Ginger-Honey Grilled Chicken Skewers with Creamy Peanut Dipping Sauce
Elevate your grilling game with these delicious ginger-honey grilled chicken skewers. Infused with the perfect blend of sweet honey, zesty ginger, aromatic garlic, and savory teriyaki, these tender chicken strips are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Paired with a luscious, creamy peanut dipping sauce that adds an irresistible nutty flavor, this dish is perfect for gatherings, outdoor barbecues, or a cozy family dinner. Ready in under an hour, these skewers make a delightful appetizer, or serve them on a bed of greens for a satisfying meal. Enjoy with fresh cucumber slices for a refreshing balance!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Hot apple juice
1/3 cup (heated)
Teriyaki sauce
1/4 cup
Peanut butter
1/4 cup
Soy sauce
1/4 cup (lite is fine)
Fresh cilantro or fresh parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
Fresh ginger
1 teaspoon (grated)
Garlic clove
1 (minced)
Honey
1/4 cup
Boneless skinless chicken breast
1 lb (cut into strips)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, whisk together hot apple juice, teriyaki sauce, peanut butter, soy sauce, chopped cilantro or parsley, grated ginger, minced garlic, and honey until well combined.
2
Place the chicken strips in a large resealable plastic bag. Pour just enough marinade over the chicken to coat it lightly, reserving the remaining marinade for basting and dipping later. Seal the bag and refrigerate for 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
3
While the chicken is marinating, soak wooden skewers in water or apple juice for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
4
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken strips onto the soaked skewers in a ribbon-style fashion for even cooking.
5
Grill the skewers for about 7 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with the reserved marinade, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
6
Serve the chicken skewers hot with the chilled peanut dipping sauce on the side, garnished with fresh sliced cucumbers for an added crunch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Ginger-Honey Grilled Chicken Skewers?
They are tender strips of chicken marinated in a sweet and savory blend of honey, ginger, garlic, and teriyaki, then grilled and served with a peanut dipping sauce.
What cut of chicken is used for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one pound of boneless skinless chicken breast cut into strips.
How do I prepare the marinade and sauce?
Whisk together hot apple juice, teriyaki sauce, peanut butter, soy sauce, cilantro or parsley, ginger, garlic, and honey.
How long should the chicken marinate?
The chicken should be refrigerated in the marinade for 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Yes, crunchy peanut butter can be used if you prefer a bit of extra texture in your dipping sauce.
Why do I need to heat the apple juice?
Heating the apple juice helps the peanut butter and honey dissolve and blend smoothly into the other marinade ingredients.
Can I use dried ginger instead of fresh?
Fresh ginger is recommended for the best flavor, but you can substitute 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger for the 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger.
How do I prevent wooden skewers from burning on the grill?
Soak the wooden skewers in water or apple juice for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken.
What is the ribbon-style threading method?
It involves weaving the thin chicken strips back and forth onto the skewer like a ribbon, which ensures even cooking.
How long does it take to grill the chicken skewers?
The skewers typically take about 7 minutes to grill over medium-high heat, turning occasionally.
Can I bake these chicken skewers in the oven?
Yes, you can bake them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 12 to 15 minutes or until fully cooked.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, ensure you use gluten-free teriyaki sauce and replace the soy sauce with tamari.
What can I serve with these skewers?
They are great as an appetizer or can be served on a bed of greens or with fresh cucumber slices for a refreshing crunch.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used and will remain very juicy on the grill.
How do I make the peanut dipping sauce?
The sauce is the reserved portion of the marinade that was not used to coat the raw chicken.
Can I prepare the chicken a day in advance?
You can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator for a deeper flavor.
Can I freeze the chicken in the marinade?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken strips in the marinade in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
What is a good substitute for cilantro?
If you do not like cilantro, fresh parsley is an excellent alternative for this recipe.
Is this chicken recipe spicy?
No, the recipe is sweet and savory. For a spicy kick, you can add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the marinade.
Can I use a grill pan instead of an outdoor grill?
Yes, an indoor grill pan over medium-high heat works perfectly for these skewers.
How should I store leftover skewers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What is the best way to reheat the chicken?
Reheat them gently in a microwave or a low-temperature oven to keep the chicken from drying out.
Can I use agave or maple syrup instead of honey?
Yes, both agave nectar and maple syrup are suitable liquid sweeteners for the marinade.
Is lite soy sauce okay to use?
Yes, the recipe specifically notes that lite soy sauce is fine to use.
Can I use pre-minced garlic?
Yes, though fresh minced garlic provides a more potent aroma, pre-minced garlic is a convenient substitute.
How thin should I cut the chicken strips?
Cut them into strips about 1 inch wide and several inches long so they can be easily threaded onto skewers.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are naturally dairy-free.
Can I double the recipe for a party?
Absolutely, simply double all the ingredient quantities to serve a larger group.
How many skewers does 1 lb of chicken typically make?
Depending on the size of your strips, 1 lb of chicken usually makes about 8 to 12 skewers.
Do I need to baste the chicken while it grills?
Yes, basting with the reserved marinade while grilling adds extra flavor and helps caramelize the outside.