Easy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers – Grill or Bake

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are a flavor explosion waiting to happen! Who can resist those perfectly grilled morsels of chicken coated in that irresistible sweet and savory teriyaki glaze? I know I certainly can’t. This dish has earned its spot as a crowd-pleaser for so many reasons. It’s incredibly versatile, making it ideal for backyard barbecues, quick weeknight dinners, or even impressive party appetizers. What truly sets these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers apart is the magical balance of flavors: the umami-rich soy sauce, the sweetness of non-alcoholic mirin and sugar, the subtle tang of gin extractger and garlic, all coming together to create a sticky, caramelized coating that’s utterly addictive. It’s a taste of sunshine and pure, unadulterated deliciousness that always brings smiles to the table.

Get ready to master the art of the perfect Teriyaki Chicken Skewer.

Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

There’s something incredibly satisfying about perfectly grilled chicken skewers coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory teriyaki sauce. These Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are a crowd-pleaser, perfect for a weeknight dinner, a backyard barbecue, or even an appetizer for your next gathering. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the incredible flavor punch it delivers. We’ll be making a homemade teriyaki sauce that is far superior to anything you can buy in a bottle, and the chicken comes out incredibly tender and juicy. Let’s get started!

Ingredients:

Preparing the Chicken and Sauce

The first step to achieving delicious teriyaki chicken skewers is to properly prepare both the chicken and the teriyaki sauce. For the chicken, you’ll want to cut your thighs or breasts into uniform 1-inch cubes. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly on the skewers. If you’re using chicken breasts, they can sometimes be a bit drier than thighs, so be mindful of cooking times to avoid overcooking. Thighs generally offer a more forgiving and juicy result.

Now, let’s talk about that glorious teriyaki sauce. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the cornstarch and water until there are no lumps. This is your slurry, which will help thicken the sauce beautifully. Next, add the brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, minced gin extractger, and honey to the saucepan. Give it all a good whisk to combine.

Cooking the Teriyaki Sauce

Place the saucepan over medium heat. We’re going to bring this sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly. It’s crucial to stir to prevent any scorching or sticking to the bottom of the pan. As the sauce heats up, you’ll notice it start to thicken. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes of simmering. Once it’s thickened to a consistency that coats the back of a spoon, remove it from the heat. At this point, stir in the sesame oil. The sesame oil adds a subtle, nutty aroma and flavor that is characteristic of authentic teriyaki. Set this glorious sauce aside; it will be used to marinate and glaze our chicken.

Assembling and Grilling the Skewers

If you are using wooden skewers, it’s highly recommended to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before assembling the skewers. This prevents them from burning on the grill. Once your skewers are ready, thread the chicken cubes onto them, leaving a small space between each piece to allow for even cooking. Don’t overcrowd the skewers; aim for about 4-5 pieces of chicken per skewer.

Now, it’s time to bring it all together. Place the assembled skewers in a shallow dish or a large resealable bag. Pour about half of your prepared teriyaki sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for a more intense flavor. Reserve the remaining teriyaki sauce for brushing during grilling.

Grilling the Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Carefully place the marinated chicken skewers onto the hot grill. Grill for about 4-6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice char marks. During the grilling process, you will want to brush the skewers generously with the reserved teriyaki sauce. This is where that sticky, caramelized goodness happens. Turn the skewers frequently and brush with more sauce each time you turn. Be careful not to burn the sauce; the sugars can caramelize quickly.

Finishing and Serving

Once the chicken is cooked through and beautifully glazed, remove the skewers from the grill. Let them rest for a minute or two before serving. To serve, arrange the teriyaki chicken skewers on a platter. Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds and 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 teriyaki. These skewers are fantastic served on their own, or alongside steamed rice, a fresh salad, or grilled vegetables. Enjoy the fruits of your labor – these homemade teriyaki chicken skewers are sure to be a hit!

Conclusion:

I hope you’re as excited as I am to try these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers! They truly are a fantastic recipe because they strike a perfect balance between sweet, savory, and a hint of umami, all while being incredibly easy to prepare. The marinade tenderizes the chicken beautifully, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful. These skewers are incredibly versatile and make for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a light and satisfying main course. Whether you’re grilling them at a summer barbecue or baking them indoors on a chilly evening, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.

I love serving these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers alongside fluffy white rice, a crisp Asian-inspired slaw, or even some grilled pineapple for an extra tropical twist. For variations, feel free to experiment with adding colorful bell peppers, onions, or even chunks of pineapple directly onto the skewers with the chicken. You could also swap out the chicken for firm tofu or shrimp for a different protein experience. So, don’t hesitate – gather your ingredients and give these delicious skewers a go. I’m confident you’ll find them to be a new favorite!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the teriyaki sauce from scratch?

Absolutely! While store-bought teriyaki sauce is convenient, making your own allows for custom sweetness and saltiness. A simple homemade teriyaki sauce can be made by combining soy sauce, non-alcoholic mirin (Japanese sweet rice vinegar), non-alcoholic sake (or water), and sugar or honey, then simmering until thickened.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

For the best flavor and tenderness, I recommend marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but up to 4 hours in the refrigerator is ideal. Any longer than that and the acidity in some teriyaki sauces could start to break down the chicken too much.

Can I prepare these skewers ahead of time?

Yes, you can! You can marinate the chicken and thread it onto the skewers several hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator. It’s best to cook them within 4-6 hours of threading for optimal texture and flavor.

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Delicious and easy teriyaki chicken skewers marinated in a homemade sauce and grilled to perfection. Perfect for grilling or baking.

Prep Time
20 Minutes

Cook Time
15 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
• 8 skewers

Instructions

1. Step 1
   In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, minced ginger, honey, and sesame oil to create the teriyaki marinade.
2. Step 2
   Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Step 3
   Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers.
4. Step 4
   In a small saucepan, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. This will be used to baste the skewers.
5. Step 5
   Preheat grill to medium-high heat or oven to 400°F (200°C). Grill or bake skewers for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with the thickened sauce, until chicken is cooked through and lightly caramelized.
6. Step 6
   Remove from heat. 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.