Juicy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers- Easy Grill Recipe

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are a surefire way to bring a burst of vibrant flavor and irresistible fun to any meal. Who doesn’t love the sweet, savory, and slightly tangy embrace of perfectly grilled teriyaki chicken? These skewers are an absolute crowd-pleaser, perfect for backyard barbecues, weeknight dinners, or even a special occasion when you want something both impressive and easy. What truly makes our Teriyaki Chicken Skewers special is the balance: tender, juicy chicken marinated in a homemade teriyaki sauce that caramelizes beautifully on the grill, creating those coveted crispy edges. We’re talking about a symphony of taste and texture that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Get ready to unlock the secret to effortlessly delicious Teriyaki Chicken Skewers!

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Get ready to impress your taste buds with these incredibly easy and utterly delicious Teriyaki Chicken Skewers! Perfect for grilling, baking, or even pan-frying, these skewers are a crowd-pleaser that delivers a burst of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy teriyaki flavor with every bite. The tender chicken, coated in our homemade teriyaki sauce, is simply irresistible. This recipe is so straightforward, even a begin extractner can master it, and the results are restaurant-quality. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

Marinating and Skewering

The first step to achieving perfectly flavorful teriyaki chicken skewers is to prepare the chicken and get it ready for its delicious marinade. I like to use chicken thighs for their extra moisture and flavor, but chicken breasts work wonderfully too if you prefer a leaner option. Ensure your chicken is cut into uniform 1-inch cubes. This is crucial for even cooking.

1. Prepare the Chicken and Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the cubed chicken. In a separate small bowl or a measuring cup, whisk together the cornstarch and 1 cup of water until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and there are no lumps. This slurry will act as a thickening agent for our teriyaki sauce. Next, in a saucepan, combine the brown sugar, low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, minced fresh gin extractger, rice vinegar, honey, and the cornstarch slurry. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly as the sauce heats up. You’ll notice it will begin extract to thicken, coating the back of a spoon. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once thickened, remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the sesame oil. Allow the teriyaki sauce to cool slightly before proceeding.

2. Marinate the Chicken: Once the teriyaki sauce has cooled to a warm, but not hot, temperature, pour about half of the sauce over the cubed chicken in the bowl. Gently toss the chicken to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the luscious teriyaki goodness. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. The longer you marinate, the deeper the flavor will penetrate the chicken. While the chicken marinates, soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes. This step is vital to prevent them from burning on the grill or in the oven.

3. Skewer the Chicken: After the marinating time is up, it’s time to thread the chicken onto the prepared skewers. Don’t overcrowd the skewers; leave a little space between each piece of chicken. This allows the heat to circulate around each cube, ensuring they cook evenly and get beautifully caramelized. You should be able to fit about 4-5 pieces of chicken per skewer, depending on the length of your skewers and the size of your chicken cubes. Discard the remaining marinade in the bowl; we’ll use the reserved sauce for basting.

Cooking the Skewers

Now that our chicken is marinated and beautifully threaded onto skewers, it’s time for the magic to happen! You have several options for cooking these, and each yields a fantastic result.

Grilling Method

Grilling imparts a wonderful smoky flavor that complements the teriyaki sauce perfectly.

4. Grill the Skewers: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the chicken skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for about 8-12 minutes, turning them every few minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice char marks. During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the skewers generously with the reserved teriyaki sauce. The sauce will caramelize beautifully, creating a sticky, flavorful glaze. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning, as the sugars in the sauce can char quickly.

Baking Method

If grilling isn’t an option, baking is a fantastic alternative that still delivers delicious results.

5. Bake the Skewers: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup. Arrange the chicken skewers on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping the skewers halfway through. During the last 5 minutes of baking, brush the skewers liberally with the reserved teriyaki sauce. You can also broil them for the last minute or two to get some nice caramelization, but watch them very carefully to avoid burning.

Pan-Frying Method

For a quick and easy stovetop option, pan-frying is your go-to.

6. Pan-Fry the Skewers: Heat a tablespoon of oil (such as vegetable or canola oil) in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Carefully place the chicken skewers in the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook them in batches. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, turning frequently, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. During the last few minutes of cooking, add the reserved teriyaki sauce to the skillet and toss the skewers to coat them, allowing the sauce to thicken and glaze the chicken.

Finishing Touches

Once your teriyaki chicken skewers are cooked to perfection, it’s time for the final flourish.

7. Garnish and Serve: Carefully remove the cooked skewers from the grill, oven, or skillet. Arrange them on a serving platter. Drizzle any extra teriyaki sauce from the pan over the skewers. Generously sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a pop of color and added texture. These Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are fantastic served with steamed rice, a fresh salad, or your favorite stir-fried vegetables. Enjoy the explosion of flavor!

Conclusion:

There you have it! These Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are a fantastic addition to any meal, offering that perfect balance of sweet and savory that we all love. They’re incredibly easy to prepare, making them ideal for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. The simplicity of marinating and grilling means more time enjoying delicious food with loved ones. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the serving suggestions and variations below – make these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers your own!

I truly hope you give this recipe a try. The aroma alone will have everyone gathering in the kitchen, eager to dig in. They’re versatile enough to be a main course or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, guaranteed to be a hit.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the teriyaki sauce from scratch?

Absolutely! While store-bought teriyaki sauce is convenient, making your own allows for greater control over sweetness and saltiness. A simple homemade sauce often includes soy sauce, non-alcoholic mirin (sweet rice vinegar), sugar or honey, and sometimes grated gin extractger and garlic.

What are some good side dishes to serve with Teriyaki Chicken Skewers?

These skewers pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with fluffy steamed rice, a fresh Asian-inspired slaw with a sesame dressing, grilled or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus, or even a simple cucumber salad.

Can I bake these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers instead of grilling them?

Yes, you can! If grilling isn’t an option, you can bake the skewers in a preheated oven at around 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. For a slight char, you can finish them under the broiler for a minute or two, watching them closely to prevent burning.

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Delicious and easy teriyaki chicken skewers marinated in a homemade teriyaki sauce and grilled to perfection.

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 (minced)
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1/2 tsp sesame oil
• 8 skewers
• sesame seed
• chopped green onion

Instructions

1. Step 1
   In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, water, minced garlic, minced ginger, rice vinegar, honey, and sesame oil to create the 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 for deeper flavor.
3. Step 3
   Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers.
4. Step 4
   Preheat your grill or a grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates.
5. Step 5
   Grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
6. Step 6
   While the chicken is grilling, in a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water to form a slurry. Add this slurry to the remaining marinade in the bowl and stir until thickened. This will be your glaze.
7. Step 7
   Brush the chicken skewers with the thickened teriyaki glaze during the last few minutes of grilling.
8. Step 8
   Remove skewers from the grill and serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

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.