Easy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers-Grill or Bake

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are an absolute crowd-pleaser, and for good reason! Who doesn’t love the irresistible combination of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy teriyaki sauce coating tender, juicy chicken? I know I certainly do. This dish is a summer barbecue essential, a weeknight dinner hero, and a perfect appetizer for any gathering. What truly makes these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers special is the way the marinade caramelizes on the grill, creating a beautiful glaze and infusing every bite with incredible flavor. They’re incredibly versatile, easy to customize with your favorite vegetables, and always disappear lightning-fast. Get ready to elevate your grilling game and impress everyone with these delightful skewers.

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Get ready to fire up the grill or heat up your broiler for a taste of pure sunshine with these incredible Teriyaki Chicken Skewers! These aren’t just any chicken skewers; they’re a vibrant explosion of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors, all perfectly coated in a luscious homemade teriyaki glaze. They’re incredibly easy to make, making them a weeknight dinner hero or a crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next gathering. Imagin extracte juicy, tender chicken marinated and then glazed to perfection, served on a convenient skewer – what’s not to love? I’ve been making these for years, and they always disappear in a flash. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Prepare the Teriyaki Glaze

The heart and soul of these skewers lies in the teriyaki glaze. It’s simple to whip up and infinitely better than anything you’d buy pre-made. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the cornstarch and water until the cornstarch is completely dissolved. This is a crucial step to prevent lumps in your glaze. Add the brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and minced fresh gin extractger to the saucepan. Give everything a good stir to combine. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. You’ll want to stir it constantly as it heats up to ensure the sugar dissolves and the ingredients meld together beautifully.

Continue to simmer the glaze, stirring frequently, for about 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened to a syrupy consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Be careful not to overcook it, as it can become too thick or even burn. Once it’s reached the desired thickness, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the honey and sesame oil until fully incorporated. The honey adds a lovely sweetness and a beautiful sheen to the glaze, while the sesame oil provides that unmistakable nutty aroma that’s characteristic of authentic teriyaki. Let the glaze cool slightly while you prepare the chicken.

Prepare and Skewer the Chicken

Now, let’s get the chicken ready. If you’re using chicken thighs, trim any excess fat and cut them into uniform 1-inch cubes. Chicken thighs tend to stay more moist and tender, making them my preferred choice for skewers, but boneless, skinless chicken breasts work wonderfully too. If using chicken breasts, ensure they are not too lean, as they can dry out more easily. Cut them into similar 1-inch cubes. Uniformity in size is key to ensuring the chicken cooks evenly.

If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before you plan to use them. This will prevent them from burning on the grill or in the broiler. Once soaked, thread the chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece. Don’t overcrowd the skewers; this allows the heat to circulate around the chicken, ensuring a more even cook and better caramelization. You should have about 8 skewers, depending on how generously you load them.

Marinating and Glazing the Chicken

This is where the magic really happens! Place the prepared chicken skewers in a shallow dish or a large resealable plastic bag. Pour about half of the prepared teriyaki glaze over the skewers, ensuring each piece of chicken is coated. Gently toss or turn the skewers to distribute the glaze evenly. You can let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or for a deeper flavor, cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours. If you’re marinating for longer, it’s a good idea to bring the chicken to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before cooking.

Cooking the Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

You have a couple of fantastic options for cooking these delicious skewers: grilling or broiling.

Grilling:

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the marinated chicken skewers on the hot grill. Grill for about 4-5 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. During the last few minutes of grilling, generously brush the skewers with the reserved teriyaki glaze. This will create a beautiful, sticky caramelization on the chicken.

Broiling:

Preheat your broiler to high. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Arrange the marinated chicken skewers on the wire rack. Place the baking sheet about 4-6 inches away from the broiler element. Broil for 4-5 minutes per side, watching carefully to prevent burning. As with grilling, brush the skewers with the reserved teriyaki glaze during the final minutes of broiling. The broiler cooks very quickly, so keep a close eye on them.

Finishing Touches and Serving

Once your teriyaki chicken skewers are beautifully cooked and glazed, remove them from the heat. Let them rest for just a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the chicken is extra tender and moist. Arrange the skewers on a platter. For that extra pop of flavor and visual appeal, generously sprinkle the skewers with toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions. These garnishes add a lovely crunch and a fresh, aromatic finish.

Serve these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers immediately with your favorite sides. They pair wonderfully with steamed rice, a fresh green salad, or even some grilled vegetables. Enjoy the delightful balance of sweet and savory, the tender chicken, and the irresistible teriyaki flavor – I guarantee they’ll be a hit!

Conclusion:

There you have it! These Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are an absolute winner for a reason. They’re incredibly flavorful, packed with that irresistible sweet and savory teriyaki goodness, and surprisingly simple to whip up. The marinating time truly transforms the chicken into something tender and delicious, and grilling them to perfection adds a wonderful smoky char. I’ve found them to be a crowd-pleaser for everything from weeknight dinners to backyard BBQs. They’re perfect served over fluffy white rice, alongside a crisp Asian slaw, or even tucked into warm tortillas for a teriyaki chicken taco. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the vegetable skewers too – bell peppers, onions, and pineapple are fantastic additions!

I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this Teriyaki Chicken Skewers recipe a try. It’s a fantastic way to bring a taste of the Orient to your table with minimal fuss. Experiment with different heat levels in your teriyaki sauce, or even try substituting the chicken with shrimp or firm tofu for a delicious vegetarian option. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I make the teriyaki sauce from scratch?

A: Absolutely! While store-bought teriyaki sauce is convenient, making your own allows you to control the sweetness, saltiness, and spice. A simple homemade teriyaki sauce typically includes soy sauce, non-alcoholic mirin (sweet rice vinegar), non-alcoholic sake (optional), sugar, and grated gin extractger and garlic. Whisk it all together and simmer until slightly thickened.

Q: What vegetables are best to grill on the skewers with the chicken?

A: Great question! I love using colorful bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), red onion wedges, and chunks of pineapple. Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms also work wonderfully. Just ensure you cut them into similar-sized pieces as your chicken so they cook evenly.

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Juicy chicken skewers marinated in a sweet and savory homemade teriyaki sauce, perfect for grilling or baking.

Prep Time
30 Minutes

Cook Time
15 Minutes

Total Time
45 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 bowl, whisk together cornstarch and 1 cup of water until smooth. Pour into a saucepan.
2. Step 2
   Add brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, minced ginger, honey, and sesame oil to the saucepan. Stir to combine.
3. Step 3
   Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Step 4
   Place the cubed chicken in a bowl and pour half of the cooled teriyaki sauce over it. Toss to coat and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
5. Step 5
   Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
6. Step 6
   Grill or bake the skewers until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, brushing with the remaining teriyaki sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
7. Step 7
   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.