Name: Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 8 skewers
Ingredients: 2 lbs. chicken thighs (or breasts) (cut into 1" cubes); 2 tbsp cornstarch; 1/3 cup brown sugar; 1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended); 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

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are an absolute summer sensation, and for good reason! There’s something undeniably satisfying about tender, juicy chicken chunks coated in that sweet and savory teriyaki glaze, kissed by the grill. These Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are more than just a meal; they’re a passport to backyard barbecues and sun-drenched picnics. What is it that makes them so universally loved? It’s the perfect harmony of flavors – that irresistible umami from soy sauce, a touch of sweetness from brown sugar or honey, and a hint of gin extractger and garlic that awakens the palate. But what truly elevates our Teriyaki Chicken Skewers from good to unforgettable is the simplicity of preparation combined with the explosion of taste and texture. Get ready to fire up your grill because we’re about to embark on a delicious culinary adventure.

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Get ready to fire up the grill or heat up the stovetop, because we’re about to whip up some incredibly delicious Teriyaki Chicken Skewers! These little flavor bombs are perfect for weeknight dinners, backyard BBQs, or even as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. The sweet and savory teriyaki glaze, combined with tender chicken, is a match made in culinary heaven. What’s even better? They’re surprisingly simple to make, and the results are always impressive. Let’s dive into the magic!

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 (low sodium recommended)

2 cloves garlic (minced)

1 tbsp rice vinegar

1/2 tbsp fresh gin extractger (minced)

1 tbsp honey

1/2 tsp sesame oil

8 skewers

Sesame seed (for garnish)

Chopped green onion (for garnish)

Making the Teriyaki Magic: The Glaze

The heart and soul of these teriyaki chicken skewers lies in the glaze. This is where we build those layers of sweet, savory, and umami flavors that make teriyaki so irresistible. We’ll start by creating a slurry that will thicken our sauce beautifully.

Assembling the Skewers

Once our glaze is simmering and the chicken is prepped, it’s time to bring everything together. This is a fun and interactive part of the process, and the kids often love helping out here!

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions:

Prepare the Teriyaki Glaze: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. This is your thickening base. Add the brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, minced fresh gin extractger, and honey to the saucepan. Stir everything together until well combined. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly. You’ll notice the sauce will start to thicken as it heats up. Continue to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the sesame oil. The sesame oil adds a lovely nutty aroma and subtle flavor that really elevates the teriyaki. Set the glaze aside to cool slightly. This is a crucial step, as a hot glaze can make the chicken cook too quickly on the outside before the inside is done.

Marinate the Chicken (Optional but Recommended): While the glaze is cooling, prepare your chicken. If you’re using chicken breasts, you might want to trim any excess fat. If using chicken thighs, they are naturally more forgiving and tend to stay moister, but trimming is still a good idea. Place the cubed chicken in a medium bowl. Pour about half of the cooled teriyaki glaze over the chicken. Gently toss the chicken cubes to ensure each piece is coated in the glaze. If time permits, cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken, making it even more delicious. If you’re short on time, you can skip this marinating step, but it truly does make a difference in flavor.

Thread the Skewers: 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 or in the oven. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the prepared skewers, leaving a little space between each piece. This allows for even cooking and browning. Don’t overcrowd the skewers, as this can lead to uneven cooking. You should aim to use all 8 skewers. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or pineapple chunks to the skewers for added color, flavor, and nutrients if you wish, but for this recipe, we’re focusing on the star: the chicken!

Cook the Skewers: You have a few options for cooking these delicious skewers.
Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the chicken skewers on the hot grill. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. As the chicken cooks, brush it with the remaining teriyaki glaze. This will create a beautiful, caramelized coating.
Broiling (Oven): Preheat your broiler to high. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place the skewers on the prepared baking sheet. Broil for about 3-4 minutes per side, turning once, until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze is caramelized. Keep a close eye on them as broilers can be intense and burn things quickly. Brush with the remaining glaze during the last few minutes of cooking.
Pan-Frying (Stovetop): Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil if needed. Place the skewers in the hot pan, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and browned. Brush with the remaining glaze during the last few minutes of cooking.

Finishing Touches and Serving: Once your teriyaki chicken skewers are cooked to perfection, remove them from the heat. Let them rest for a minute or two. Before serving, generously sprinkle the skewers with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. These garnishes add a wonderful pop of color, a fresh, slightly pungent flavor from the green onions, and a nutty crunch from the sesame seeds. These skewers are fantastic served on their own, over a bed of steamed rice, or alongside your favorite stir-fried vegetables. Enjoy the incredible taste of homemade teriyaki!

Conclusion:

So there you have it – a foolproof and utterly delicious recipe for Teriyaki Chicken Skewers that’s guaranteed to be a hit! These skewers are fantastic because they offer that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a hint of umami, making them incredibly moreish. The tender chicken, marinated to perfection and grilled until beautifully caramelized, creates a truly satisfying dish. They’re perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a lively backyard barbecue or even as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

I love serving these alongside fluffy steamed rice, a crisp Asian-inspired slaw, or even just some grilled pineapple for an extra tropical twist. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your own variations! You could easily swap the chicken thighs for chicken breast, or even try shrimp or firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Adding colorful bell peppers and onions to the skewers before grilling adds even more flavor and visual appeal.

I truly encourage you to give these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers a try. They’re simple enough for even begin extractner cooks but deliver restaurant-quality results. Let me know how they turn out for you!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the teriyaki sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The teriyaki sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This is a great time-saver, especially if you’re planning a get-together.

What if I don’t have a grill?

No problem! You can easily cook these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers under the broiler in your oven, or even pan-fry them in a skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through and nicely browned.

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

Make sure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled before you start cooking. You can also soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning.

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Flavorful and easy to make teriyaki chicken skewers, perfect for grilling or baking.

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
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
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

Step 1
In a bowl, combine brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, minced ginger, honey, and sesame oil. Whisk to combine.
Step 2
Add the chicken cubes to the teriyaki sauce and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Step 3
Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers.
Step 4
Preheat grill or oven to 400°F (200°C). If grilling, lightly oil the grates.
Step 5
Grill or bake skewers for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and slightly caramelized.
Step 6
While chicken is cooking, whisk together 1 cup water and 2 tbsp cornstarch in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened to create a glaze. This step is optional but recommended for a thicker sauce.
Step 7
Brush the skewers with the thickened glaze during the last few minutes of cooking. 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.

Easy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers – Grilled Perfection

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers