Easy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers – Grilled & Delicious

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are an absolute crowd-pleaser, and for good reason! There’s something incredibly satisfying about tender, juicy chicken cubes coated in that irresistible sweet and savory teriyaki glaze, grilled to perfection. We all love a dish that’s both flavorful and fun to eat, and these skewers deliver on both fronts. What truly makes these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers special is the beautiful balance of flavors – the rich umami of soy sauce, the sweetness of non-alcoholic mirin and sugar, and a hint of gin extractger and garlic that creates a symphony on your taste buds. They’re perfect for backyard barbecues, weeknight dinners, or even a fun appetizer for your next get-together. Get ready to impress everyone with this simple yet sensational recipe!

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

There’s something undeniably satisfying about perfectly grilled teriyaki chicken skewers. They’re a crowd-pleaser, a weeknight warrior, and a guaranteed hit at any barbecue. The sweet and savory glaze, clingin extractg to tender pieces of chicken, is pure joy. And the best part? They’re surprisingly simple to make at home. Forget those store-bought versions; this recipe will guide you through creating incredibly flavorful teriyaki chicken skewers that will have everyone asking for seconds. We’ll be focusing on tender chicken thighs for maximum succulence, but feel free to use chicken breasts if that’s your preference. The homemade teriyaki sauce is the star here, elevating simple ingredients into a glaze that’s both complex and comforting.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

The journey to delicious teriyaki chicken skewers begin extracts with preparing both the chicken and the star of the show – our homemade teriyaki sauce. This sauce is remarkably easy to whip up and will deliver a far superior flavor profile than any pre-made sauce.

Preparing the Chicken

Start by ensuring your chicken is cut into uniform 1-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking, preventing some pieces from being overcooked while others are still raw. If you’re using chicken thighs, trim away any excess fat. Pat the chicken cubes dry with paper towels. This is an important step as it helps the cornstarch adhere better, leading to a more golden and slightly crispier exterior when cooked. Place the chicken cubes in a medium bowl.

Making the Teriyaki Glaze

Now, let’s craft that irresistible teriyaki glaze. In a small saucepan, whisk together the cornstarch and 1 cup of water until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. This slurry will help thicken our sauce. Add the brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, minced fresh gin extractger, and honey to the saucepan. Stir everything together until well combined. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly. Continue to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to a syrupy consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon. Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the sesame oil. This adds a wonderful nutty aroma and flavor to the glaze. Set the teriyaki glaze aside. You’ll need a good amount to marinate the chicken and baste it as it cooks.

Marinating the Chicken

Once your teriyaki glaze has cooled slightly, it’s time to marinate the chicken. Pour about half of the prepared teriyaki glaze over the chicken cubes in the bowl. Toss the chicken gently to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For an even deeper flavor, you can marinate it for up to 2 hours. However, avoid marinating for too long, especially with soy sauce, as it can start to break down the chicken’s texture. While the chicken is marinating, if you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning on the grill or in the oven.

Skewering and Grilling/Broiling the Chicken

Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the prepared skewers, leaving a small space between each piece to allow for even cooking. Don’t overcrowd the skewers; it will steam the chicken instead of grilling it properly.

Now for the cooking! You have a couple of excellent options: grilling or broiling.

If 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 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. As the chicken cooks, generously brush the skewers with the remaining teriyaki glaze every few minutes. This layering of glaze builds up that sticky, caramelized finish we all love.

If broiling, preheat your broiler to high. Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup. Position the baking sheet about 4-6 inches from the broiler element. Broil for 3-4 minutes per side, watching them closely to prevent burning. Brush with the remaining teriyaki glaze every few minutes. The intense heat of the broiler will quickly cook and caramelize the glaze, giving you similar results to grilling.

Finishing Touches and Serving

Once the chicken is cooked through and beautifully glazed, remove the skewers from the heat. Let them rest for a minute or two. Just before serving, sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds and fresh chopped green onions. The sesame seeds add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, while the green onions provide a fresh, sharp contrast to the sweet and savory glaze. Serve these delicious teriyaki chicken skewers hot, perhaps alongside some steamed rice, a fresh salad, or grilled vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy the fruits of your labor – these skewers are truly a taste of pure, homemade goodness!

Conclusion:

There you have it – a simple yet incredibly satisfying recipe for Teriyaki Chicken Skewers that’s guaranteed to impress! These skewers are fantastic because they strike a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors, making them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. The tender chicken marinated in our homemade teriyaki sauce becomes wonderfully caramelized and juicy when grilled or baked, creating an irresistible bite. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, planning a weeknight dinner, or looking for a delicious appetizer, these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are your answer.

I highly encourage you to give this recipe a try! It’s remarkably easy to prepare and the results are consistently delicious. Think about serving them alongside fluffy white rice, a crisp Asian-inspired slaw, or some steamed broccoli for a complete and vibrant meal. For variations, feel free to add chunks of bell peppers, onions, or pineapple to the skewers alongside the chicken. You could also experiment with different cuts of chicken, like thighs, for an even richer flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the teriyaki sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The teriyaki sauce can be made a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes assembling the skewers even quicker when you’re ready to cook.

What’s the best way to cook these skewers if I don’t have a grill?

No grill? No problem! You can easily bake these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers in your oven. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at around 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. You can also achieve a nice sear in a hot skillet or under the broiler.

Can I use pre-made teriyaki sauce?

Yes, you can use a good quality store-bought teriyaki sauce if you’re short on time. However, I find that the homemade version allows you to control the sweetness and saltiness, and it often has a fresher, more authentic flavor that really elevates the Teriyaki Chicken Skewers.

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Juicy and flavorful teriyaki chicken skewers, marinated in a homemade sauce and grilled to perfection.

Prep Time
20 Minutes

Cook Time
10 Minutes

Total Time
30 Minutes

Servings
8 skewers

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. chicken thighs (or breasts) (cut into 1″ cubes)
• 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 (minced)
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1/2 tsp sesame oil
• sesame seed
• chopped green onion

Instructions

1. Step 1
   In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, water, minced garlic, rice vinegar, minced ginger, honey, and sesame oil. This is your teriyaki marinade.
2. Step 2
   Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Step 3
   If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
4. Step 4
   Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the prepared skewers.
5. Step 5
   Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken skewers for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char.
6. Step 6
   Remove skewers from the grill. 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.