Updated on August 27th, 2025
Chinese chicken skewers are a great option when you want something flavorful and easy to cook on the grill. The chicken is marinated in a sauce made with teriyaki, peanut butter, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes, which gives it a mix of savory, nutty, and slightly spicy flavors. As the skewers grill, they are brushed with more of the sauce so the chicken stays juicy and picks up a nice glaze. Because the recipe comes together quickly and uses simple ingredients, it’s just as good for weeknight dinners as it is for backyard cookouts.
Why this recipe works
- Flavor-packed marinade: The combination of teriyaki and peanut butter creates a rich base, while sesame seeds and red pepper flakes add nuttiness and heat.
- Moist and tender chicken: Marinating the chicken helps it soak up flavor and keeps it juicy while cooking.
- Easy grilling method: Threading the chicken on skewers makes it simple to turn on the grill and helps it cook evenly.
- Double use of sauce: Half of the sauce flavors the chicken in the marinade, and the other half is brushed on during grilling for extra taste.
- Quick to prepare: With minimal prep and a short marinating time, the recipe is fast enough for busy nights but still feels special.




Serving suggestions
- Serve with rice: Steamed white or jasmine rice makes a simple side that pairs well with the sweet and savory flavors.
- Add vegetables: Grill skewers of bell peppers, zucchini, or onions alongside the chicken for a colorful plate.
- Make it a meal: Add a side of stir-fried noodles or fried rice to turn the skewers into a complete dinner.
- Keep it light: Pair the skewers with a cucumber salad or steamed broccoli for a fresher, lighter option.
- Use leftovers creatively: Slice the chicken off the skewers and toss it into wraps, rice bowls, or even salads for another quick meal.
Chinese Chicken Skewers Recipe
Fire up the grill with Chinese chicken skewers glazed in a tangy, nutty sauce that’s packed with flavor and easy to prepare at home.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch chunks)
- 8 wooden skewers (soaked for 1 hour in cold water)
- 1 1/2 cups teriyaki sauce
- 1/2 cup chunky peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan add teriyaki sauce, peanut butter, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes. Whisk over medium-high heat until the peanut butter is blended into the sauce. Remove from the heat and allow the sauce to cool completely.
- Place the chicken in a large bowl or sealable plastic bag. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken (reserving the other half). Cover and place into the refrigerator. Allow the chicken to marinate for 30 minutes.
- Thread the chicken pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers. Lightly grease the grates of an outdoor grill. Preheat the grill to medium heat. Grill the chicken skewers while brushing with the reserved sauce and turning frequently until the chicken is fully cooked (the internal temperature has reached 165 degrees).
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 336
- Sugar: 18.8 g
- Sodium: 2070.9 mg
- Fat: 18.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 25.1 g
- Protein: 20.4 g
- Cholesterol: 20.7 mg