Easy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers- Grilled & Delicious

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are more than just a meal; they’re a ticket to a flavour fiesta that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Imagin extracte succulent pieces of chicken, marinated to perfection in a sweet and savory teriyaki glaze, then grilled until they’re beautifully caramelized and slightly smoky. This is the kind of dish that brings smiles to faces, whether it’s a weeknight dinner with the family or a backyard barbecue with friends. What makes these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers so incredibly special? It’s that irresistible balance of sweet, salty, and umami, all perfectly infused into tender chicken. Plus, serving them on skewers makes them incredibly fun and easy to eat, adding a playful touch to any occasion. Get ready to elevate your grilling game with these absolute stunners!

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with these incredibly delicious and easy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers! Perfect for a weeknight dinner, a backyard barbecue, or even a fun appetizer, these skewers are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The sweet and savory teriyaki glaze caramelizes beautifully on the tender chicken, creating a flavor explosion with every bite. We’ll be making our own teriyaki sauce from scratch, which is surprisingly simple and allows us to control the perfect balance of flavors. Plus, using chicken thighs ensures maximum juiciness, but chicken breasts work wonderfully too if you prefer!

Ingredients:

Cooking Instructions:

Let’s get started on creating these delightful teriyaki chicken skewers!

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Marinade Base

First things first, let’s get our chicken ready. Ensure your chicken thighs or breasts are cut into roughly 1-inch cubes. This uniform size is important for even cooking. If you’re using wooden skewers, it’s a good idea to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand. This prevents them from burning during the cooking process. Now, in a medium bowl, place your cubed chicken. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until the cornstarch is completely dissolved, forming a slurry. This will be our thickening agent for the teriyaki sauce later. Set this aside.

Step 2: Crafting the Glorious Teriyaki Sauce

This is where the magic happens! In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, minced gin extractger, and honey. Give it a good stir to combine. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally until the brown sugar has completely dissolved. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Once the sugar is dissolved and the sauce is simmering, it’s time to thicken it up. Slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry you prepared earlier, whisking constantly as you pour. Continue to whisk and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to a glossy, syrupy consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Finally, stir in the sesame oil. This adds a lovely depth of flavor and aroma. Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Once your teriyaki sauce has cooled down a bit (you don’t want it piping hot when it touches the chicken), it’s time to marinate. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the teriyaki sauce for basting later. Pour the remaining teriyaki sauce over the cubed chicken in the bowl. Toss everything together gently to ensure each piece of chicken is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for a more intense flavor. The longer it marinates, the more the flavors will penetrate the chicken.

Step 4: Skewering and Grilling/Broiling Perfection

Now for the fun part – assembling the skewers! Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto your prepared skewers, leaving a small space between each piece to allow for even cooking. Don’t overcrowd the skewers, as this can lead to uneven cooking and steaming rather than grilling. Aim for about 4-5 pieces of chicken per skewer.

You have a couple of fantastic options for cooking these skewers:

Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook for about 8-12 minutes, turning them every few minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and nicely charred in places. During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the skewers generously with the reserved teriyaki sauce.

Broiling: If grilling isn’t an option, your oven can be your best friend! Preheat your broiler to high and position an oven rack about 6 inches from the broiler element. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top of the foil. Arrange the skewers on the wire rack. Broil for about 10-15 minutes, turning the skewers halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and has some nice browning. Again, in the last few minutes of broiling, brush the skewers liberally with the reserved teriyaki sauce.

Step 5: The Grand Finnon-alcoholic ale and Serving Suggestions

Once your teriyaki chicken skewers are beautifully cooked and caramelized, remove them from the heat. Let them rest for a minute or two. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and moist chicken. Arrange the skewers on a serving platter. Now for the final flourish! Sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions. These add a beautiful visual appeal and a burst of fresh flavor that complements the rich teriyaki glaze perfectly.

These teriyaki chicken skewers are incredibly versatile. They’re fantastic served on their own as a delicious appetizer or a light meal. For a more substantial dinner, pair them with steamed rice, a fresh green salad, or some grilled vegetables like bell peppers and onions. You can even serve them in wraps or with noodles for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy every single bite of this delightful culinary creation!

Conclusion:

You’ve made it to the end, and I hope you’re feeling inspired to whip up a batch of these delicious Teriyaki Chicken Skewers! This recipe is truly a winner because it strikes the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy, making it incredibly satisfying. The chicken stays wonderfully moist and flavorful, thanks to the simple yet effective marinade. Whether you’re looking for a fantastic weeknight meal, a crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next gathering, or a healthy option for grilling season, these skewers deliver on all fronts. They’re quick to prepare, customizable, and always a hit. Don’t hesitate to give them a try – I promise you won’t be disappointed!

For serving, these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are incredibly versatile. They’re fantastic served with fluffy steamed rice and a side of crisp steamed broccoli or a fresh Asian-inspired slaw. They also make a wonderful addition to a BBQ spread, alongside corn on the cob and potato salad. Get creative with your side dishes to make the meal your own!

Looking for ways to switch things up? Feel free to add colorful bell peppers, chunks of pineapple, or red onion to your skewers for extra flavor and visual appeal. You can also experiment with different proteins like shrimp or tofu, adjusting marinating times as needed.

FAQs:

Can I make the teriyaki sauce from scratch?

Absolutely! While the recipe uses store-bought teriyaki sauce for convenience, you can easily make your own by combining soy sauce, non-alcoholic mirin, non-alcoholic sake (optional), sugar, and a bit of grated gin extractger and garlic. Simmer until slightly thickened. This allows you to control the sweetness and saltiness.

How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?

To prevent sticking, ensure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled before placing the skewers on. You can also soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prior to use to prevent them from burning. If using metal skewers, oiling them directly is a good idea.

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

Yes, you certainly can! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly browned. You might want to brush them with a little extra teriyaki sauce during the last few minutes of baking for an extra glaze.

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Delicious and easy teriyaki chicken skewers, perfect for grilling or baking. Features a homemade sweet and savory teriyaki glaze.

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)
• 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
• 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, and honey. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
2. Step 2
   In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and 1/4 cup of the simmering teriyaki sauce to create a slurry. Gradually whisk this slurry back into the saucepan with the rest of the sauce.
3. Step 3
   Continue to simmer the sauce, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a glaze-like consistency. Stir in the sesame oil. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Step 4
   Thread the cubed chicken onto the prepared skewers, leaving a small space between each piece for even cooking.
5. Step 5
   Brush the chicken skewers generously with the prepared teriyaki glaze.
6. Step 6
   Grill the skewers over medium-high heat for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally and brushing with more glaze, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred.
7. Step 7
   Alternatively, bake the skewers in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through and brushing with glaze, until cooked through.
8. Step 8
   Garnish the finished skewers 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.