Juicy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers – Easy Grill Recipe

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are a backyard barbecue hero and a weeknight dinner dream, and for good reason! There’s something inherently fun and festive about food on a stick, and when that food is tender, juicy chicken coated in a glistening, savory-sweet teriyaki glaze, it’s pure magic. We all love the satisfying char from the grill, the tender bite of perfectly cooked chicken, and that irresistible umami kick that makes you reach for another skewer. What truly sets these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers apart is the balance: that perfect harmony of soy sauce, non-alcoholic mirin, non-alcoholic sake, and gin extractger that creates a depth of flavor that’s both comforting and exciting. They’re incredibly versatile, making them a fantastic appetizer for gatherings or a complete meal when served with rice and a crisp salad. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with these spectacular Teriyaki Chicken Skewers!

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

There’s something undeniably satisfying about a perfectly grilled chicken skewer, especially when coated in a sweet, savory, and slightly tangy teriyaki glaze. These Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are incredibly easy to make and deliver restaurant-quality flavor right in your backyard (or even your kitchen with a grill pan!). They’re perfect for weeknight dinners, BBQs, or casual entertaining. The secret to their deliciousness lies in a homemade teriyaki sauce that’s far superior to any store-bought version.

Ingredients:

Cooking Instructions:

First, we need to prepare our chicken. If you’re using chicken thighs, trim any excess fat and then cut them into roughly 1-inch cubes. If you prefer chicken breasts, ensure they are also cut into uniform cubes so they cook evenly. Place the cubed chicken in a medium bowl.

Next, let’s whip up that irresistible teriyaki sauce. In a small saucepan, whisk together the cornstarch and water until the cornstarch is completely dissolved. This will prevent any lumps in your sauce. Add the brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, minced fresh gin extractger, and honey to the saucepan. Stir everything together well.

Now, we’ll cook the teriyaki sauce. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly. Once it begin extracts to bubble gently, continue to cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to a syrupy consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon. Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the sesame oil. This adds a wonderful nutty aroma and flavor. Let the teriyaki sauce cool slightly.

While the sauce is cooling, it’s time to thread our chicken onto the skewers. If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand. This will prevent them from burning on the grill. Carefully thread the chicken cubes onto the prepared skewers, leaving a small space between each piece for even cooking.

Now for the marinating part! Pour about half of the cooled teriyaki sauce over the chicken skewers in the bowl. Gently toss the skewers to ensure each piece of chicken is coated in the delicious glaze. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or for a deeper flavor, cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. Reserve the remaining teriyaki sauce for basting during cooking.

Grilling the Skewers

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill pan on the stovetop, heat it over medium-high heat with a little oil. Once the grill or grill pan is hot, carefully place the marinated chicken skewers on it.

Cook the skewers for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has developed a beautiful char. As the skewers cook, brush them generously with the reserved teriyaki sauce every few minutes. This layering of the glaze will create a sticky, caramelized coating that is absolutely divine. You’re looking for the chicken to be no longer pink in the center and for the glaze to be slightly sticky and caramelized. Be careful not to burn the sugars in the glaze; keep an eye on them.

Once cooked, remove the teriyaki chicken skewers from the grill. Let them rest for a minute or two. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and moist chicken.

Finally, it’s time to serve! Arrange the glistening Teriyaki Chicken Skewers on a platter. Garnish generously with toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions for a pop of color and added flavor. These skewers are fantastic served on their own as an appetizer, or alongside steamed rice, a fresh salad, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy the burst of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors with every bite! They are truly a crowd-pleaser and so simple to prepare.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for grilling season or a fun weeknight meal. The sweet and savory teriyaki marinade, combined with the tender chicken and smoky char from the grill, creates an irresistible flavor profile that everyone will love. They’re incredibly versatile and a fantastic way to inject some flavor into your meal rotation. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make them your own!

For serving, I love pairing these skewers with fluffy jasmine rice and a crisp, steamed broccoli or green bean medley. They also make a fantastic appetizer for parties or a lighter option served alongside a fresh garden salad. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables on your skewers too – bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes all grill beautifully alongside the chicken. And if you don’t have a grill, no worries! You can easily adapt this recipe for your oven or a grill pan. I truly encourage you to give these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers a try; you won’t regret the deliciousness!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the teriyaki sauce from scratch?

Absolutely! While store-bought teriyaki sauce is convenient, making your own from scratch allows you to control the sweetness and saltiness. A simple homemade teriyaki sauce typically includes soy sauce, non-alcoholic mirin (Japanese sweet rice vinegar), non-alcoholic sake, sugar, and grated gin extractger and garlic. Simmer it until it thickens to your desired consistency.

What if I don’t have wooden skewers?

If you don’t have wooden skewers, metal skewers are a great alternative. If you are using wooden skewers and are worried about them burning on the grill, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken onto them. This will help prevent them from catching fire.

How can I make these skewers spicier?

For a spicier kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the teriyaki marinade. You could also incorporate some sriracha or a dash of your favorite hot sauce into the sauce. For an even more intense heat, consider adding some thinly sliced fresh chili peppers to the skewers alongside the chicken and vegetables.

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Juicy chicken skewers marinated in a savory teriyaki sauce, grilled to perfection. A quick and flavorful meal or appetizer.

Prep Time
20 Minutes

Cook Time
10 Minutes

Total Time
30 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, toss the chicken cubes with cornstarch until evenly coated.
2. Step 2
   In a saucepan, combine 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.
3. Step 3
   Pour half of the teriyaki sauce over the chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator).
4. Step 4
   Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Step 5
   Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
6. Step 6
   Baste with the remaining teriyaki sauce during the last few minutes of grilling.
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.