Mastering Mustard Soy Chicken Skewers: Your Ultimate BBQ & Weeknight Recipe Guide
Searching for a quick, incredibly delicious, and effortlessly easy dish that guarantees rave reviews? Look no further than these sensational **Mustard Soy Chicken Skewers**! They are an absolute culinary masterpiece, perfectly suited for any occasion, from a vibrant summer barbecue to a comforting and efficient weeknight dinner. Each tender bite promises an exquisite fusion of flavors, all thanks to a meticulously crafted, vibrant marinade. The chicken pieces are deeply infused with a harmonious blend of zesty orange juice, the bold tang of mustard, and the rich sweetness of Kecap Manis (sweet soy sauce). This unique combination ensures every skewer is unbelievably juicy, supremely tender, and bursting with an irresistible sweet-and-savory profile that will leave everyone craving more.
Quick and Juicy Mustard Chicken Skewers: A Versatile Culinary Gem
These chicken skewers have been a cherished favorite in my recipe collection for many years. They are my ultimate choice for various occasions: intimate weekend dinners, lively summer BBQ parties, and especially for those busy weeknights when a quick yet satisfying meal is essential. What truly distinguishes this recipe, and what I appreciate most, is the perfectly balanced medley of flavors. You’ll experience a delightful sweetness, a savory depth, and a subtle hint of warmth from the ginger and garlic in every succulent piece. And the best part? The chicken is typically ready to be grilled after a mere 30 minutes of marinating, making this recipe incredibly straightforward, free of unnecessary fuss, and always bursting with an intense, mouth-watering flavor.
Whether you’re cooking them outdoors on a sunny day for your family or preparing a larger batch for a festive gathering, these versatile skewers are a consistently successful recipe that never disappoints. Their robust flavor profile makes them an excellent main course that can be paired with numerous side dishes. For a well-rounded and nutritious meal, I highly recommend serving them alongside a bed of fluffy white rice, a refreshing quinoa salad, or a vibrant, crisp green salad. The bright, tangy notes of the marinade beautifully complement these lighter accompaniments, creating a meal that is both wholesome and utterly delicious.
The secret behind their extraordinary taste lies deeply within the meticulously crafted marinade. Unlike many marinades that only coat the surface, this special blend truly penetrates the chicken, tenderizing the meat and ensuring a profound flavor infusion from the inside out. The unique combination of the rich sweet soy sauce (Kecap Manis), the distinct piquant kick of mustard, and the bright, uplifting acidity of fresh orange juice creates a flavor profile that is both exotic and deeply comforting. This isn’t merely a recipe; it’s an invitation to experience a burst of dynamic flavor at your table with surprisingly little effort.
Pro Tips for Crafting the Most Irresistible Sweet Soy and Mustard Chicken Skewers
After countless iterations and taste-tests, perfecting these skewers in my own kitchen, I’m thrilled to share my most valuable tips to help you achieve absolute perfection every single time. By following these straightforward guidelines, you’ll undoubtedly elevate your chicken skewers from simply good to truly unforgettable:
- Select Authentic Sweet Soy Sauce: The cornerstone of this recipe’s unique flavor is **sweet soy sauce (Kecap Manis or Kecap Medja)**. This specific variety of soy sauce is considerably thicker and significantly sweeter than its regular counterpart, providing the crucial sweet-salty balance that defines this dish. Using regular soy sauce will result in a much saltier, less complex, and distinctly different flavor.
- Prioritize Marination Time: While a minimum of 30 minutes is sufficient for a quick meal, remember that the longer you allow the chicken to marinate, the more intensely flavorful and wonderfully tender it will become. Aim for at least **30 minutes**, but if you have the luxury of time, an **overnight marination (8-12 hours)** in the refrigerator will yield truly spectacular and deeply infused results. The natural acids from the orange juice and the subtle enzymes in the ginger and garlic work magic on the chicken fibers over an extended period.
- Pre-Soak Wooden Skewers: If your recipe calls for wooden skewers, it is absolutely vital to **soak them in water for a minimum of 1 hour** before you even think about grilling. This simple step saturates the wood with moisture, preventing them from burning, splintering, and charring on the hot grill, thus ensuring your chicken cooks uniformly without the unwanted taste of burnt wood.
- Ensure Uniform Chicken Cuts: For consistent and even cooking, it’s imperative to cut your chicken breast (or thigh meat) into **equal-sized cubes, ideally around 1×1 inch (2×2 cm)**. This uniformity guarantees that every piece of chicken cooks at precisely the same rate, preventing some pieces from becoming dry and overcooked while others remain undercooked. Consistency in size is paramount for perfectly cooked skewers.
- Preheat Your Grill to Perfection: A **hot grill** is not just recommended, it’s absolutely essential for success. A properly preheated grill not only prevents your meat from stubbornly sticking to the grates but also helps achieve that beautiful, coveted sear and those appealing, distinct grill marks that add both flavor and visual appeal to your skewers. Always allow your grill ample time to preheat thoroughly before placing any food on it.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Grill: When you’re grilling, it’s crucial to give your skewers ample space. Overcrowding the grill can drastically lower its temperature, causing the chicken to steam rather than sear. This leads to less flavorful and less visually appealing results. If necessary, grill your skewers in smaller batches to maintain optimal heat and air circulation.
- Confirm Doneness with a Thermometer: For both food safety and to ensure the chicken remains optimally tender and juicy, always verify the internal temperature of the chicken using a reliable meat thermometer. Poultry should always reach an internal temperature of **165°F (74°C)**. This guarantees the chicken is fully cooked without being overdone.
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📖 Recipe: Mustard Soy Chicken Skewers
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Andréa
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Ingredients
- ½ orange, juice
- 2 tablespoons Kecap Manis, or kecap Medja
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons sunflower oil
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 clove garlic, 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.
Instructions
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In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the freshly squeezed orange juice, sweet soy sauce (Kecap Manis), fragrant sesame oil, sunflower oil, piquant mustard, finely grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, and the crunchy sesame seeds. Whisk all these ingredients vigorously until they are thoroughly blended and form a smooth, emulsified marinade. This blend creates the incredible flavor foundation for your chicken.½ orange (juice), 2 tablespoons Kecap Manis, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 2 tablespoons sunflower oil, 1 teaspoon mustard, 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated), 1 clove garlic (squeezed), 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
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Carefully add the uniformly cut chicken cubes to the bowl containing the marinade. Stir everything thoroughly with a spoon or your hands (wearing gloves) to ensure that each piece of chicken is completely coated with the flavorful mixture. Once coated, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes. For optimal flavor penetration and enhanced tenderness, I highly recommend marinating for several hours or even overnight, up to 24 hours.1 pound chicken breasts
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Once the chicken has finished marinating, carefully thread the individual chicken pieces onto your pre-soaked wooden skewers (or use sturdy metal skewers, which don’t require soaking). Be sure not to pack the chicken too tightly; leave a small, even space between each piece to allow for thorough and even cooking. Arrange the fully prepared skewers on a clean plate or baking sheet, cover them loosely with plastic wrap, and keep them chilled in the refrigerator until you are ready to start grilling.
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Preheat your chosen grill (whether it’s an outdoor BBQ, a charcoal grill, or an indoor grill pan) to a consistent medium-high heat. Once the grill is hot and ready, carefully place the chicken skewers directly on the grates. Grill them for approximately 4 minutes on each side, turning them occasionally, until the chicken achieves a beautiful golden-brown color, exhibits appetizing grill marks, and is thoroughly cooked through. For absolute certainty, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Serve these delectable skewers immediately and savor every flavorful bite!
Recipe Notes & FAQs
2. Can I marinate the chicken longer than 30 minutes? Absolutely, and it’s highly recommended for an even deeper flavor! While 30 minutes is the minimum time needed for the marinade to work its magic, allowing the chicken to marinate for several hours, or even up to 24 hours (overnight) in the refrigerator, will significantly enhance the flavors and result in remarkably more tender chicken. Just remember to keep it refrigerated.
3. Can I use a different type of meat for these skewers? Yes, this versatile marinade works exceptionally well with other proteins too! Pork tenderloin or turkey breast, when cut into similar-sized cubes, are excellent substitutes for chicken. If you opt for pork or turkey, you might want to consider increasing the marinating time by an additional hour or two to ensure maximum flavor absorption and tenderness.
4. What if I don’t have Kecap Manis (Sweet Soy Sauce)? While Kecap Manis is highly recommended for its unique sweet, thick, and syrupy consistency, you can create a decent homemade substitute if it’s unavailable. Simply mix equal parts regular soy sauce with brown sugar or palm sugar, and add a small dash of molasses or honey. Gently simmer this mixture over low heat until it slightly thickens, then let it cool before using.
5. What are the best serving suggestions for a complete meal? These Mustard Soy Chicken Skewers are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of sides! Serve them traditionally with fragrant jasmine rice, a crisp and refreshing cucumber salad, grilled pineapple chunks for a touch of extra sweetness, lightly steamed green beans, or even creatively wrapped in warm flour tortillas with some crunchy coleslaw for a delicious and easy weeknight twist.
6. Storage and Meal Prep Tips:
- Raw Skewers: If you’re preparing these ahead of time, raw, marinated chicken skewers can be safely stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This makes them perfect for weekend meal prep!
- Grilled Skewers: Leftover cooked skewers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently in a microwave, oven, or on a stovetop to prevent drying out.
- Freezer Storage: Both raw (marinated) and cooked skewers are suitable for freezing for up to 2 months. For raw skewers, freeze the chicken cubes along with the marinade in a freezer-safe bag or container; thaw completely in the fridge before threading onto skewers and grilling. For cooked skewers, allow them to cool completely before wrapping them tightly in an airtight, freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Nutrition Information
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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More Delicious BBQ & Grill Recipes to Explore
If you’ve fallen in love with these incredibly flavorful Mustard Soy Chicken Skewers, then get ready for a treat! We have an extensive collection of equally fantastic BBQ and grill recipes that are just as easy to prepare and bursting with delicious flavors. Expand your grilling repertoire and impress your guests with these other tried-and-true favorites, perfect for any occasion – from casual family meals to impressive outdoor gatherings:
- The Best Steak Sandwich
- Lemon Herb Drumsticks (Dutch Oven or Grill)
- Surf and Turf BBQ Skewers – Steak and Shrimp on the Grill