Sweet and Spicy Sesame Chicken Kebabs

A great hors d’oeuvre, the kebabs are also delicious for dinner, served with rice and seared baby bok choy. If using wooden skewers, soak them for at least 20 minutes before threading.

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  Nonstick cooking spray
  
  


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  1/2 cup hoisin sauce
  
  


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  1/4 cup medium sherry, preferably amontillado
  
  


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  2 Tbs. soy sauce
  
  


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  1 Tbs. oyster sauce
  
  


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  2 large cloves garlic, minced
  
  


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  3/4 tsp. Chinese five-spice powder
  
  


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  1/8 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
  
  


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  1-1/4 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  
  


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  1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
  
  


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  1/4 cup thinly sliced scallions
  
  

Position a rack about 6 inches from the broiler and heat the broiler on high. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and coat the foil with cooking spray.

In a medium bowl, combine the hoisin, sherry, soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, five-spice powder, and red pepper flakes.

Trim and cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces. Add the chicken to the sauce and toss to coat. Thread the chicken onto 6-inch skewers, using 3 to 4 pieces for each skewer and leaving some space between the pieces. Arrange the kebabs in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and broil until well browned, about 6 minutes. Flip and continue broiling until the chicken is cooked through, about 4 minutes more. If the chicken begins to burn, move the rack down one level.

Transfer the kebabs to a serving platter or dinner plates, sprinkle with the sesame seeds and scallions, and serve.