Introduction
Chinese teriyaki chicken on a stick is a popular street food in China and Japan that has become a favorite dish in many parts of the world. It is a skewered dish that consists of marinated chicken pieces, vegetables, and sometimes fruit, grilled to perfection and basted with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. It is easy to make, delicious, and perfect for a summer barbecue or a party.
Ingredients
To make Chinese teriyaki chicken on a stick, you will need boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, soy sauce, mirin, sake, garlic, ginger, honey, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, bell peppers, onions, pineapple, and bamboo skewers. You can also add other vegetables or fruit of your choice such as zucchini, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or mango.
Preparing the chicken
To prepare the chicken, you need to first cut it into bite-sized pieces and marinate it for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. The marinade should consist of soy sauce, mirin, sake, garlic, ginger, honey, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. The cornstarch will help to tenderize the chicken and create a sticky texture when grilled. Make sure to mix the marinade well and coat the chicken evenly before covering it and placing it in the refrigerator.
Soaking the skewers
It is important to soak the bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using them to prevent them from burning on the grill. You can also use metal skewers if you prefer.
Assembling the skewers
To assemble the skewers, you can alternate the chicken pieces with the vegetables and fruit of your choice. Make sure to leave some space between each piece to ensure that they cook evenly. You can also brush some oil on the vegetables to prevent them from sticking to the grill.
Preheating the grill
Before grilling the skewers, it is important to preheat the grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure that they cook evenly and have a nice char on the outside. You can also oil the grill grates to prevent the chicken from sticking.
Grilling the skewers
Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. You can also brush some teriyaki sauce on the skewers during the last few minutes of cooking to add flavor and caramelization.
Basting with teriyaki sauce
To baste the skewers with teriyaki sauce, you can use a brush or a spoon to apply the sauce evenly on both sides of the skewers during the last few minutes of cooking. This will add more flavor and create a shiny glaze on the chicken.
Checking for doneness
To ensure that the chicken is cooked through, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be at least 165°F (75°C). You can also cut one of the chicken pieces in half to check if there is any pinkness or rawness inside.
Serving suggestions
Chinese teriyaki chicken on a stick can be served with rice, noodles, or salad. You can also garnish it with sesame seeds, green onions, or cilantro for extra flavor and freshness.
Tips and tricks
To make the process easier and tastier, you can prepare the marinade and assemble the skewers ahead of time and keep them in the refrigerator until ready to grill. You can also add more or less teriyaki sauce depending on your preference and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Conclusion
Enjoy your homemade Chinese teriyaki chicken on a stick and impress your friends and family with this delicious and easy-to-make dish. It is perfect for any occasion and can be customized to your liking.
