Updated on September 24th, 2025
Nothing says summer grilling like spicy chicken skewers cooked over an open flame. The chicken is marinated in a bold glaze made with fish sauce, chili paste, vinegar, and sriracha, then grilled until tender and smoky. Each bite has a balance of heat, sweetness, and tang that makes this dish unforgettable. Perfect for cookouts or weeknight grilling, these skewers are simple to prepare and always a hit with spice lovers.
Why this recipe works
- Flavorful marinade: The mix of fish sauce, chili paste, sriracha, and vinegar infuses the chicken with a powerful flavor that tastes layered and exciting.
- Balanced taste: Brown sugar blends into the glaze, creating a sweet edge that balances the spiciness and makes the skewers more enjoyable for everyone.
- Grilled texture: Cooking over an outdoor grill gives the chicken a smoky char that pairs perfectly with the spicy, sticky glaze.
- Quick cooking: Cutting the chicken into chunks helps it cook evenly and quickly, so the skewers are ready in less than 15 minutes.
- Crowd pleaser: These skewers are easy to eat by hand, making them perfect for gatherings where guests want something simple and flavorful.
Serving suggestions
- Cookout favorite: Serve spicy chicken skewers hot off the grill alongside potato salad, corn on the cob, or grilled vegetables for a classic summer meal.
- Party platter: Arrange skewers on a large tray with lime wedges and dipping sauces so guests can grab them easily during gatherings.
- Dinner option: Pair with steamed rice and a fresh cucumber salad to create a complete, well-rounded meal with both heat and freshness.
- Outdoor event: Pack the skewers for picnics or tailgates, since they are portable, easy to handle, and taste great even when slightly cooled.
- Family night: Make them for a casual dinner at home and let everyone add their favorite side dishes to build their own plates.
Spicy chicken skewers recipe
Make spicy chicken skewers on the grill for a flavorful dinner idea. Perfect for summer parties, BBQ nights, or easy weeknight meals.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings 1x
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup of rice vinegar
- 1/3 cup hot chili paste
- 1/4 cup of fish sauce
- 1/4 cup Sriracha
- 2 teaspoons finely grated peeled ginger
- 1 1/2lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into 2-inch chunks)
- 8 bamboo skewers (soaked in water for at least 1 hour)
Instructions
- In a large bowl whisk together brown sugar, vinegar, chili paste, fish sauce, sriracha, and ginger. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat.
- Thread 4 to 5 of the chicken pieces onto each skewer.
- Transfer the marinade to a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer until reduced by ½ (about 1 cup), 7-10 minutes.
- Lightly grease the grates of an outdoor grill. Heat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken skewers and cook while turning to baste often with the reduced marinade until fully cooked (the internal temperature has reached 165 degrees F.), about 8 to 10 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 321
- Sugar: 30.9 g
- Sodium: 2223.3 mg
- Fat: 4.6 g
- Carbohydrates: 28.3 g
- Protein: 39.6 g
- Cholesterol: 124.1 mg