Spicy Chicken Skewers & Cool Soba Noodles

These spicy chicken skewers are going to rock your world. Best part is that you can make everything ahead of time. This morning, dinner was all prepped and in the fridge by 10:30am! Kitchen was clean and I was able to rest and pull out my craft supplies. Such an amazing way to start the day.

Making dinner ahead of time is my weeknight time-saver

Making dinner the night before or in the morning is my absolute favorite. There is such a feeling of accomplishment and being prepared for the day. And it takes out any stress about what I'm feeding my family later.

A good chicken marinade is one of the easiest ways to prep dinner. Marinading chicken gives it SO much more flavor. Since chicken is a bit bland to start with, I'm always experimenting with packing as much flavor as possible into a simple marinade. This spicy chicken recipe definitely accomplishes that.

How to grill spicy chicken skewers

Whenever you're grilling smaller pieces of chicken, using a skewer really helps make it simple. I prefer metal skewers, like these, so I can use them over and over. It makes them easier to handle and flip. I also cook these spicy chicken skewers on a little bit lower heat.

Heat up your grill to about 350° and try to keep it there while the chicken cooks. Also make sure to give your grill a good clean and oil it down really well before using it. I use this PAM high heat spray for my grill. It's awesome! And keeps my food from sticking.

Ingredients for Spicy Sesame Chicken Marinade

Freshly Grated Ginger — Or substitute one teaspoon of ground ginger.

Sweet Onion — Gives the chicken a deeper flavor.

Soy Sauce — Or use tamarind, coconut aminos or gluten free soy sauce for a gluten free substitute! Just check the label if you're not sure.

Lemon — Lifts the flavor of the soy sauce to make it a little lighter.

Cumin

Sesame Oil — The champion flavor of this spicy chicken.

Gochu Jang (or chili paste) — The spicy companion to the sweeter flavors. Use as much or as little as you like.

8-10 boneless, skinless chicken tenders (or sliced chicken breasts)

2 Tbsp sesame seeds — Optional, but looks so pretty

How to make the chicken marinade

• In a blender or food processor, combine ginger, onion, garlic, soy sauce, Gochu jang, lemon juice, sugar, cumin and sesame oil. Process or blend until mostly smooth.
  
• Place chicken into baking dish, sprinkle salt over chicken, and pour marinade over top. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top of marinade. Cover and chill for 6-8 hours, or overnight.
  
• Remove chicken strips from marinade and thread onto skewers. Place on a preheated grill over high heat. Grill for 3 minutes on each side. Serve over Cool Soba Noodles, recipe below.
  
• If you don't have a grill, use an indoor grill pan or bake at 425°F in the oven until chicken is 165° in the center.

Ingredients for Cool Soba Noodles

Stir fry noodles — Use stir fry rice noodles for a gluten free option

Sesame oil — The star of the show.

Granulated sugar — Adds the perfect touch of sweetness.

Soy sauce — Or a gluten free substitute.

Scallions — Optional, thinly sliced for sprinkling on top

Carrots — grated and added for crunch and a healthy kick.

To Make the Cool Soba Noodles

• Cook noodles to package instructions. 
  
• In a small saucepan bring soy sauce and sugar to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook for about 3 minutes, until syrupy. Transfer to a mixing bowl and whisk in vinegar, sesame oil and vegetable oil. 
  
• Pour half of the dressing over noodles and toss, adding dressing as needed. Add scallions, carrots and sesame seeds and toss again.
  
• Chill until ready to serve (making up to one day in advance).

Cool Soba Noodles — the perfect Asian side dish

I use this Cool Soba Noodle recipe to go along with all my favorite Asian recipes. It makes the perfect side dish when you're wanting more than just plain rice. You could also try this marinade on steak or pork chops and it would be amazing! Any excuse to fire up the grill, right?