Super simple finger-licking Grilled Asian Sweet and Spicy Chicken Skewers are perfect for any occasion. These skewers are a delightful blend of flavors, making them suitable for weeknight dinners, BBQ parties, or even casual get-togethers. The homemade Asian BBQ sauce adds a unique twist that elevates this dish, ensuring that everyone will be asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip these up in no time.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet and spicy notes in the BBQ sauce creates a mouthwatering experience.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect for dinner, potlucks, or backyard barbecues, these skewers fit any event.
- Healthy Option: Made with chicken and brown rice, this meal is nutritious without sacrificing taste.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice levels or add vegetables to the skewers based on your preferences.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather all necessary tools. This will streamline your preparation and enhance your cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Wooden skewers
- Medium pot
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Wooden skewers: Essential for holding the chicken strips together while grilling.
- Medium pot: Ideal for cooking the brown rice evenly without burning.
- Grill or grill pan: Provides the perfect char and flavor to the chicken skewers.
Ingredients
To make your Grilled Asian Sweet and Spicy Chicken Skewers, gather these ingredients:
For the Marinade
- 1 recipe Asian BBQ sauce
- 2-3 large chicken breasts (cut into strips)
For the Side
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2 1/8 cup water
- salt
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Grilled Asian Sweet and Spicy Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a mixing bowl, combine half of the Asian BBQ sauce with the cut chicken.
- Cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 45 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
- Rinse 1 cup of brown rice under cold water until it runs clear.
- Place it in a medium pot along with 2 1/8 cups of water and a pinch of salt.
- Cover, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until fully cooked.
Step 3: Grill the Skewers
- After marinating, thread each strip of chicken onto wooden skewers.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat.
- Grill each skewer for about 3-5 minutes per side or until thoroughly cooked.
Step 4: Serve
Serve your grilled chicken skewers over a bed of brown rice with the remaining BBQ sauce drizzled on top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Enjoy your delicious Grilled Asian Sweet and Spicy Chicken Skewers!
How to Serve Grilled Asian Sweet and Spicy Chicken Skewers
Grilled Asian Sweet and Spicy Chicken Skewers are not just a delicious meal; they can also be served in various creative ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.
On a Bed of Rice
- Brown Rice: Serve the skewers over fluffy brown rice to absorb the savory flavors.
- Coconut Rice: For a tropical twist, pair it with coconut rice for added sweetness.
With Fresh Vegetables
- Grilled Veggies: Add grilled bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus as a colorful side that complements the skewers.
- Asian Slaw: A crunchy slaw made with cabbage and carrots adds freshness and texture.
In Tacos
- Chicken Tacos: Use shredded chicken from the skewers in soft tortillas topped with avocado and cilantro for a fusion twist.
As Appetizers
- Skewers on Platters: Serve mini skewers on a platter with dipping sauces for an easy appetizer at parties.
- Bite-sized Pieces: Cut the cooked chicken into smaller pieces for bite-sized snacks during gatherings.
How to Perfect Grilled Asian Sweet and Spicy Chicken Skewers
To achieve perfectly grilled chicken skewers, follow these helpful tips. They will enhance flavor and ensure even cooking.
- Bold Marination Time: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 45 minutes helps infuse it with flavor.
- Bold Soak Wooden Skewers: Soaking wooden skewers in water before grilling prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Bold Preheat Grill: Always preheat your grill; this ensures proper searing and prevents sticking.
- Bold Use Thermometer: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Bold Baste While Grilling: Brush extra BBQ sauce on the skewers while grilling for an extra layer of flavor.
- Bold Let Rest Before Serving: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after grilling; this retains its juices.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Asian Sweet and Spicy Chicken Skewers
Pairing side dishes with your grilled chicken skewers can enhance your meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients while balancing the sweetness of the dish.
- Fried Rice: A classic Asian side, fried rice can be customized with vegetables or eggs for added flavor.
- Cucumber Salad: Refreshing cucumber salad provides crunch and acidity to cut through the richness of the skewers.
- Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls stuffed with veggies or meat make a perfect finger food alongside your main dish.
- Miso Soup: This warm soup is comforting and complements Asian flavors beautifully.
- Sesame Noodles: Cold sesame noodles tossed with vegetables offer a delightful contrast to hot skewers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Grilled Asian Sweet and Spicy Chicken Skewers, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.
- Not Marinating Long Enough: Failing to marinate the chicken for at least 45 minutes can lead to bland skewers. Always give the chicken ample time to soak up the flavors of the BBQ sauce.
- Using Wooden Skewers Without Soaking: If you use wooden skewers without soaking them in water, they can burn on the grill. Soak them for at least 30 minutes before use to prevent this.
- Overcrowding the Grill: Placing too many skewers on the grill at once can cause uneven cooking. Space them out to ensure each skewer cooks thoroughly and evenly.
- Skipping the Sauce: Some might think that using only the marinade is enough. Don’t forget to reserve some BBQ sauce for serving, as it enhances the overall flavor.
- Ignoring Cooking Times: Grilling chicken skewers for too long can lead to dry meat. Keep an eye on them and grill for about 3-5 minutes per side until they are fully cooked.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- They can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Ensure they are cooled down before sealing.
Freezing Grilled Asian Sweet and Spicy Chicken Skewers
- Place skewers in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Label with date and contents for easy identification later.
Reheating Grilled Asian Sweet and Spicy Chicken Skewers
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat skewers on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place skewers on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and rewarm skewers for about 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions
What can I serve with Grilled Asian Sweet and Spicy Chicken Skewers?
You can pair these skewers with brown rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad. The sweet and spicy flavors complement a variety of sides.
Can I use other meats for these skewers?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with pork, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option while keeping the same marinade.
How do I know when my chicken is fully cooked?
The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
What makes this recipe sweet and spicy?
The homemade Asian BBQ sauce combines sweetness from ingredients like brown sugar with spices that provide heat, creating a balanced flavor profile that is both sweet and spicy.
Final Thoughts
Grilled Asian Sweet and Spicy Chicken Skewers are not only delicious but also versatile. This recipe allows you to customize your ingredients based on what you have on hand or your flavor preferences. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or enjoying a weeknight dinner, these skewers are sure to impress. Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!

Grilled Asian Sweet and Spicy Chicken Skewers
Indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of Grilled Asian Sweet and Spicy Chicken Skewers, a perfect dish for any occasion. These skewers feature tender chicken marinated in a homemade Asian BBQ sauce that balances sweet and spicy notes, making them irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for an easy weeknight dinner, these skewers are sure to impress your family and friends. Serve them over fluffy brown rice or alongside fresh vegetables to create a complete meal that’s both nutritious and delicious. With simple preparation steps, you’ll have a delightful dish ready in no time.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 2–3 large chicken breasts (cut into strips)
- 1 recipe Asian BBQ sauce
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2 1/8 cups water
- Salt (for rice)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken by mixing half of the Asian BBQ sauce with the chicken strips in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 45 minutes.
- Rinse the brown rice until clear and cook with water and salt in a medium pot over low heat for 30-40 minutes.
- Thread marinated chicken onto wooden skewers, preheat your grill, and cook each skewer for 3-5 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- Serve skewers over brown rice, drizzled with remaining BBQ sauce, and garnished with parsley.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer (150g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Adjust spice levels by adding more or less chili paste to the BBQ sauce. For added nutrition, incorporate colorful vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini on the skewers.