Easy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers-Grill Perfect

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are an absolute game-changer for any weeknight dinner or backyard BBQ. There’s something incredibly satisfying about perfectly grilled chicken coated in that irresistible sweet and savory teriyaki glaze, isn’t there? It’s a dish that brings smiles to faces of all ages, a true crowd-pleaser that always disappears far too quickly. What makes these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers so special? It’s the beautiful balance of flavors – the umami-rich soy sauce, the subtle sweetness of non-alcoholic mirin and brown sugar, all caramelized to perfection on tender, juicy chicken. They’re also incredibly versatile; you can serve them as an appetizer, a main course with rice, or even tossed into a fresh salad. Get ready to impress yourself and everyone around you with this easy and incredibly delicious recipe.

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

There’s something undeniably satisfying about grilled skewers. They’re perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a casual backyard barbecue, or even an appetizer that will have everyone asking for the recipe. And when you combine that irresistible char of the grill with the sweet and savory punch of homemade teriyaki sauce, you’ve got a winner. These Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are incredibly easy to make, incredibly delicious, and incredibly versatile. You can serve them alongside rice and steamed vegetables for a complete meal, or simply enjoy them on their own as a flavorful snack.

The magic of teriyaki lies in its balance of sweet and salty. My go-to teriyaki sauce is simple to whip up, and it coats the chicken beautifully, creating those irresistible caramelized edges on the grill. Using chicken thighs ensures a tender and juicy result, even if you accidentally leave them on the grill for a minute too long. However, if you prefer white meat, chicken breasts work just as well, though they might require a slightly shorter cooking time to prevent dryness. Whichever you choose, the key is to cut the chicken into uniform, bite-sized cubes for even cooking and easy skewering.

Ingredients:

Cooking Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken and Marinade: First things first, let’s get our chicken ready. Ensure your chicken is cut into nice, uniform 1-inch cubes. This is crucial for even cooking and for them to fit nicely on your skewers. In a medium bowl, toss the cubed chicken with 1 tablespoon of the cornstarch. This might seem a little unusual, but it helps to create a slightly thicker sauce that adheres better to the chicken. Set the coated chicken aside. Now, let’s make that incredible teriyaki sauce. In a small saucepan, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with the 1 cup of water until it’s completely smooth and there are no lumps. This slurry will be our thickening agent. Add the brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, minced gin extractger, and honey to the saucepan. Stir everything together well.

2. Simmer the Teriyaki Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly. You’ll notice the sauce starting to thicken as it heats up. Continue to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has reached a syrupy consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the sesame oil. The sesame oil adds a wonderful nutty aroma and a subtle depth of flavor that really elevates the teriyaki sauce. Let the sauce cool slightly while you prepare the skewers.

3. Assemble the Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, it’s a good idea to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand. This will prevent them from burning on the grill. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the prepared skewers, leaving a small space between each piece to allow for even cooking and easier turning. Aim for about 4-5 pieces of chicken per skewer, depending on the size of your cubes and skewers. Don’t overcrowd them.

4. Grill the Skewers: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the chicken from sticking. Place the assembled skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for about 4-6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has developed a beautiful golden-brown char. During the last few minutes of grilling, generously brush the skewers with the reserved teriyaki sauce. The sauce will caramelize on the hot chicken, creating that irresistible sticky glaze we all love. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning, as the sugars in the sauce can cause them to char quickly.

5. Serve and Enjoy: Once the chicken is cooked through and beautifully glazed, remove the skewers from the grill. Let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in even more tender chicken. Arrange the teriyaki chicken skewers on a serving platter. For a beautiful presentation and an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle them generously with toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions. These skewers are fantastic served with steamed jasmine rice, a simple cucumber salad, or even just on their own as a delicious appetizer. The combination of the tender chicken, the sweet and savory teriyaki glaze, and the fresh garnishes makes for a truly satisfying culinary experience. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Conclusion:

These Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are an absolute winner for any occasion! They’re incredibly easy to make, packed with that irresistible sweet and savory teriyaki flavor, and the grilling (or broiling!) process gives them a fantastic char. The tender chicken chunks marinated in our simple homemade teriyaki sauce are simply divine. They’re perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next BBQ, or even a fun and healthy lunch option. I highly encourage you to give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!

To make these skewers even more special, consider serving them alongside fluffy steamed rice, a crisp Asian-inspired slaw, or some grilled vegetables like bell peppers and onions. For a fun twist, try adding cubes of pineapple to the skewers before grilling – the sweetness is a wonderful complement to the teriyaki! Feel free to experiment with different cuts of chicken, like thigh meat for extra juiciness, or even swap out the chicken for firm tofu or shrimp for a vegetarian or pescatarian option.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the teriyaki sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the teriyaki sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes assembling the skewers even quicker when you’re ready to cook.

What if I don’t have a grill? Can I still make these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers?

Yes! If you don’t have a grill, these skewers can be cooked beautifully under your oven’s broiler or pan-fried in a hot skillet. Just keep a close eye on them to prevent burning, especially when broiling.

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Juicy chicken skewers marinated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, grilled to perfection.

Prep Time
20 Minutes

Cook Time
10 Minutes

Total Time
40 Minutes

Servings
8 skewers

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. chicken thighs (or breasts) (cut into 1″ cubes)
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1/2 tbsp fresh ginger (minced)
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1/2 tsp sesame oil
• 8 skewers
• sesame seed
• chopped green onion
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 cup water

Instructions

1. Step 1
   In a bowl, combine brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, minced ginger, honey, and sesame oil. Whisk until well combined to create the teriyaki marinade.
2. Step 2
   Add the cubed chicken to the teriyaki marinade. Toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
3. Step 3
   Thread the marinated chicken onto the prepared skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Step 4
   Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken skewers for 8-10 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
5. Step 5
   While the skewers are grilling, prepare a thickening slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth.
6. Step 6
   Once the chicken is cooked, remove the skewers from the grill. Brush any remaining marinade over the skewers.
7. Step 7
   In a small saucepan, heat the reserved marinade over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, then gradually whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened. This sauce is an optional drizzle.
8. Step 8
   Serve the teriyaki chicken skewers immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.