Easy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers- Grilled Perfection

Teriyaki chicken skewers are an absolute game-changer for weeknight dinners and backyard barbecues alike! There’s something inherently delightful about tender pieces of chicken coated in a sweet, savory, and slightly tangy teriyaki glaze, all perfectly grilled and served on a convenient skewer. It’s a dish that consistently brings smiles to faces, no matter the occasion. What makes these teriyaki chicken skewers so special? It’s the perfect balance of flavors – that irresistible umami from soy sauce, the subtle sweetness from non-alcoholic mirin or brown sugar, and often a hint of gin extractger or garlic that dances on your taste buds. They’re incredibly versatile, incredibly easy to prepare, and always a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to master the art of these delightful teriyaki chicken skewers!

Ingredients:

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers: A Flavorful Delight

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a perfectly grilled skewer. The little morsels of meat, infused with delicious flavors and kissed by the grill’s heat, are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Today, we’re elevating the humble chicken skewer to a new level with a classic and irresistible teriyaki glaze. These Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are incredibly versatile – they’re fantastic for backyard BBQs, easy weeknight dinners, or even as an appetizer for your next get-together. The sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, balanced with a hint of tangin extractess, coats the tender chicken beautifully, creating a truly memorable bite. We’ll be making our teriyaki sauce from scratch, which not only tastes so much better than store-bought but also gives you complete control over the ingredients and sweetness.

Preparing the Teriyaki Marinade and Chicken

The first step to amazing teriyaki chicken skewers is creating a flavorful marinade that will not only tenderize the chicken but also imbue it with that signature sweet and savory teriyaki goodness. This homemade sauce is surprisingly simple and comes together in just a few minutes.

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the cornstarch and water until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and there are no lumps. This slurry is crucial for thickening our teriyaki sauce later.
2. Add the brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, minced fresh gin extractger, and rice vinegar to the saucepan. Stir everything together to combine.
3. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly. You’ll notice the sauce will begin extract to thicken as it heats up. Continue to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. This simmering process helps to meld the flavors and cook out any raw taste from the garlic and gin extractger.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the honey and sesame oil. The honey adds another layer of sweetness and a lovely glossy finish, while the sesame oil provides that distinct nutty aroma that’s characteristic of teriyaki. Let the teriyaki sauce cool slightly while you prepare the chicken.
5. In a large bowl, place your cubed chicken. Pour about half of the slightly cooled teriyaki sauce over the chicken. Toss gently to ensure each piece of chicken is evenly coated. Reserve the remaining teriyaki sauce for basting and serving. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or for up to 2 hours for a more intense flavor. If you’re short on time, even 15 minutes will make a difference.

Assembling and Grilling the Skewers

Once your chicken has had a chance to marinate and soak up all those delicious teriyaki flavors, it’s time to assemble and cook these beauties. If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before use to prevent them from burning on the grill.

1. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the prepared skewers, leaving a small space between each piece to allow for even cooking. Don’t overcrowd the skewers; this will steam the chicken rather than grill it. You should get about 8 skewers from this amount of chicken.
2. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. It’s important to have a hot grill so you get those lovely sear marks and crispy edges on the chicken.
3. Carefully place the skewers onto the preheated grill grates. Grill for about 4-6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has developed a nice char. During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the skewers generously with the reserved teriyaki sauce. This will create a beautiful, sticky glaze that’s absolutely irresistible. You can also use the remaining sauce as a dipping sauce.
4. Alternatively, if you don’t have access to a grill, you can cook these skewers under a broiler in your oven or in a hot cast-iron skillet on the stovetop. For the broiler, place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil (poke holes in the foil where the chicken sits to allow grease to drain) and broil for 4-6 minutes per side, watching them closely to prevent burning. For a stovetop method, heat a tablespoon of oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and cook the skewers in batches, turning them every few minutes until cooked through and browned, basting with the teriyaki sauce towards the end.

Serving Your Delicious Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

The aroma of these teriyaki chicken skewers cooking is enough to make your mouth water! Once they’re off the grill and have had a minute to rest, they’re ready to be devoured.

1. Arrange the finished Teriyaki Chicken Skewers on a serving platter.
2. Generously sprinkle the skewers with toasted sesame seeds for a delightful nutty crunch and visual appeal.
3. Finish with a generous scattering of freshly chopped green onions. The bright, fresh flavor of the green onions cuts through the richness of the teriyaki glaze and adds a beautiful pop of color.
4. Serve immediately with any remaining teriyaki sauce on the side for extra dipping. These skewers are fantastic served with steamed rice, a fresh green salad, or your favorite grilled vegetables. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

These Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are a fantastic addition to any meal, offering a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors that are universally loved. The simplicity of the recipe, combined with the irresistible aroma and delicious glaze, makes them a guaranteed hit for weeknight dinners or weekend BBQs. They’re incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in so many ways, making them a go-to for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to give these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers a try; I’m confident you’ll find them as enjoyable to make as they are to eat!

For serving, these skewers are wonderful with steamed rice, a fresh Asian-inspired slaw, or grilled vegetables. They also make a fantastic appetizer for parties. Feel free to experiment with variations! You could add chunks of pineapple or bell peppers to the skewers for extra color and flavor, or even try a spicy version by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade. The possibilities are truly endless.

Frequently Asked Questions about Teriyaki Chicken Skewers:

Q: How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?

For the most succulent and flavorful Teriyaki Chicken Skewers, I recommend marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but ideally 2-4 hours. For an even deeper flavor, you can marinate it overnight in the refrigerator.

Q: Can I grill these skewers indoors?

Absolutely! If you don’t have an outdoor grill, you can easily cook these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers indoors. A grill pan on the stovetop works wonderfully, or you can bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and slightly caramelized.

Q: What kind of chicken is best for these skewers?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are my top choice for Teriyaki Chicken Skewers. They stay incredibly moist and tender during cooking, thanks to their higher fat content. However, chicken breast can also be used, just be mindful not to overcook it to prevent dryness.

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Delicious and easy teriyaki chicken skewers, perfect for grilling or baking.

Prep Time
15 Minutes

Cook Time
20 Minutes

Total Time
35 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 (*low sodium recommended )
• 2 cloves garlic (minced )
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1/2 tbsp fresh ginger extract (minced )
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1/2 tsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 cup water
• sesame seed
• chopped green onion

Instructions

1. Step 1
   In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, minced ginger, honey, and sesame oil. This is your teriyaki marinade.
2. Step 2
   Place the cubed chicken in a resealable bag or bowl. Pour about half of the teriyaki marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Step 3
   While the chicken marinates, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir in the remaining teriyaki marinade. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens into a glaze.
4. Step 4
   Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto soaked wooden skewers or metal skewers.
5. Step 5
   Grill the skewers over medium-high heat for about 8-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and slightly charred. Alternatively, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
6. Step 6
   Brush the chicken skewers with the prepared teriyaki glaze during the last few minutes of cooking. Garnish 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.