Easy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Recipe-Grill Perfection

Teriyaki chicken skewers are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and for good reason! There’s something incredibly satisfying about juicy, marinated chicken threaded onto skewers and grilled to perfection. The irresistible sweet and savory glaze, that signature teriyaki flavor, coats every tender bite, making these skewers an instant favorite for backyard barbecues, weeknight dinners, or even appetizer platters. What truly makes these teriyaki chicken skewers special is their versatility. You can customize them with your favorite vegetables, experiment with different marinating times for deeper flavor, or even bake them in the oven when grilling isn’t an option. They’re incredibly easy to make and always bring a smile to everyone’s face. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this simple yet spectacular recipe!

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers: A Flavorful Feast

There’s something incredibly satisfying about perfectly grilled chicken skewers, especially when they’re coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory teriyaki glaze. These Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for weeknight dinners, backyard barbecues, or even potlucks. The combination of tender chicken marinated in a homemade teriyaki sauce, then grilled to a beautiful char, is simply irresistible. Plus, serving them on skewers makes them fun and easy to eat! We’re going to make our own teriyaki sauce from scratch, and trust me, it’s so much better than anything store-bought. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

Making the Teriyaki Glaze

The heart of these skewers is the homemade teriyaki sauce. This is where we’ll build all those delicious layers of flavor. It’s a simple process that transforms a few pantry staples into something truly special.

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the cornstarch and water until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and there are no lumps. This is crucial for a smooth glaze.
2. Add the brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, minced gin extractger, and honey to the saucepan. Stir everything together until well combined.
3. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly. As it heats, it will begin extract to thicken. Continue to simmer and stir for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. You’re looking for a consistency that’s not too thin and not too gloopy.
4. Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat. Stir in the sesame oil. This adds a subtle, nutty aroma that complements the teriyaki flavors beautifully. Set the teriyaki glaze aside to cool slightly.

Preparing the Chicken

While the sauce is cooling, let’s get our chicken ready. For the best flavor and texture, I highly recommend using chicken thighs. They are more forgiving during cooking and stay incredibly moist and tender, even when grilled. However, chicken breasts will also work well if that’s what you prefer; just be mindful of cooking times to avoid drying them out. Cut the chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly.

Marinating and Skewering

Now it’s time to bring our chicken and teriyaki glaze together. This is where the magic really starts to happen.

1. Place the cubed chicken in a medium bowl. Pour about half of the prepared teriyaki glaze over the chicken. Reserve the other half of the glaze for basting later. Gently toss the chicken to ensure each piece is evenly coated.
2. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. The longer it marinates, the more flavor will penetrate the chicken. If you’re short on time, even 15-20 minutes will make a difference.
3. If you are using wooden skewers, it’s a good idea to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken. This prevents them from burning on the grill. Once soaked, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece to allow for even cooking. Aim for about 4-5 pieces of chicken per skewer, depending on the size of your skewers.

Grilling the Skewers

The grill is where these teriyaki chicken skewers truly shine. The high heat and direct cooking create those wonderful caramelized edges and smoky flavors.

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a charcoal grill, aim for hot coals. If using a gas grill, set the burners to medium-high. Make sure to clean your grill grates thoroughly to prevent sticking. You can also lightly oil the grates with a paper towel dipped in cooking oil.
2. Carefully place the chicken skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for approximately 3-4 minutes per side. You’ll want to see nice char marks developing on the chicken.
3. During the grilling process, generously brush the skewers with the reserved teriyaki glaze. This is where the glaze truly caramelizes and creates that signature sticky, glossy finish. Continue to grill and baste, turning the skewers every few minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze is bubbly and slightly thickened. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Be careful not to overcook, as this can lead to dry chicken. The total grilling time will likely be around 10-15 minutes, depending on your grill’s heat and the thickness of your chicken pieces.

Serving Your Delicious Skewers

Once your Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are perfectly grilled, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a minute or two. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.

1. Arrange the grilled skewers on a serving platter.
2. Generously sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor. These simple garnishes elevate the presentation and add another layer of deliciousness.

Serve these hot off the grill alongside your favorite side dishes like steamed rice, a fresh salad, or grilled vegetables. Enjoy every delicious bite of these homemade Teriyaki Chicken Skewers!

Conclusion:

There you have it! Our Teriyaki Chicken Skewers recipe is a fantastic way to bring vibrant, delicious flavors right to your kitchen. These skewers are incredibly versatile, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun backyard barbecue, or even as an appetizer for your next gathering. The balance of savory soy sauce, sweet brown sugar, zesty gin extractger, and garlic in the teriyaki marinade creates an irresistible glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill or under the broiler, making these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Feel free to get creative with your serving! They pair wonderfully with steamed white or brown rice, a fresh green salad, or even some stir-fried vegetables. For variations, consider adding chunks of pineapple or bell peppers to the skewers for extra sweetness and texture, or try swapping chicken thighs for chicken breast if you prefer a leaner option. Don’t be shy – give these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers a try. I’m confident you’ll love them as much as I do!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers in the oven?

Absolutely! If you don’t have a grill, you can easily bake these skewers in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze is bubbly and slightly caramelized.

What kind of wooden skewers should I use?

For best results, soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken and vegetables. This prevents them from burning on the grill or in the oven, ensuring your food cooks evenly and without any charring of the skewers themselves.

Can I prepare the teriyaki marinade ahead of time?

Yes, you can! The teriyaki marinade can be made up to 2-3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes your preparation even quicker when it’s time to marinate the chicken. Just give it a good whisk before using.

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Delicious and easy teriyaki chicken skewers, perfect for grilling or baking. Marinated in a homemade teriyaki sauce and served with sesame seeds and green onions.

Prep Time
15 Minutes

Cook Time
15 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 extract (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 water, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, ginger extract, honey, and sesame oil until sugar is dissolved. 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 15 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).
3. Step 3
   While the chicken marinates, soak the skewers in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning (if using wooden skewers).
4. Step 4
   Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Step 5
   Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If grilling, lightly oil the grates.
6. Step 6
   Grill the skewers for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char. If baking, place skewers on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until chicken is cooked through.
7. Step 7
   In the last few minutes of cooking, brush any remaining marinade over the skewers.
8. Step 8
   Remove from heat and let rest for a couple of minutes. 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.