Sesame Chicken Kabob
Juicy chicken skewers glazed with tangy mandarins, sesame seeds, and vibrant vegetables, perfect for summer barbecues or quick weeknight dinners with bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 medium boneless, skinless chicken breast halves ⓘ
- 1 (11 oz.) can drained mandarins ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. salad oil ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. rice vinegar
- 1 Tbsp. soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp. plum sauce or chili sauce ⓘ
- 2 c. chopped bok choy ⓘ
- 1/2 c. enoki or shiitaki mushrooms
- 2 Tbsp. toasted sesame seed ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. toasted sesame oil ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dry mustard
- 2 c. chopped red cabbage ⓘ
- 6 to 10 fresh pea pods ⓘ
Instructions
- Soak 8 (6-inch) skewers in water for at least 30 minutes.
- Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and thread onto skewers alternating with mandarins and pea pods.
- In a bowl, whisk together salad oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, plum or chili sauce, dry mustard, and toasted sesame oil to make the marinade.
- Marinate the skewered chicken and vegetables in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the skewers for about 6-8 minutes per side or until chicken is cooked through and lightly charred.
- While grilling, brush with additional marinade if desired.
- Remove skewers from grill and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped red cabbage and bok choy.
- Serve hot garnished with extra sesame seeds and vegetables.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, try adding fresh ginger or garlic to the marinade. If you can't find bok choy, substitute with spinach or Swiss chard. For a spicier kick, consider using Sriracha instead of plum sauce. Ensure the chicken pieces are uniform in size for even cooking. If using wooden skewers, soak them to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions
These kabobs are perfect served with a side of steamed jasmine rice or a refreshing cucumber salad. For an Asian-inspired meal, pair them with Teriyaki Chicken With Ramen Noodles. Garnish with additional toasted sesame seeds and serve with extra dipping sauce on the side for a delightful touch.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover sesame chicken kabobs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it may make the chicken rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sesame Chicken Kabob contains roughly 1397 calories, with 9g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 130g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2865mg per serving (125% of the Daily Value).
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 use other proteins instead of chicken?
Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully with shrimp, tofu, or beef. Adjust the cooking time accordingly: shrimp cook quickly, while beef may require a longer grilling time to reach your desired doneness.
What can I serve with sesame chicken kabobs?
These kabobs pair nicely with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with steamed rice, a fresh salad, or even some grilled vegetables to complement the flavors. You can also try serving them with a dipping sauce like sweet chili sauce.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out while grilling?
To keep the chicken juicy, avoid overcooking by monitoring the grill temperature closely. Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes will also help retain moisture. If you're concerned, you can baste the kabobs with marinade while grilling for added flavor and moisture.
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).