step 1: Mixing the Marinade for Your Chicken
To start your Chinese chicken on a stick, you need to prepare a delicious marinade. This marinade is key to making the chicken pieces tender and full of flavor.
In a large bowl, combine all the necessary marinade ingredients. You can use chicken chunks or chicken strips, depending on your preference. Whether you prefer diced chicken tenders or smaller pieces, both will work well for this recipe. Make sure to stir everything together until the chicken pieces are fully coated.
Once the chicken is coated, cover the bowl with clingfilm and place it in the fridge. For the best results, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, though leaving it overnight will give you an even richer flavor. Alternatively, you can place the marinated chicken in a freezer bag for easy storage.
Step 2: Preparing Your Skewers
While the chicken is marinating, it’s time to get the bamboo skewers ready. Soak the bamboo skewers in cold water for about 30 minutes. This is important because it prevents the skewers from burning when you’re cooking the skewered chicken on the grill, air fryer, or in the oven.
Once the skewers have soaked, thread the chicken tenders or chunks onto the skewers. Make sure they’re tightly packed but not too crowded, so they cook evenly. Whether you’re using an air fryer, grill, or a George Foreman double-sided grill, ensure the chicken skewers fit comfortably in your cooking device.
Step 3: Cooking the Chicken on the Grill
When your marinated chicken is ready, it’s time to cook. If you’re using a grill, be sure to preheat it to a medium-high heat. I personally prefer using a pellet grill, but a gas grill or a grill pan on the stove works just as well.
For Chinese chicken on a stick, set your grill to around 400 degrees F and grill the chicken skewers for 16-18 minutes. Make sure to flip the skewers halfway through to ensure even cooking. The flipping also helps prevent the sugar in the honey from burning, while ensuring the chicken gets that perfect golden brown and slightly charred look.
If you’re cooking on a grill pan on your stove, the process is similar. Preheat the pan to a medium heat and cook the chicken skewers for 5-6 minutes on each side, flipping frequently to avoid burning. The total cooking time should still be around 16-18 minutes.
Step 4: Cooking in the Air Fryer or Oven
If you don’t have access to a grill, you can easily use an air fryer or oven to cook your chicken skewers. For the air fryer, set it to 180c fan or 400 degrees F and cook for 5 minutes on each side. The air flow in the air fryer helps cook the skewered chicken evenly without burning the honey or sugar.
For the oven, place the chicken skewers on a sheet pan with a wire rack to allow proper air flow. Preheat the oven to 200c fan or 220c conventional, and bake for 15-20 minutes, turning the skewers halfway through. This method will also give your chicken a nice golden-brown finish.
Step 5: Checking for Doneness
The most crucial part of cooking chicken is ensuring it’s fully cooked. Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The chicken is safe to eat once it reaches 165F (or 74c). This step ensures you avoid undercooked chicken, giving you the confidence that your dish is ready to serve.
Step 6: Adding the Final Touches
Once the chicken skewers are done, you can add some final touches for extra flavor. Drizzle with lemon juice, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and top with freshly sliced spring onions or scallions. These additions will enhance the flavors of your Chinese chicken on a stick and make it visually appealing.
Note on Serving Size & Ingredients
When preparing Chinese chicken on a stick, it’s crucial to ensure that your chicken pieces are fully coated in the marinade. A well-mixed marinade made from fresh ingredients enhances the flavor of your skewered chicken, making it tender and juicy. Whether you’re using chicken strips or chunks, let them marinate for at least 30 minutes in the fridge. For convenience, you can store them in a freezer bag or cover the bowl with clingfilm.
Soaking your bamboo skewers in cold water for 30 minutes will prevent them from burning during grilling or cooking in an oven or air fryer. This step ensures the chicken tenders cook evenly, providing that perfect golden-brown color and char. Once you’ve threaded the chicken pieces onto the skewers, you’ll be ready to cook using your preferred method.
As for serving, Chinese chicken on a stick is perfect when paired with a light side such as steamed rice or noodles. For a complete meal, add a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh Asian salad. Garnishing with lemon juice, sesame seeds, and spring onions (or scallions) will elevate the dish, giving it a zesty and nutty finish. Typically, one skewer per person works well for smaller meals or appetizers, but if serving as a main dish, consider two to three skewers per person depending on portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Chinese chicken on a stick red?
The red color of Chinese chicken on a stick often comes from a combination of food coloring and red marinade ingredients like soy sauce, hoisin sauce, or sometimes char siu sauce. Some recipes also use red chili powder or paprika for color.
How is chicken on a stick cooked?
Chicken on a stick is typically grilled, but it can also be cooked in an oven, air fryer, or on a grill pan over the stove. The key is to cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165F, while flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking and to avoid burning.
How to cook Chinese chicken skewers?
To cook Chinese chicken skewers, first marinate the chicken pieces. Preheat your grill, air fryer, or oven to 400 degrees F. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers and cook for 16-18 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken should be golden brown and slightly charred on the outside.
How do the Chinese get their chicken so tender?
The Chinese achieve tender chicken through a process called velveting, where the chicken is marinated with a combination of cornstarch, egg white, rice wine, and sometimes baking soda. This method helps break down the proteins, keeping the chicken moist and tender when cooked.
How to make Chinese red marinade?
To make a Chinese red marinade, mix together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, red food coloring (optional), sugar, garlic, and ginger. This marinade gives the chicken a sweet, savory, and umami-rich flavor with a signature red color.
What is a chicken on a stick called?
Chicken on a stick is commonly referred to as chicken skewers or Chinese chicken sticks. In some regions, it may also be called yakitori (if Japanese-style) or simply grilled chicken skewers.
Is Chinese chicken on a stick fried?
No, Chinese chicken on a stick is not typically fried. It is usually grilled or baked. However, some variations might involve pan-frying or deep-frying the chicken skewers before grilling for extra crispiness.