Sesame Chicken Appetizers
Crispy sesame chicken skewers with a savory marinade and toasted sesame seeds, perfect as appetizers or party bites for those craving bold, nutty flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine soy sauce, sesame oil, ground ginger, sliced green onions, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Stir well.
- Cut each chicken breast into 4 strips.
- Add chicken strips to the marinade, cover, and chill for 1 hour.
- Remove chicken from marinade.
- Weave one chicken strip onto each of 16 skewers.
- Coat the skewers with sesame seed.
- Place the skewers on a rack in a broiler pan.
- Broil 4 to 5 inches from heat for 3 minutes, then turn skewers.
- Broil for an additional 3 minutes or until the chicken is done.
- Serve with sweet and sour sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight. You can substitute chicken breast with chicken thighs for a juicier result. If you don't have sesame oil, try using a blend of vegetable oil and a dash of sesame seeds for a similar flavor. Consider adding a splash of rice vinegar for extra tang, or use Oriental Basting Sauce for a different twist.
Serving Suggestions
These sesame chicken appetizers are perfect for parties, served alongside sweet and sour sauce for dipping. Pair with a fresh cucumber salad or steamed rice for a complete meal. For a fun twist, serve with Chinese Egg Rolls as part of a larger platter of appetizers to impress your guests.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the skewers on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving to keep the chicken from becoming rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sesame Chicken Appetizers contains roughly 179 calories, with 5g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken strips the night before and keep them covered in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to penetrate more deeply, making them even tastier when cooked.
What can I use if I don't have skewers?
If you don’t have skewers, you can bake the chicken strips on a lined baking sheet. Just make sure to turn them halfway through cooking to achieve even browning and ensure they are cooked through.
Can I add vegetables to the skewers?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes can be threaded onto the skewers along with the chicken. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).