Vinegar-Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers with Garlic
Juicy chicken skewers marinated in a tangy garlic and vinegar sauce, then grilled to smoky perfection. This filipino-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs white vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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
- 1.5 pounds chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 5 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 8, soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, mix 1/4 cup white vinegar, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 5 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, and 2 tablespoons vegetable oil until sugar dissolves.
- Step 2: Add 1.5 pounds chicken breast cubes to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
- Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated chicken cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
- Step 4: Grill skewers for 4-5 minutes per side until chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks, turning once. Serve hot with steamed rice or dipping sauce.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Vinegar-Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers with Garlic take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Vinegar-Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers with Garlic?
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 white vinegar from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Vinegar-Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers with Garlic?
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 Vinegar-Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers with Garlic 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 Vinegar-Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers with Garlic?
Filipino chicken 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.
