Easy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers- Grilled & Delicious

Teriyaki chicken skewers are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and for good reason! There’s something undeniably magical about tender pieces of chicken, grilled to juicy perfection and coated in that irresistible sweet and savory teriyaki glaze. We all crave that satisfying bite of marinated meat, kissed by the grill’s smoky char, and the simple joy of picking up a skewer. What makes teriyaki chicken skewers so special is their incredible versatility and ease of preparation, making them perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to backyard barbecues. They’re the ultimate flavor bomb, delivering a perfect balance of salty soy sauce, sweet brown sugar, and tangy non-alcoholic mirin that coats every succulent morsel. Get ready to elevate your grilling game with these incredibly delicious teriyaki chicken skewers!

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

There’s something undeniably satisfying about a well-made teriyaki chicken skewer. The perfect balance of sweet and savory, with tender, juicy chicken glazed in that irresistible sticky sauce, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to whip up at home. Whether you’re grilling them up for a backyard barbecue, pan-frying them for a weeknight dinner, or even baking them in the oven for a healthier option, these teriyaki chicken skewers are a guaranteed hit. The key to their success lies in a flavorful homemade teriyaki sauce that coats each bite, infusing it with deliciousness. Forget the store-bought stuff; this recipe delivers authentic, restaurant-quality flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients:

Cooking Instructions

Let’s get started on these delicious teriyaki chicken skewers! The first step is to prepare our star ingredient: the chicken. I find chicken thighs to be the most forgiving and flavorful for skewers, as they tend to stay incredibly moist even with a bit of overcooking. However, chicken breasts work wonderfully too, just be a little more mindful of cooking times to avoid them drying out. Cut your chicken into roughly 1-inch cubes. Uniformity in size ensures that all the pieces cook evenly, preventing some from being overcooked while others are still raw.

1. Marinate and Prepare the Chicken

Once your chicken is cut, we’ll give it a little head start with flavor before it even hits the skewers. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken cubes with 1 tablespoon of the soy sauce and the 1/2 tablespoon of minced gin extractger. This initial light coating helps to infuse the chicken with flavor right from the begin extractning. If you have time, let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or even up to a few hours, for deeper flavor penetration. If you’re short on time, don’t worry, the teriyaki sauce will do most of the heavy lifting.

2. Crafting the Irresistible Teriyaki Sauce

Now for the magic: the teriyaki sauce! This is where all the deliciousness truly comes together. In a small saucepan, whisk together the 1 cup of water and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Ensure the cornstarch is completely dissolved to avoid any lumps. Then, add the 1/3 cup of brown sugar, the remaining 1/3 cup of soy sauce, the 2 cloves of minced garlic, the 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and the 1 tablespoon of honey. Stir everything together well. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly. You’ll notice the sauce will begin extract to thicken as it heats. Continue to cook and stir for about 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has reached a glossy, slightly thickened consistency that coats the back of a spoon. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the 1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil. This adds a wonderful nutty aroma and depth of flavor. Set this glorious sauce aside; we’ll be using it generously!

3. Assembling the Skewers

It’s time to thread our chicken onto those skewers! If you’re using wooden skewers, it’s a good idea to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand. This prevents them from burning too quickly on the grill or in the oven. Carefully thread the chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece. Don’t pack them too tightly, as this will also hinder even cooking and prevent the sauce from properly coating each piece. You should have enough chicken to fill approximately 8 skewers.

4. Cooking Your Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Now, let’s cook these beauties! The method you choose will depend on your preference and available equipment.

5. The Finishing Touches

Once your teriyaki chicken skewers are cooked and gloriously glazed, it’s time for the final flourish. Arrange them on a serving platter. Now, for the visual appeal and extra burst of flavor, sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions. The nutty crunch of the sesame seeds and the fresh, sharp bite of the green onions perfectly complement the sweet and savory teriyaki glaze. Serve these immediately and get ready to enjoy the delicious rewards of your efforts! They are fantastic served with steamed rice, a fresh salad, or your favorite Asian-inspired side dishes. Enjoy every sticky, flavorful bite!

Conclusion:

And there you have it – a recipe for delicious Teriyaki Chicken Skewers that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen! What makes these skewers so fantastic? It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy teriyaki glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the tender chicken, creating a flavor explosion with every bite. They’re incredibly easy to prepare, making them ideal for weeknight dinners, backyard BBQs, or even potlucks. The simple marination process allows the flavors to meld, and grilling or broiling them to perfection is a breeze.

I love serving these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers with fluffy steamed rice and a side of crisp-tender steamed broccoli or snap peas. For a more substantial meal, consider a fresh Asian-inspired slaw or a simple cucumber salad. Feeling adventurous? You can easily mix up this recipe! Try adding chunks of pineapple or bell peppers to the skewers for an extra burst of sweetness and color, or experiment with adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce for a touch of heat. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

I truly encourage you to give this Teriyaki Chicken Skewers recipe a try. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both healthy and incredibly satisfying. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up restaurant-quality skewers right in your own home.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers in advance?

Yes, absolutely! You can marinate the chicken for several hours, or even overnight, in the teriyaki sauce. This will deepen the flavors even further. The skewers themselves are best cooked just before serving to ensure the chicken is juicy and the glaze is perfectly caramelized.

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

Definitely! If you don’t have a grill, you can easily cook these skewers under the broiler in your oven. Just place them on a baking sheet lined with foil (for easy cleanup) and broil for a few minutes on each side, watching carefully to prevent burning. They’ll still get beautifully glazed and delicious!

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Juicy chicken thigh pieces marinated in a classic teriyaki sauce and grilled to perfection, served on skewers with sesame seeds and green onions.

Prep Time
20 Minutes

Cook Time
15 Minutes

Total Time
35 Minutes

Servings
8 skewers

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. chicken thighs (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
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 cup water
• sesame seed (for garnish)
• chopped green onion (for garnish)
• 8 skewers

Instructions

1. Step 1
   In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, minced ginger, honey, and sesame oil to create the teriyaki sauce.
2. Step 2
   Add the cubed chicken thighs to the teriyaki sauce, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Step 3
   While the chicken marinates, soak the skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken onto the soaked skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Step 4
   In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth. This will be used to thicken the remaining marinade.
5. Step 5
   Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken skewers for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and lightly charred.
6. Step 6
   While the skewers are grilling, pour the remaining marinade into a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
7. Step 7
   Brush the thickened teriyaki sauce over the chicken skewers during the last few minutes of grilling.
8. Step 8
   Remove skewers from the grill and let rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.

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.