Easy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers- Grilled & Delicious

Teriyaki chicken skewers are an absolute crowd-pleaser, and for good reason! There’s something inherently fun and delicious about perfectly grilled pieces of chicken coated in that irresistible sweet and savory teriyaki glaze. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a backyard barbecue, planning a weeknight dinner that feels like a treat, or looking for an appetizer that will disappear in minutes, these teriyaki chicken skewers are your answer. They’re the perfect balance of tender, juicy chicken and a sticky, umami-rich sauce that coats every single bite. What truly makes these teriyaki chicken skewers special is how adaptable they are. You can customize the marinade, add your favorite vegetables to the skewers, and serve them with rice, a crisp salad, or even on their own. Get ready to impress yourself and everyone around you with this simple yet incredibly flavorful dish.

Ingredients:

Get ready to elevate your grilling game with these incredibly delicious Teriyaki Chicken Skewers! This recipe is a real crowd-pleaser, perfect for weeknight dinners, backyard barbecues, or even a fun appetizer for your next gathering. The magic lies in the homemade teriyaki sauce – it’s a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a touch of tang that coats the tender chicken beautifully. We’ll be making this from scratch, which is so much more satisfying and tastier than any store-bought version.

The star of the show, of course, is the chicken. I personally love using chicken thighs because they stay incredibly juicy and flavorful, even when grilled. However, chicken breasts work wonderfully too if you prefer a leaner option. The key is to cut them into uniform 1-inch cubes so they cook evenly. Don’t worry if you’re new to making skewers; it’s a straightforward process that’s surprisingly fun.

Now, let’s talk about that glorious teriyaki sauce. It’s a simple combination of pantry staples that come together to create something truly special. The brown sugar provides that classic sweetness, while the soy sauce brings the umami depth. Freshly minced garlic and gin extractger add an aromatic punch that’s essential to authentic teriyaki flavor. Rice vinegar cuts through the richness, adding a subtle brightness, and a touch of honey lends a beautiful glaze. Finally, a whisper of sesame oil adds a nutty, toasted note that’s the perfect finishing touch. We’ll be reducing this sauce to a syrupy consistency, which allows it to cling to the chicken like a dream.

Preparing the Chicken and Sauce

1. Marinate and Prep the Chicken: First things first, let’s get our chicken ready. If you’re using chicken breasts, you might want to trim any excess fat. Cut your chicken into roughly 1-inch cubes. Place these chicken pieces in a medium bowl. In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of the water. Pour this slurry over the chicken and toss gently to coat. This little trick helps the teriyaki sauce adhere better to the chicken. Set aside. If you have time, you can let the chicken marinate in this light cornstarch coating for about 15-30 minutes at room temperature, or longer in the refrigerator if you plan ahead.

2. Crafting the Teriyaki Sauce: Now, let’s create that irresistible teriyaki glaze. In a medium saucepan, combine the remaining 1 cup of water and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Whisk these together until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and you have a smooth slurry. This will act as our thickening agent. Add the brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, minced gin extractger, rice vinegar, and honey to the saucepan. Stir everything together well.

Cooking the Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

3. Simmer and Thicken the Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently. You’ll notice the sauce starting to thicken as it heats up. Continue to simmer and stir for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has reached a syrupy consistency that coats the back of a spoon. Be careful not to let it boil too vigorously, as this can cause the sugar to burn. Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the sesame oil. The aroma at this stage is incredible! Let the sauce cool slightly while you prepare your skewers.

4. Assemble the Skewers and Grill: If you are using wooden skewers, it’s a good idea to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before using them. This prevents them from burning on the grill. Thread the cornstarch-coated chicken cubes onto the prepared skewers. Don’t overcrowd them; leave a little space between each piece of chicken to ensure even cooking. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the chicken skewers on the preheated grill.

5. Grill and Glaze: Grill the chicken skewers for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has developed a nice char. As the chicken grills, brush it generously with the prepared teriyaki sauce during the last few minutes of cooking on each side. You want to build up those delicious layers of glaze. Continue to brush and flip until the chicken is nicely caramelized and cooked to your desired doneness. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Watch them closely, as the sugars in the glaze can cause them to burn quickly.

Once your teriyaki chicken skewers are perfectly grilled and glazed, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a minute or two. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken even more tender. Serve them hot, garnished generously with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness. These skewers are fantastic on their own, or you can serve them with steamed rice, a simple salad, or your favorite grilled vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy the amazing flavor of homemade teriyaki!

Conclusion:

There you have it – a foolproof recipe for delicious Teriyaki Chicken Skewers that are sure to become a family favorite! What makes these skewers so fantastic is their perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, coupled with the incredibly tender and juicy chicken. They’re remarkably easy to prepare, making them ideal for busy weeknights, backyard barbecues, or even a fun appetizer for your next get-together. The vibrant glaze caramelizes beautifully on the grill, creating an irresistible aroma and taste that’s universally loved.

These Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. They pair wonderfully with a simple side of steamed rice and a fresh green salad. For a more substantial meal, consider serving them alongside grilled vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini, or even some crispy sweet potato fries. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your side dishes!

If you’re looking for ways to switch things up, consider adding some pineapple chunks to the skewers for a tropical twist, or marinate tofu or shrimp instead of chicken for a vegetarian or pescatarian option. You can also experiment with adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a hint of spice.

I truly encourage you to give these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers a try. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a simple way to bring big flavor to your table. I can’t wait to hear about your culinary adventures with this recipe!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the teriyaki sauce from scratch?

Absolutely! While store-bought teriyaki sauce is convenient, making your own allows you to control the sweetness and saltiness. A basic homemade teriyaki sauce typically includes soy sauce, non-alcoholic mirin (sweet rice vinegar), non-alcoholic sake, sugar, and grated gin extractger. Whisk them together and simmer until slightly thickened. It’s a fantastic way to elevate your Teriyaki Chicken Skewers!

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out on the grill?

The key is not to overcook the chicken. Marinating the chicken helps keep it moist. Ensure your grill is at the right temperature – not too high, as this can burn the glaze before the chicken is cooked through. Grill the skewers for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze is beautifully caramelized. Using an instant-read thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is the most reliable method.

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Delicious and easy teriyaki chicken skewers, perfect for grilling or baking.

Prep Time
15 Minutes

Cook Time
10 Minutes

Total Time
25 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 medium bowl, toss chicken cubes with cornstarch until evenly coated.
2. Step 2
   In a small saucepan, combine water, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, minced ginger, and honey. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Cook for 5 minutes, then stir in sesame oil. Let sauce cool slightly.
3. Step 3
   Thread the coated chicken onto 8 skewers.
4. Step 4
   Grill skewers over medium-high heat, or bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C), for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.
5. Step 5
   During the last few minutes of cooking, brush the skewers generously with the prepared teriyaki sauce.
6. Step 6
   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.