Easy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers-Quick Grill Recipe

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and for good reason! Imagin extracte tender, juicy chicken marinated in that irresistible sweet and savory teriyaki glaze, kissed by the grill until perfectly caramelized. It’s the ultimate combination of simple, satisfying flavors that evokes sunshine, backyard barbecues, and pure culinary joy. What makes these teriyaki chicken skewers so special is their versatility – they’re perfect for a casual weeknight dinner, a vibrant appetizer at your next gathering, or even a healthy and delicious lunch. The magic lies in that sticky, glossy teriyaki sauce, a perfect balance of soy sauce, non-alcoholic mirin, sugar, and gin extractger that clings to every bite, creating an explosion of umami with every mouthful. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this remarkably easy yet incredibly flavorful dish.

this Recipe

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Get ready for a flavor explosion that’s incredibly easy to whip up! These Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are perfect for a weeknight dinner, a backyard BBQ, or even just a fun appetizer. The irresistible sweet and savory glaze coats tender pieces of chicken, making every bite a delight. We’re talking about a simple marinade that transforms humble chicken into something truly special, all grilled to juicy perfection. The best part? They are incredibly customizable, and the aroma that fills your kitchen (or backyard!) as they cook is simply mouthwatering. Let’s get started on creating these crowd-pleasing skewers!

Ingredients:

Cooking Instructions

Preparing the Chicken and Marinade

The first step is to get our chicken ready. If you’re using chicken thighs, they tend to be more forgiving and stay incredibly moist. However, chicken breasts work wonderfully too. Make sure to cut your chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes. This ensures that all the pieces cook evenly and absorb the marinade beautifully. Once your chicken is cubed, set it aside. Now, let’s create our magic teriyaki glaze. 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, lump-free sauce.

Simmering the Teriyaki Glaze

Next, add the brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and minced fresh gin extractger to the saucepan with the cornstarch and water mixture. Give it a good stir to combine all the ingredients. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. We want to cook this sauce for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently. As it simmers, you’ll notice the sauce starting to thicken. This is exactly what we want! The cornstarch acts as a thickener, creating that signature glossy teriyaki consistency. Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency – it should coat the back of a spoon – remove it from the heat. Stir in the honey and sesame oil. The honey adds an extra layer of sweetness and a lovely sheen, while the sesame oil imparts that distinct nutty aroma that is so characteristic of teriyaki. Let this delicious glaze cool slightly.

Marinating the Chicken

While the glaze is cooling, it’s time to marinate our chicken. Take about half of the cooled teriyaki glaze and pour it over your cubed chicken in a bowl. Reserve the remaining glaze for basting later. Toss the chicken thoroughly to ensure each piece is coated in the flavorful marinade. For the best results, cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, marinating for a couple of hours will deepen the flavors even further. However, avoid marinating chicken breasts for too long, as they can become a bit mushy. If you’re using chicken thighs, you can marinate them for up to 4 hours.

Assembling and Grilling the Skewers

Now for the fun part! If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken. This prevents them from burning on the grill. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, leaving a small space between each piece. This allows for even cooking and better circulation of heat. You should get about 8 skewers from this recipe. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grilling is ideal for these skewers as it imparts a wonderful smoky flavor. If you don’t have a grill, you can also cook these in a hot oven (broil or bake at 400°F/200°C) or even pan-fry them in a hot skillet.

Grilling to Perfection

Once your grill is hot, carefully place the chicken skewers onto the grates. Grill for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char. During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the skewers generously with the reserved teriyaki glaze. This will create a beautiful sticky coating and intensify the flavor. Keep turning the skewers to ensure they are evenly coated and don’t burn. The chicken is done when it’s no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear. Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a minute or two.

Serving Your Delicious Skewers

To serve, arrange the Teriyaki Chicken Skewers on a platter. Drizzle with any remaining glaze if desired. Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a pop of color and extra flavor. These skewers are fantastic on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with steamed rice, a fresh green salad, or grilled vegetables. Enjoy the fruits of your labor – tender, flavorful chicken coated in that irresistible sweet and savory teriyaki glaze! It’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying meal that’s sure to become a favorite.

Conclusion:

And there you have it – your guide to creating irresistible Teriyaki Chicken Skewers! This recipe is truly a winner because it delivers a fantastic balance of sweet and savory flavors with that signature umami punch. The marinated chicken becomes incredibly tender and juicy, while the grilling process adds a delightful smoky char that complements the teriyaki glaze perfectly. They’re quick enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough for a backyard BBQ. I really hope you give these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers a try!

These skewers are incredibly versatile. Serve them alongside fluffy white rice, a crisp Asian-inspired slaw, or even roasted vegetables like broccoli and bell peppers. They’re also fantastic stuffed into pita pockets or served over a bed of mixed greens for a lighter option. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your side dishes – the possibilities are endless!

Feeling adventurous? You can easily adapt this recipe. Consider adding chunks of pineapple or bell peppers to the skewers for extra sweetness and color. For a spicier kick, incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes into your marinade or serve with a side of sriracha. If you don’t have access to a grill, pan-searing or baking them in the oven (at around 400°F or 200°C) until cooked through and slightly caramelized works wonderfully too.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

Absolutely! Marinating the chicken for several hours, or even overnight, will allow the flavors to penetrate even deeper, resulting in an even more delicious and tender final product. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

What can I do if my skewers are sticking to the grill?

To prevent sticking, ensure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled before placing the skewers on them. Soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand also helps prevent them from burning and makes them less likely to stick.

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Easy and delicious teriyaki chicken skewers marinated in a sweet and savory homemade sauce.

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 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
• sesame seed
• chopped green onion

Instructions

1. Step 1
   In a small saucepan, whisk together water, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, minced ginger, honey, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.
2. Step 2
   Cut chicken thighs (or breasts) into 1″ cubes.
3. Step 3
   Thread the chicken cubes onto 8 skewers.
4. Step 4
   Place skewers in a shallow dish or resealable bag. Pour about half of the cooled teriyaki sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator).
5. Step 5
   Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Discard the remaining marinade from the dish.
6. Step 6
   Grill skewers for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and slightly caramelized. Baste with the reserved teriyaki sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
7. Step 7
   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.