How to Make Sweet and Spicy Chicken Skewers Everyone Will Love

If you’re looking for the perfect crowd-pleaser, you’ve found it!

These Sweet and Spicy Chicken Skewers are tender, juicy, and coated in a sticky Korean-style sauce that’s the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory.

It is quick to make, ridiculously flavorful, and it will remind you of your favorite Korean street food stalls. Perfect for casual dinners, gameday snacks, or party appetizers!

Why You’ll Love This Sweet and Spicy Chicken Skewer Recipe

Fast and fuss-free — You can prep everything quickly, and it cooks in just about 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need something easy but impressive.

Big flavor in every bite — The sweet honey, spicy chili, and a little smoky char from the grill or pan come together to make seriously irresistible skewers.

Party-perfect finger food — These are easy to grab and eat, making them ideal for parties, BBQs, potlucks, or family gatherings. No forks and knives needed!

Super versatile — Serve them as a fun appetizer, or bulk them up into a full meal with rice, salad, or veggies on the side.

Simple pantry ingredients — No weird or hard-to-find ingredients here. You probably already have everything you need at home.

Customizable spice level — Like it hotter? Add more chili. Prefer it sweeter? Drizzle extra honey. You’re in control.

Easy cleanup — Minimal mess and fewer dishes, especially if you grill or use a lined baking tray.

Equipment You’ll Need For Sweet and Spicy Chicken Skewer Recipe

To make these Sweet and Spicy Chicken Skewers just right, here’s what you’ll need in your kitchen. Having everything ready makes the cooking process way smoother (and way more fun)!

15 cm wooden skewers
These are the perfect size for handheld skewers — easy to cook, serve, and eat. Soak them in water for about 10–15 minutes before using to prevent burning during cooking.

Frying pan or skillet
Use a nonstick pan or a well-seasoned skillet. It helps cook the chicken evenly to a beautiful golden color without sticking or tearing the coating. Plus, you’ll need it again when simmering that sweet and spicy sauce!

Mixing bowls
A couple of mixing bowls will come in handy — one for tossing the chicken with seasoning and flour, and another for blending the rich, flavorful sauce. Go for medium-sized bowls so you have enough space to stir everything properly.

Tongs or a brush for coating sauce
Tongs make it easy to flip the skewers while cooking without breaking the chicken pieces. A brush (like a silicone kitchen brush) is perfect for generously slathering that sticky, spicy sauce over the skewers after cooking. Total flavor explosion!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything you need to create juicy, flavorful skewers with that perfect sweet and spicy Korean touch!

For the Chicken:

2 chicken breasts (about 340g)
Lean, tender protein that stays juicy when cooked right — and perfect for soaking up all that sauce!

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Helps create a light, crispy coating on the chicken and locks in moisture.

2 pinches of salt
Enhances the chicken’s natural flavor.

A dash of ground pepper
Adds a gentle kick to balance the sweetness.

1 tablespoon olive oil
Gives the chicken a little extra richness and helps the seasonings stick.

Cooking oil (for frying)
Use a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil for even, golden cooking.

For the Sauce:

2 tablespoons ketchup
Adds tanginess and a familiar sweet base to the sauce.

4 tablespoons starch syrup (or corn syrup)
The secret to that glossy, sticky finish — keeps the sauce thick and beautiful!

0.7 tablespoon gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)
A bold, slightly spicy flavor that gives these skewers their iconic Korean kick.

2 tablespoons sugar
Sweetens the sauce and balances the spice perfectly.

0.7 tablespoon soy sauce
Adds depth, savoriness, and umami goodness.

1 tablespoon minced garlic
Brings that aromatic punch we all love in Korean dishes.

1 tablespoon pork cutlet sauce (or tonkatsu sauce)
Adds richness and a slightly fruity, tangy note — like a flavor booster!

1 tablespoon red pepper powder
Turns up the heat just a little, for a beautiful balance of sweet and spicy.

A dash of ground pepper
Rounds out the flavors with a hint of warmth.

4 tablespoons water
Thins out the sauce slightly so it coats the chicken evenly without clumping.

Optional Topping:

Crushed peanut powder or almond powder
Sprinkle over the finished skewers for a nutty crunch — it adds texture and makes the dish feel extra special!

Ingredient Substitutions

No need to stress if you’re missing an ingredient — here are some easy swaps to keep the flavor party going! 🎉

Chicken breasts:
Swap with chicken thighs for even juicier skewers. Thighs have a little more fat, which means extra tenderness and flavor.

All-purpose flour:
Use cornstarch or rice flour if you want a crispier, gluten-free option.

Starch syrup:
Corn syrup works just as well. Or you can mix a little honey and water if you’re in a pinch!

Gochujang (Korean red pepper paste):
Mix sriracha with a small spoonful of miso paste for a quick homemade alternative. Or use sambal oelek for a more chili-forward flavor.

Pork cutlet sauce (tonkatsu sauce):
Try Worcestershire sauce mixed with a little ketchup for a similar sweet-savory flavor.

Red pepper powder:
Cayenne pepper or paprika can step in, but start with a little and adjust to your spice preference.

Crushed peanut powder:
Chopped roasted peanuts or almond slivers make a perfect crunchy topping if you don’t have peanut powder.

Before You Start

Before you dive into making these Sweet and Spicy Chicken Skewers, here are a couple of quick tips to set yourself up for success:

Soak the wooden skewers in water for at least 10–15 minutes. This keeps them from burning or breaking while cooking.

Pre-measure your sauce ingredients into a small bowl. Trust me, once you start cooking, you’ll want everything ready to pour and stir without any last-minute scrambling!

Cut the chicken into even pieces so everything cooks at the same speed — no undercooked centers or dry edges.

Have your tools within reach. Tongs, brush, and a plate for resting cooked skewers will make the process smooth and easy.

Now you’re ready to cook like a pro and have some fun in the kitchen!

How to Make the Sweet and Spicy Chicken Skewer Recipe

Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts into small cubes.

Season with salt, pepper, and olive oil. Let it marinate lightly while you prep the sauce.

Mix the Sauce

In a bowl, combine ketchup, starch syrup, gochujang, sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, pork cutlet sauce, red pepper powder, pepper, and water.

Stir until the sauce is smooth and well combined.

Coat and Skewer

Toss the marinated chicken pieces in flour, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.

Thread the coated chicken cubes onto the wooden skewers.

Cook the Chicken

Heat a little cooking oil in a frying pan over medium-low heat.

Add the skewers and cook, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through.

Prepare the Sauce and Coat the Skewers

In the same pan, pour in the prepared sauce.

Simmer over low heat for about 10 seconds until slightly thickened.
(If using peanut powder, stir it into the sauce now for extra flavor.)

Turn off the heat. Brush or dip the cooked skewers into the sauce, coating them generously.

Finish

Optionally, sprinkle some crushed peanut or almond powder over the top before serving for extra texture and flavor.

Top Tips for Juicy, Flavor-Packed Skewers

Flour Coating — Lightly dusting the chicken with flour before cooking helps seal in all the juices. It also gives the skewers a slight crispiness that holds onto the sauce better.

Covered Cooking — Cover the pan with a lid while frying. This traps a bit of steam, making sure the chicken stays super juicy and cooks through evenly without drying out.

Sauce Control — When making the sauce, keep the heat low and simmer just briefly. The sauce thickens quickly! Overcooking can make it too sticky or even burn, so pull it off the heat once it looks glossy and coats a spoon nicely.

Nut Toppings — Sprinkle crushed peanuts or almonds over the finished skewers for a subtle crunch and a little nutty flavor. It adds an extra layer of texture and makes them look even more delicious.

How to Serve Sweet and Spicy Chicken Skewers Everyone Will Love

Serve hot and fresh — These skewers are best right off the grill or pan when they’re juicy and perfectly glazed.

Add a side of pickled radish — The tangy crunch of pickled radish cuts through the sweetness and spice, making every bite feel light and refreshing.

Pile on fresh salad greens — A simple handful of lettuce, arugula, or spinach adds a fresh, crisp contrast. Drizzle with a little lemon or sesame dressing if you want to level it up.

Pair with steamed rice — Fluffy white rice or even fried rice makes it a complete, comforting meal. The rice soaks up the extra sauce beautifully.

Don’t forget the extra sauce — Serve a little bowl of extra glaze or dipping sauce on the side so everyone can get even saucier bites.

Perfect for every occasion — These skewers are a hit at game nights, potlucks, BBQs, family dinners, or whenever you need something easy, shareable, and seriously tasty.

Fun and Easy Recipe Variations to Try

Extra Spicy
If you love bold flavors, add more gochujang or stir in a little sriracha to the sauce. It brings a fiery heat that makes every bite even more exciting and full of flavor.

Mild Version
Prefer a gentler heat? Simply cut the amount of red pepper powder in half. You’ll still get all the delicious sweet and savory flavors, just with a softer, more mellow spice level. Try to explore more about chilies. Here is a guide to heat levels and chili varietis

Vegetarian
Want a plant-based option? Swap the chicken for tofu cubes. Coat and cook them the same way. The tofu will turn crispy on the outside and stay soft and tender inside, making it just as delicious. Want to try? Here is the recipe – Sweet & Crunchy Korean Tofu Bites (Dubu Gangjeong)

Crunchy Coating
For even more texture, sprinkle a little panko breadcrumbs on after the flour coating. They fry up extra crispy and golden, giving your skewers an irresistible crunch with every bite.

Final Thoughts

Sweet and Spicy Chicken Skewers bring bold Korean street food flavors straight to your kitchen.

They are fast, easy, and packed with flavor.

Serve them at parties, potlucks, or for a fun and easy dinner.
This is one recipe you will want to make again and again.