Grilled Chicken and Onion Skewers with Sweet Soy Glaze

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken and caramelized onion skewers coated in a homemade sweet soy glaze, grilled to smoky perfection for a simple weeknight meal. This japanese-inspired grilling ready in about 37 minutes pairs pound chicken thighs, medium onion, tablespoons sweet soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.2 (10 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes. Slice 1 medium onion into 1/2-inch rings. Thread chicken and onion alternately onto 12 soaked bamboo skewers, spacing pieces about 1 inch apart.
  2. Step 2: Whisk 3 tablespoons sweet soy sauce, 1 tablespoon mirin, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, and 1 minced garlic clove in a small bowl. Brush 2 tablespoons of the mixture over skewers and let marinate for 15 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high. Place skewers on grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes and brushing with remaining sauce, until chicken is cooked through and edges are golden brown.
  4. Step 4: Transfer to a plate, drizzle with 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon sesame seeds.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Chicken and Onion Skewers with Sweet Soy Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 37 minutes (25 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Chicken and Onion Skewers with Sweet Soy Glaze?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pound chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Chicken and Onion Skewers with Sweet Soy Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Chicken and Onion Skewers with Sweet Soy Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Chicken and Onion Skewers with Sweet Soy Glaze?

Japanese grilling like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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