Asian Style Chicken Appetizer Recipes For Busy Weeknight Dinners
When the week gets busy, finding time to prepare a delicious meal can feel overwhelming. That’s where quick and flavorful Asian style chicken appetizer recipes come into play. These recipes are not only easy to whip up, but they also pack a punch in terms of flavor, making them perfect for weeknight dinners. Whether you are hosting a casual get-together or simply looking to spice up your dinner table, these chicken appetizers will surely impress your family and friends.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar. Stir well to create a marinade.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- After marinating, remove the chicken and sprinkle with cornstarch. Toss to coat evenly.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers.
- Grill the skewers for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has nice grill marks.
- During the last minute of cooking, sprinkle the crushed red pepper flakes if using, for an added kick.
- Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
- Serve warm with dipping sauces like sweet chili sauce or additional soy sauce.
More Delicious Asian Style Chicken Appetizers
If you loved the grilled chicken skewers, here are a few more Asian style chicken appetizer recipes that are perfect for busy weeknight dinners:
1. Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps
These lettuce wraps are a healthy and fun way to enjoy Asian flavors. Ground chicken is stir-fried with water chestnuts, green onions, and a savory sauce, then wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 cup water chestnuts, diced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 head of butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant.
- Add ground chicken and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Stir in the diced water chestnuts, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in chopped green onions.
- To serve, spoon the mixture into lettuce leaves and roll them up. Enjoy!
2. Baked Asian Chicken Wings
These wings are a fantastic choice for a quick appetizer. Seasoned with a blend of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, they are baked to perfection and caramelized for a crunchy texture.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a rack on top.
- In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar to create a marinade.
- Add the chicken wings and toss to coat. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Remove wings from the marinade and coat them in the dry mixture.
- Place the wings on the prepared rack and bake for 30-40 minutes, turning halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of chicken is best for appetizers?
Boneless chicken breast or thighs work best for quick appetizers. They cook quickly and absorb marinades well.
Can I make these appetizers ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just grill or bake them when you’re ready to serve.
What dipping sauces pair well with Asian chicken appetizers?
Sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and peanut sauce are excellent choices that complement the flavors of the chicken.
Are these recipes suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and store it in the fridge. Just reheat before serving for a quick weeknight meal.
These Asian style chicken appetizer recipes are perfect for busy weeknights. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, they are sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Enjoy these delightful bites with your favorite dipping sauces for a truly delectable experience!
