Easy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers – Quick Grill Recipe

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are a crowd-pleasing powerhouse for a reason! Who can resist those tender, juicy chunks of chicken coated in that irresistible sweet and savory teriyaki glaze? I know I certainly can’t! These vibrant skewers are a summer barbecue essential, a weeknight dinner hero, and an appetizer that disappears in a flash. What makes teriyaki chicken skewers so incredibly special? It’s the perfect harmony of flavors: the rich umami of soy sauce, the subtle sweetness of non-alcoholic mirin and sugar, and the bright tang of gin extractger and garlic, all caramelizing beautifully under the heat. They’re also incredibly versatile – perfect grilled to smoky perfection or baked for a quicker fix. Get ready to elevate your next meal with these sensational Teriyaki Chicken Skewers that are guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers: A Taste of Summer

There’s something undeniably fun and delicious about food on a stick, and these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are no exception. They’re the perfect blend of savory and sweet, with that irresistible umami kick that teriyaki sauce brings. Whether you’re grilling them up for a backyard barbecue, baking them for a weeknight dinner, or even pan-frying them for a quick and easy meal, these skewers are a crowd-pleaser. The tender chicken, marinated in a homemade teriyaki sauce, becomes wonderfully glazed and slightly caramelized, making each bite a delight. Plus, making your own teriyaki sauce is surprisingly simple and allows you to control the sweetness and saltiness to your exact preference. Let’s get started on creating these fantastic skewers!

Preparing the Chicken and Marinade

The first step in creating these delightful skewers is to get our chicken ready and start on that glorious teriyaki marinade. I prefer using chicken thighs because they tend to stay more moist and tender, even with the high heat of grilling or baking. However, chicken breasts work perfectly well too if that’s your preference. Ensure you cut the chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes. This helps the chicken cook evenly and allows the marinade to penetrate all the pieces thoroughly. Consistency is key here!

Now, let’s whip up the star of the show: the teriyaki sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the cornstarch and water. Whisk them together until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and there are no lumps. This slurry will be our thickening agent. Next, add the brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, minced fresh gin extractger, and rice vinegar. Give everything a good stir to combine.

Place the saucepan over medium heat. We’re going to gently cook this mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. You’ll notice it starts to coat the back of a spoon. Once it has thickened to your liking, remove it from the heat. Now is the time to stir in the honey and sesame oil. The honey adds a lovely extra layer of sweetness and helps with that beautiful glaze, while the sesame oil provides a subtle nutty aroma that’s characteristic of many Asian-inspired dishes. Let the sauce cool slightly.

Marinating the Chicken

Once your teriyaki sauce has cooled down enough that it won’t cook the chicken, it’s time to marinate! Place your cubed chicken into a bowl or a resealable plastic bag. Pour about two-thirds of the cooled teriyaki sauce over the chicken. Reserve the remaining one-third of the sauce to brush onto the skewers as they cook. Massage the marinade into the chicken pieces, ensuring each cube is well-coated.

For the best flavor, I recommend letting the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. However, if you have the time, marinating for 2-4 hours will result in an even more intense flavor. You can even marinate it overnight for maximum deliciousness! Just make sure the chicken is covered or senon-alcoholic aled tightly to prevent any contamination in the fridge.

Assembling and Cooking the Skewers

Now for the fun part: assembling the skewers! If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before using them. This prevents them from burning on the grill or in the oven. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the prepared skewers. Don’t overcrowd them; leave a little bit of space between each piece of chicken. This allows the heat to circulate around them for even cooking.

Cooking Methods

You have a few excellent options for cooking your Teriyaki Chicken Skewers.

Grilling:

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook for about 8-12 minutes, turning them every few minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. During the last few minutes of cooking, brush the skewers generously with the reserved teriyaki sauce. This will create that beautiful, sticky glaze. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning, as the sugar in the sauce can caramelize quickly.

Baking:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Arrange the chicken skewers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping the skewers halfway through. In the last 5-10 minutes of baking, brush the skewers with the reserved teriyaki sauce, allowing it to caramelize and create a delicious glaze. You can also switch your oven to the broiler setting for the last minute or two to get some extra browning, but watch them very carefully to avoid burning.

Pan-Frying:

Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil. Once hot, add the skewers in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Brush with the reserved teriyaki sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.

Finishing Touches and Serving

Once your Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are cooked to perfection, remove them from the heat. You can give them one last brush of the reserved teriyaki sauce if you like extra glaze. Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a burst of freshness and color. These skewers are fantastic served on their own, or you can pair them with steamed rice, a fresh salad, or your favorite stir-fried vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy the explosion of flavors!

Conclusion:

There you have it – your guide to creating incredibly delicious Teriyaki Chicken Skewers! This recipe is a winner because it’s remarkably simple to prepare, yet delivers a flavor explosion that’s both savory and slightly sweet. The tender chicken, coated in that irresistible teriyaki glaze, grilled to perfection, makes for a truly satisfying meal. These skewers are fantastic for so many occasions, from weeknight dinners when you’re craving something special without the fuss, to backyard barbecues and potlucks where they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve them up with fluffy steamed rice and a side of crisp, blanched broccoli or a fresh Asian-inspired slaw for a complete and balanced meal.

Don’t be afraid to get creative! You can easily adapt this recipe. Try adding chunks of pineapple or bell peppers to the skewers for extra color and flavor. For a spicier kick, incorporate some sriracha into your teriyaki marinade. The possibilities are endless, and the results are always rewarding. I really encourage you to give these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers a try. They’re a fantastic way to bring a taste of Japan right into your own kitchen!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I make the teriyaki sauce from scratch?

A: Absolutely! While store-bought teriyaki sauce is convenient, making your own allows you to control the sweetness and saltiness. A simple homemade sauce can be made with soy sauce, non-alcoholic mirin (sweet rice vinegar), non-alcoholic sake (optional), sugar, and a touch of grated fresh gin extractger and garlic. Simmer it until it thickens slightly.

Q: What’s the best way to prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?

A: Ensuring your grill grates are clean and well-oiled is key. You can also pre-soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning. If using metal skewers, there’s less worry about burning.

Q: How long should I marinate the chicken?

A: For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken pieces for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. Marinating for longer can sometimes make the chicken too soft due to the acidity in some marinades, so 2-4 hours is a good sweet spot.

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Juicy chicken skewers marinated and grilled with a classic homemade teriyaki sauce.

Prep Time
30 Minutes

Cook Time
10 Minutes

Total Time
40 Minutes

Servings
8 skewers

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Combine brown sugar, soy sauce, water, minced garlic, rice vinegar, minced ginger, honey, and sesame oil in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Step 2
   In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the simmering sauce and cook for another 2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
3. Step 3
   Place the cubed chicken in a bowl and pour half of the teriyaki sauce over it. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
4. Step 4
   Thread the marinated chicken onto the prepared skewers.
5. Step 5
   Preheat your grill or broiler to medium-high heat.
6. Step 6
   Grill or broil the chicken skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred. Baste with the remaining teriyaki sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
7. Step 7
   Remove from heat, garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onion 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.