Grilled Chicken and Onion Skewers with Sweet Soy Glaze
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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken thighs
- 1 medium onion
- 3 tablespoons sweet soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 4: Transfer to a plate, drizzle with 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon sesame seeds.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This was a hit at my summer barbecue! The sweet soy glaze made the chicken so juicy and the onions caramelized perfectly. Will make again!
- ★★★★★
So simple and flavorful! Perfect for a weeknight dinner. The onions added a nice sweetness without being overpowering.
- ★★★★☆
My kids loved these skewers! The sweet soy glaze was a hit. Only thing is, the chicken took longer to cook than expected.
