Stop Everything: Try This Chicken on a Stick Now

Chicken on a stick is a flavorful dish made with marinated chicken pieces, skewered and grilled to perfection. It’s a quick, budget-friendly meal packed with protein, carbohydrates, and essential nutrients like vitamin A, calcium, and iron.

chicken on a stick
Credits: fancyaproncooking.com

When you’re searching for a tasty dinner idea that’s both budget-friendly and loved by everyone, chicken on a stick is a perfect choice. It’s a quick meal that’s easy to prepare and packs in tons of flavor. With ingredients like soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey, the marinade gives the chicken a zippy umami flavor that everyone will enjoy. You can always find these ingredients in your pantry, making it an accessible and convenient option for any night. Whether you’re making it for a busy family dinner or adding it to your regular menu plan rotation, it’s always a hit. This dish is much more satisfying and affordable than ordering takeout, and it’s sure to be favorite.

Serve your chicken skewers with a side of salad, rice plate, or vermicelli noodles to complete the meal. If you want to add a Vietnamese twist, you can traditionally top the chicken with scallion oil and serve it alongside Nước Chấm, a classic Vietnamese dipping sauce. This is totally optional, but it really enhances the flavor, making the chicken even more juicy and flavorful. Whether you’re enjoying it as a tasty quick meal or using it for a banh mi sandwich, chicken on a stick is sure to become a staple in your kitchen—offering super taste while being easy on the budget.

  • Chicken on a Stick: What is it?:

Chicken on a stick is a fun and flavorful dish that brings together the simplicity of grilled chicken and the excitement of eating with your hands. It’s typically made by skewering pieces of chicken and grilling them until they’re perfectly cooked. You can find variations of this dish in many countries, from the popular Yakitori in Japan to the savory Dakkochi in South Korea and Satay in Thailand. The beauty of chicken on a stick lies in its simple preparation and the versatility of ingredients like soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil. Whether you’re in the mood for something spicy or sweet, this dish can be adapted to fit your taste. Some prefer adding a splash of rice wine vinegar to balance out the sweetness from the honey, while others like to serve it with a side of BBQ sauce for dipping.

When you think of chicken on a stick, picture grilled chicken pieces skewered on bamboo sticks, seasoned with the right blend of spices, like garlic, ginger, and a touch of pepper. It’s a quick meal to prepare and an even faster treat to eat. The combination of grilled flavor, nutty undertones from the sesame, and the tangy finish of soy sauce makes every bite truly special. It’s a meal that’s both delicious and easy to make, whether you’re hosting a BBQ or simply craving something flavorful to enjoy. From street food vendors to local restaurants, chicken on a stick is a beloved dish that has a global appeal. With ingredients that are easy to find in your pantry, you can create your own version of this classic dish in no time.

Chicken on a Stick: Ingredients

For a delicious chicken on a stick recipe, you’ll need several essential ingredients. Start with chicken tenderloins or breasts, which can be cut into chunks or strips and threaded onto skewers. If you’re in a hurry, opt for store-bought teriyaki sauce like Big Tree Farms Soy-Free or Primal Kitchen. Add honey for sweetness, or substitute it with maple syrup. To spice things up, Sriracha or any hot sauce of your choice will give it a mild kick. Fresh garlic (or minced) and ground ginger will give a burst of flavor, while soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice wine vinegar provide a rich and tangy base for the marinade. For a little extra texture, add cornstarch to help the marinade stick.

Once prepared, the marinade is ready for the grill. Sesame seeds and green onion are optional but provide great presentation and a pop of flavor. Don’t forget a dash of pepper and a bit of brown sugar to balance the flavors. Grill your chicken until the edges are nicely charred for that perfect finish.

How to make Chicken on a Stick:

  • Chicken tenderloins or breasts, chunks, or strips: Serve as the main protein, perfect for grilling and easy to skewer.
  • Skewers (bamboo or metal): 

 Hold the chicken securely; bamboo adds a rustic touch, while metal is reusable.

  • Teriyaki sauce (Big Tree Farms Soy-Free or Primal Kitchen): 

Acts as a flavorful marinade, infusing the chicken with a rich, umami taste.

  • Honey (or maple syrup):

 Adds natural sweetness and helps caramelize the chicken for a glossy finish.

  • Sriracha (or hot sauce):

 Provides a spicy kick that can be adjusted to your preference.

  • Garlic (fresh or minced):

 Enhances depth of flavor, offering a savory, aromatic note.

  • Ground ginger:  

Adds warmth and complements the sweet and savory elements.

  • Soy sauce:

 Delivers a salty, umami base essential to the marinade.

  • Sesame oil:

 Provides a nutty, aromatic richness that elevates the dish.

  • Rice wine vinegar:

 Balances sweetness with subtle acidity, rounding out the flavors.

  • Sesame seeds and green onion:

 Perfect garnishes that add crunch, color, and freshness.

  • Pepper:

 Adds a mild heat and enhances the overall flavor profile.

  • Cornstarch:

 Thickens the teriyaki sauce for a glossy, clingy texture.

  • Brown sugar:

 Deepens the sweetness and helps with caramelization.

  • Water:

 Used to dilute the marinade or soak bamboo skewers to prevent burning.

  • Spices (for balancing flavor):

 Bring complexity and harmony to the dish.

This combination ensures a perfectly balanced, flavorful, and visually appealing dish!

chicken on a stick ingredients
Credits: fancyaproncooking.com

Step-by-Step Instructions

Start by preparing the chicken and the teriyaki marinade. Choose boneless chicken tenderloins, breasts, or thighs, and cut them into small pieces or long strips. For the marinade, mix teriyaki sauce, honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, pepper, and rice wine vinegar in a medium size bowl. If you like a kick, add some sriracha. Whisk the mixture thoroughly and pour it into a gallon-sized baggie or airtight container. Add the chicken pieces, making sure they are fully submerged. Seal it with a lid or zip it up, and let the chicken rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.

While the chicken marinades, soak wooden skewers or use metal skewers to avoid burning. Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 400°F) and brush the grates with oil or use a non-stick cooking spray. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, either lengthwise for single tenders or multiple pieces for heartier servings. I recommend threading 3-4 pieces per skewer for easy handling and even cooking.

Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for 7-8 minutes per side, flipping halfway through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. For extra flavor, heat some reserved marinade with cornstarch in a saucepan, whisking until thickened. Brush this sauce over the grilled chicken before serving. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, and serve over rice for a complete, delicious meal that everyone will enjoy!

chicken marinating
Credits: fancyaproncooking.com

Irresistible Chicken on a Stick Recipe for Any Party

Chicken on a stick is perfect for any gathering, whether it’s a casual party or a family dinner. Start by preparing a flavorful marinade using a bottled teriyaki sauce to keep things simple. Skewer the marinated chicken skewers for easy grilling and serve them as a delicious main dish or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. The tender chicken pairs beautifully with white rice, fried rice, or a crisp green salad. For added flavor, don’t forget to garnish with green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.

These skewers are a versatile dish that’s easy to travel with, making them ideal for a potluck or barbecue. They also go great with sides like grilled corn on the cob. Offer a dipping sauce on the side to elevate the experience—everyone loves a good dip! This recipe is simple to make, full of flavor, and will quickly become one of your favorites.

Can You Use Other Chicken?

You can definitely use chicken other than the typical choice for chicken on a stick. Chicken thighs are a great option for grilling and marinating in teriyaki sauce. If you’re using chicken breast, be sure to cut it into pieces that fit easily on the skewers. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and doesn’t become tough. It’s all about making sure the chicken is prepared right for a perfectly cooked meal!

Creative Ideas for Chicken on a Stick

Try adding variety to your chicken skewers by experimenting with different marinades. You can marinate the chicken in teriyaki marinade sauce or opt for a delicious Italian chicken marinade to introduce new flavors. If you want to add some extra crunch, consider making a chicken and vegetable kabob with vegetables like peppers and onions, all while using sesame oil for added richness. For a smoky twist, a simple BBQ sauce marinade with just a few ingredients can give your chicken sticks a whole new profile. Whether you’re using chicken breast or chicken thighs, these easy to make marinades will take your chicken on a stick to the next level!

chicken on a stick traeger
Credits: fancyaproncooking.com

Easy Teriyaki Chicken on a Stick: A Family Favorite


Category Details
Prep Time 5, 15 MINUTES, MINS
Cook Time 10,  20 MINUTES
Marinating Time 20 MINUTES, MINS
Total Time 40,45 MINUTES
Course MAIN, COURSE, Appetizer
Cuisine AMERICAN, Chinese
Keyword Chicken, Teriyaki
Servings 8, 6
Calories 198, 184 kcal

Ingredients: 2 lbs Boneless Skinless Tenders, 1/4 cup Brown Sugar, 1/2 Soy Sauce, Rice Wine Vinegar, Honey, 2 tsp minced garlic, ground ginger, pepper, 1 Tbsp cornstarch, 2 tbsp sesame oil, ⅓ cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp honey, 2 tsp rice wine vinegar, 1 tsp granulated garlic, ½ tsp ginger powder, ½ tsp white pepper, sliced green onions for garnish

Equipment: 12-16 bamboo skewers, 9×13″ baking dish, grill, large bowl, grill, skewers
Cooking Style: Grilled, Marinated, Asian-inspired, Teriyaki, Super Simple, Perfection, Quickly, Grilling, Cooks less than 20 minutes
Additional Info: Sliced green onions, Garnish, Meal, Weeknight, Perfect, Meal, SCALE 1X, 2X, 3X, Store-bought, Cloves, Sriracha
Instructions:To begin, gather all your ingredients. You will need chicken, teriyaki sauce, honey, garlic, and sriracha. Combine them in a gallon-sized baggie or a mixing bowl with a lid. Make sure the chicken is completely submerged in the marinade. Close the bag or cover the bowl, then shake or stir to combine everything. Place the mixture in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 24 hours to allow the chicken to marinate.If you’re using wood skewers, be sure to soak them in water for about 30 minutes. This will prevent them from burning while cooking. While the skewers soak, prepare your grill. Preheat it to 400°F and brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking.After the skewers have soaked, it’s time to assemble the chicken on the skewers. Thread each piece of chicken tenderloin or chicken thighs lengthwise onto the skewers. If you prefer, you can use multiple tenders on each skewer, but I recommend using 1-2 tenders per skewer for better cooking. Once everything is assembled, place the skewers on the preheated grill.Grill the chicken for 7-8 minutes per side, flipping halfway to ensure even cooking. The goal is to reach an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat. If you prefer, you can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the chicken.While the chicken is grilling, take the remaining sauce from the marinade and pour it into a medium size bowl. Mix in brown sugar, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, ginger, pepper, and cornstarch. Heat the mixture in a saucepan over medium-high heat, whisking constantly until it thickens.Once the chicken reaches the right temperature and the sauce has thickened, it’s time to serve. Brush the thickened sauce over the grilled chicken for extra flavor. You can garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of color and a fresh taste.For presentation, if you’d like, dice the chicken into half inch pieces or cut them into long strips. Arrange them neatly on a plate, and enjoy the delicious chicken on a stick. This dish is perfect for a fun weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends.
Nutrition information:skewers, serving size, 420, calories, 29.5 g, sugar, 3149.6 mg, sodium, 6.1 g, fat, 32.6 g, carbohydrates, 55.9 g, protein, 165.5 mg, cholesterol, 198 kcal, 22g, carbohydrates, 18g, protein, 3g, fat, 48mg, cholesterol, 464mg, sodium, 370mg, potassium, 1g, fiber, 9g, sugar, 75IU, vitamin A, 1.1mg, vitamin C, 45mg, calcium, 1.3mg, iron, 184 kcal, calories, 5g, carbohydrates, 25g, protein, 6g, fat, 1g, saturated fat, 2g, polyunsaturated fat, 2g, monounsaturated fat, 0.01g, trans fat, 73mg, cholesterol, 672mg, sodium, 449 mg, potassium, 0.2g, fiber, 4g, sugar, 34IU, vitamin A, 1mg, vitamin C, 9mg, calcium, 1mg, iron 

Enjoyed this Recipe? Let’s Connect!

If you loved this recipe and can’t wait to try it yourself, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family! I’d love to hear how it turned out for you – leave a comment below.If you want to connect with him please click here and connect with him.