Ingredients

1/4 cup hoisin sauce

3 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce

1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons sesame oil

1-inch piece ginger, grated or minced

2 cloves garlic, grated or minced

1 pound chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 pound baby bok choy, rinsed and cut in half lengthwise

1 bunch scallions, cut into 2-inch pieces

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic until well combined. Set the sauce aside for later use.

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, baby bok choy halves, and scallions. Drizzle the vegetable oil over the ingredients, season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, and toss everything to coat evenly.

Step 3: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and let it warm for about 3 minutes. Meanwhile, soak wooden or bamboo skewers in water for at least 10 minutes to prevent them from burning while grilling.

Step 4: Once the skewers are soaked, thread the chicken, bok choy, and scallions onto them, alternating pieces for even cooking and presentation.

Step 5: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 4 minutes, turning occasionally. After the first 4 minutes, start brushing the skewers with the hoisin sauce mixture after each flip to build layers of flavor.

Step 6: Continue grilling for an additional 4 to 5 minutes, or until the thickest piece of chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC).

Step 7: Remove the kebabs from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a smoky flavor, use charcoal or wood chips when grilling.

Swap chicken thighs for chicken breast if you prefer leaner meat, but watch cooking time to avoid drying out.

Add colorful bell pepper or pineapple chunks to the skewers for extra sweetness and texture.

If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the kebabs under a broiler or on a grill pan indoors.

Use metal skewers to skip soaking time and for easier handling, but be careful as they get very hot.

FAQs

Can I prepare the marinade and skewers in advance?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to 4 hours before grilling to allow flavors to develop. Assemble the skewers shortly before cooking to keep the vegetables fresh.

What can I serve with grilled chicken kebabs?

These kebabs pair well with steamed rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad. You can also serve them with a side of tzatziki or a simple cucumber yogurt sauce for added creaminess.