Easy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers- Grilled & Juicy
Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are a weeknight game-changer and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for good reason! There’s something undeniably fun about food on a stick, and when that food is succulent chicken coated in that irresistible sweet and savory teriyaki glaze, it’s pure magic. I absolutely adore whipping up teriyaki chicken skewers because they’re incredibly versatile, perfect for grilling, pan-frying, or even baking. The secret to truly exceptional teriyaki chicken skewers lies in that perfectly balanced marinade – a harmonious blend of soy sauce, non-alcoholic mirin, non-alcoholic sake, and a touch of brown sugar that caramelizes beautifully under heat. They’re vibrant, flavorful, and transport you straight to your favorite Asian-inspired restaurant, all from the comfort of your own kitchen. Get ready to elevate your dinner game with these easy and delicious teriyaki chicken skewers!
Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
There’s something undeniably satisfying about perfectly grilled skewers. They’re easy to eat, endlessly customizable, and when coated in a glistening, savory-sweet teriyaki glaze, they become an absolute crowd-pleaser. These Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are my go-to for weeknight dinners, backyard BBQs, or even just a fun, flavorful appetizer. The homemade teriyaki sauce is incredibly simple to whip up, and the flavor is so much better than anything you can buy in a bottle. Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
Marinating and Skewer Preparation
The first step is to prepare your chicken and get it ready for the flavor infusion. If you’re using chicken breasts, you might want to trim any excess fat. For thighs, they tend to stay more moist and flavorful, making them a fantastic choice for grilling. Cut the chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking. While the chicken marinates, it’s crucial to prepare your skewers. If you’re using wooden skewers, a good tip is to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes (or even longer). This prevents them from burning up on the grill. You can do this while you’re making the marinade.
Crafting the Flavorful Teriyaki Glaze
Now for the star of the show: the teriyaki glaze. This is where the magic happens. In a medium saucepan, combine the water and cornstarch. Whisk this together until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and there are no lumps. This is your thickening agent, and getting it smooth now will result in a silky sauce later. Add the brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, minced gin extractger, and honey to the saucepan. Stir everything together well.
Simmering the Teriyaki Sauce
Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly. You’ll notice the sauce will begin extract to thicken as it heats up. Continue to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has reached a consistency that coats the back of a spoon. It shouldn’t be too thick, as it will thicken more as it cools slightly. Once it’s thickened to your liking, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the sesame oil. This adds a wonderful depth of nutty flavor that’s characteristic of teriyaki. Let the sauce cool slightly before proceeding.
Assembling the Skewers
Once your skewers are soaked and your teriyaki sauce is cooling, it’s time to assemble! Thread the chicken cubes onto the prepared skewers. Don’t pack the chicken too tightly. Leave a small space between each piece of chicken to allow for even cooking and for the glaze to adhere properly. You should be able to fit about 4-5 pieces of chicken per skewer, depending on the size of your chicken cubes and skewers.
Grilling Perfection
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. This is a critical step to ensure your skewers don’t become a permanent fixture on your grill! Remove about half of the teriyaki glaze from the saucepan and set it aside in a small bowl. This reserved glaze will be used for basting later. Place the chicken skewers on the preheated grill.
Glazing and Flipping
Grill the skewers for about 4-5 minutes per side. During the grilling process, this is where you’ll start basting! Brush the chicken generously with the reserved teriyaki glaze. As the glaze hits the hot grill, it will caramelize, creating those beautiful, sticky, and intensely flavorful coatings. Continue to grill, flipping the skewers and basting them with the remaining reserved glaze every few minutes. The chicken is cooked through when it’s no longer pink in the center and has a lovely golden-brown char on the edges. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes total, depending on your grill’s temperature and the size of your chicken pieces.
Serving Your Delicious Skewers
Once the teriyaki chicken skewers are perfectly cooked, remove them from the grill. You can serve them immediately. For an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal, sprinkle them generously with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. These add a lovely crunch and a fresh, vibrant flavor that complements the rich teriyaki glaze beautifully. These skewers are fantastic served with steamed rice, a simple salad, or grilled vegetables. Enjoy the fruits of your labor – they’re truly irresistible!
Conclusion:
You’ve now got everything you need to master these delicious Teriyaki Chicken Skewers! This recipe truly shines because it’s incredibly versatile, packed with that irresistible sweet and savory teriyaki flavor, and surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a show-stopping appetizer for your next gathering, or a healthy grilling option, these skewers deliver every time. The marinated chicken becomes wonderfully tender and juicy, taking on a beautiful caramelized char from the grill.
I love serving these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers alongside fluffy steamed rice and a crisp, refreshing Asian-inspired slaw. They also make a fantastic addition to a larger barbecue spread, paired with grilled vegetables or corn on the cob. Don’t be afraid to get creative with variations! You can easily swap chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer, or even try them with firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Adding colorful bell peppers and onions to the skewers before grilling offers a lovely burst of color and extra flavor. So, go ahead and give these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers a try – I’m confident you’ll fall in love with them!
Frequently Asked Questions about Teriyaki Chicken Skewers:
Q: 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 teriyaki sauce usually involves soy sauce, non-alcoholic mirin, non-alcoholic sake (or dry sherry vinegar), and sugar, often thickened with cornstarch. It’s surprisingly easy and incredibly rewarding!
Q: How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor and tender results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but ideally for 2-4 hours. You can even marinate it overnight for a more intense teriyaki infusion. Just ensure the chicken is covered and refrigerated during the marinating period.
Q: What if I don’t have a grill?
No problem! These Teriyaki Chicken Skewers can be cooked beautifully in an oven broiler or even pan-fried. For oven broiling, place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil and broil on high for about 4-5 minutes per side, keeping a close eye to prevent burning. For pan-frying, sear them in a hot skillet with a little oil until cooked through and nicely browned.
Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Delicious and easy teriyaki chicken skewers, perfect for grilling or baking.
Ingredients
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2 lbs. chicken thighs (or breasts) (cut into 1″ cubes)
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2 tbsp cornstarch
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1 cup water
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1/3 cup brown sugar
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1/3 cup soy sauce (*low sodium recommended )
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2 cloves garlic (minced )
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1 tbsp rice vinegar
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1/2 tbsp fresh ginger extract (minced )
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1 tbsp honey
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1/2 tsp sesame oil
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sesame seed
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chopped green onion
Instructions
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Step 1
In a medium bowl, combine chicken cubes with cornstarch. Toss to coat evenly. -
Step 2
In a saucepan, whisk together water, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, fresh ginger extract, and honey. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Cook for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in sesame oil. Let cool slightly. -
Step 3
Thread the coated chicken cubes onto the prepared skewers. -
Step 4
Preheat grill to medium-high heat or oven to 400°F (200°C). -
Step 5
Grill or bake skewers for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Baste with teriyaki sauce during the last few minutes of cooking. -
Step 6
Remove from heat and brush with remaining teriyaki sauce. 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.
