Irresistible Mustard Soy Chicken Skewers: Your Ultimate BBQ & Weeknight Recipe
Are you searching for a quick, incredibly delicious, and endlessly versatile dish that’s perfect for both sizzling summer BBQs and busy weeknight dinners? Look no further! These mustard soy chicken skewers are a true culinary gem, celebrated for their explosive flavor, effortless preparation, and universal appeal. Each tender piece of chicken is lovingly marinated in a harmonious blend of zesty orange juice, tangy mustard, and rich, sweet soy sauce, resulting in a dish that’s wonderfully juicy, impeccably tender, and bursting with an unforgettable sweet-savory punch. Get ready to elevate your mealtime with a recipe that promises to be a hit every single time.

Why These Chicken Skewers Are Your Next Go-To Recipe
I’ve cherished this recipe for years, and it has gracefully transitioned from being a cozy weekend dinner staple to a star attraction at lively summer BBQs, and even a reliable solution for quick, flavorful weeknight meals. What truly captivates me about these skewers is the masterful interplay of sweet, salty, and a subtle hint of spice that dances in every single bite. The secret lies in the marinade – a potent concoction that transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary, making it incredibly moist and infused with deep flavor.
Beyond their incredible taste, the convenience factor is unparalleled. With just about 30 minutes of marinating time, your chicken is ready to hit the grill, making it a fantastic option when you’re short on time but refuse to compromise on flavor. It’s super simple, completely fuss-free, and consistently delivers a burst of deliciousness that satisfies all palates. Whether you’re grilling under the sun for a large family gathering or a casual party with friends, these skewers are a foolproof recipe that guarantees success.
These succulent chicken skewers pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Imagine serving them alongside fluffy white rice, a crisp, vibrant cucumber salad, or even some grilled vegetables for a complete, healthy, and incredibly satisfying meal. Their versatility makes them an ideal candidate for meal prepping too, as they taste just as wonderful the next day. Prepare to make these a regular feature on your menu!
Expert Tips for Perfectly Grilled Sweet Soy & Mustard Chicken Skewers
I’ve perfected these skewers over countless cooking sessions in my own kitchen, and I’m excited to share my top tips to ensure your sweet soy and mustard chicken skewers turn out absolutely perfect every single time. Follow these simple guidelines for maximum flavor and flawless grilling:
- Embrace Sweet Soy Sauce (Kecap Manis or Kecap Medja): This ingredient is a non-negotiable for achieving that signature sweet-salty balance that makes these skewers so addictive. Kecap Manis is a thick, syrupy Indonesian sweet soy sauce that provides a depth of flavor unlike regular soy sauce. If you can’t find it, you can create a similar effect by simmering regular soy sauce with a touch of brown sugar or honey until slightly thickened.
- Marinate for Optimal Flavor: While 30 minutes will yield a tasty result, for truly unforgettable flavor, aim to marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour. Longer is indeed better, and marinating overnight (up to 24 hours) in the refrigerator allows the chicken to absorb all the incredible flavors, resulting in unbelievably tender and juicy meat. The acids in the orange juice also help to break down the chicken fibers, ensuring maximum tenderness.
- Pre-soak Wooden Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30-60 minutes before threading the chicken. This crucial step prevents the wood from burning and splintering on the grill, ensuring your skewers stay intact and your chicken cooks perfectly.
- Uniform Chicken Cubes: For even cooking, it’s essential to cut your chicken breast or thigh into uniform 1×1 inch (2×2 cm) cubes. This ensures that all pieces cook at the same rate, preventing some from drying out while others are still undercooked. Consistency is key for a perfectly cooked skewer.
- Hot Grill for the Perfect Sear: A screaming hot grill is absolutely essential! Not only does it prevent your marinated chicken from sticking, but it’s also vital for achieving that beautiful, caramelized sear and those coveted grill marks. A hot grill quickly locks in the juices, contributing to tender and flavorful chicken.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Resist the urge to pack too many skewers onto your grill at once. Overcrowding can lower the grill’s temperature, leading to steaming instead of grilling, which will prevent that desirable sear. Cook in batches if necessary, allowing ample space around each skewer.
- Rest Your Chicken: Once grilled, let the skewers rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is as tender and succulent as possible. Cover them loosely with foil to keep them warm.

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By Andréa
Pin Recipe
10 minutes
8 minutes
30 minutes
48 minutes
Dinner
Other
4
persons
244
kcal
Prevent your screen from going dark
Ingredients
- ½ orange, freshly squeezed juice
- 2 tablespoons Kecap Manis, or kecap Medja (sweet soy sauce)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons sunflower oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, freshly grated
- 1 clove garlic, minced or squeezed
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into 1 × 1 inch (2 × 2 cm) cubes
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
US Customary
Instructions
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In a large bowl, whisk together the orange juice, sweet soy sauce (Kecap Manis), sesame oil, sunflower oil, mustard, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame seeds. Mix until all ingredients are well combined and the marinade is smooth.½ orange (juice),
2 tablespoons Kecap Manis,
1 tablespoon sesame oil,
2 tablespoons sunflower oil,
1 teaspoon mustard,
1 teaspoon fresh ginger,
1 clove garlic,
2 teaspoons sesame seeds -
Add the cubed chicken breasts to the bowl with the marinade. Toss thoroughly to ensure every piece of chicken is evenly coated. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor and tenderness, marinate for 1-4 hours, or even overnight.1 pound chicken breasts
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Once marinated, thread the chicken pieces onto your pre-soaked wooden or metal skewers. Arrange them neatly on a plate, cover with plastic wrap, and keep chilled in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill.
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Preheat your outdoor grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Once hot, grill the skewers for approximately 4 minutes per side, rotating them to ensure all sides are golden brown, caramelized, and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
2. Can I marinate the chicken longer? Absolutely! While 30 minutes is the minimum for flavor, you can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. The longer the marination, the more tender and flavorful your chicken will become, making it an excellent option for advance prep.
3. Can I use different meat? Yes, this versatile marinade works wonderfully with other proteins! Pork tenderloin or turkey breast cut into similar-sized cubes are excellent alternatives. When using these meats, consider increasing the marinating time by an additional hour to ensure maximum flavor penetration and tenderness.
4. Storage Tips:
- Raw skewers: Store ungrilled, marinated skewers in an airtight container or covered tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Grilled skewers: Leftover cooked skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or oven to prevent drying out.
- Freezer: You can freeze both raw (marinated) and cooked skewers for up to 2 months. Ensure they are wrapped well in airtight containers or freezer bags to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking or reheating.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 73mg
Sodium: 649mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Vitamin A: 71IU
Vitamin C: 10mg
Iron: 1mg
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