Easy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers- Juicy & Grilled

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are an absolute game-changer for any weeknight meal or backyard barbecue. There’s something undeniably joyful about tender, juicy chicken coated in that irresistible sweet and savory teriyaki glaze, all grilled to perfection on a skewer. It’s no wonder these skewers are a perennial favorite for so many of us! The magic of teriyaki chicken skewers lies in their perfect balance of flavors – that umami-rich soy sauce, the mellow sweetness of brown sugar and non-alcoholic mirin, and often a hint of gin extractger and garlic. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile; serve them as an appetizer, a main course with rice, or alongside a crisp salad. They’re quick to prepare, relatively healthy, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. I’m so excited to share my go-to recipe for these delightful teriyaki chicken skewers with you today!

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

There’s something undeniably appealing about grilled skewers. They’re fun to eat, perfect for sharing, and offer a fantastic canvas for vibrant flavors. And when it comes to flavor, teriyaki is a classic for a reason. The sweet, savory, and slightly tangy glaze coats tender pieces of chicken, creating a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. These Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are incredibly easy to make and deliver restaurant-quality taste right in your own backyard (or even under the broiler!). Get ready to impress yourself and your guests with this simple yet sensational recipe.

Ingredients:

Cooking Instructions:

The magic of these teriyaki chicken skewers lies in the balance of the homemade glaze. We’ll start by preparing the glaze, which will then be used to marinate and coat the chicken, infusing it with that irresistible teriyaki goodness.

Making the Teriyaki Glaze

Preparing and Skewering the Chicken

5. While the glaze is cooling, prepare your chicken. If you’re using chicken thighs, trim away any excess fat and cut them into roughly 1-inch cubes. Chicken breasts can also be used, but be mindful that they can dry out more easily on the grill, so keep an eye on them.
6. In a medium bowl, combine the cubed chicken with about half of the cooled teriyaki glaze. Toss the chicken to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. The longer it marinates, the more intense the flavor will be. If marinating in the fridge, bring the chicken back to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before skewering and cooking for more even cooking.
7. If you are using wooden skewers, it’s crucial to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before use. This prevents them from burning on the grill. Metal skewers do not require soaking.
8. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the prepared skewers. Don’t overcrowd the skewers; leave a little space between each piece of chicken. This allows for better air circulation and more even cooking, ensuring that each piece gets nicely browned and slightly caramelized. Aim for about 4-5 pieces of chicken per skewer.

Grilling the Skewers

9. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. You want a nice hot grill to get a good sear on the chicken. If you don’t have a grill, you can also cook these under the broiler in your oven. Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil (for easier cleanup) and position them about 4-6 inches from the broiler element.
10. Place the chicken skewers on the preheated grill grates (or under the broiler). Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has developed a beautiful char and glaze. Baste the skewers with the remaining teriyaki glaze during the last few minutes of cooking. This will create an even more luscious, sticky coating. Turn the skewers frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
11. Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, remove the skewers from the grill. Let them rest for a minute or two before serving.
12. Garnish the teriyaki chicken skewers generously with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions. The sesame seeds add a delightful nutty crunch and visual appeal, while the green onions provide a fresh, oniony bite that cuts through the richness of the glaze.

These Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are perfect served with steamed rice, a fresh salad, or grilled vegetables. Enjoy this taste of summer, any time of year!



Conclusion:

There you have it – the ultimate guide to crafting delicious Teriyaki Chicken Skewers! This recipe is fantastic because it’s incredibly flavorful, relatively quick to prepare, and offers that perfect balance of sweet and savory that makes teriyaki so beloved. The chicken becomes wonderfully tender and juicy, infused with that irresistible teriyaki glaze. These skewers are incredibly versatile, making them a hit for casual weeknight dinners, backyard barbecues, or even potlucks. Serve them alongside fluffy white rice, a crisp Asian-inspired slaw, or some grilled vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. Don’t be afraid to get creative with variations either! You can easily swap chicken thighs for chicken breast (adjusting cooking time accordingly) or even add chunks of pineapple or bell peppers to the skewers for extra color and flavor. I truly encourage you to give these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers a try; they’re sure to become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I make the teriyaki sauce ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! The teriyaki sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes assembly even quicker when you’re ready to cook.

Q: What’s the best way to prevent my chicken skewers from sticking to the grill?

A: To prevent sticking, ensure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled. You can also soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken; this helps prevent them from burning. For metal skewers, simply oiling the skewers themselves can help.

Q: Can I bake these teriyaki chicken skewers instead of grilling them?

A: Yes, you can! To bake, arrange the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through and basting with extra teriyaki sauce for the last few minutes of cooking until the chicken is cooked through and slightly caramelized.

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Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Juicy chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and savory homemade teriyaki sauce, then grilled to perfection on skewers. Quick to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.

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 medium bowl, toss the chicken cubes with cornstarch until evenly coated.
2. Step 2
   In a 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 is dissolved.
3. Step 3
   Simmer the teriyaki sauce for 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
4. Step 4
   Thread the coated chicken cubes onto the pre-soaked skewers.
5. Step 5
   Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken skewers for 8-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice char marks.
6. Step 6
   Brush the skewers generously with the prepared teriyaki sauce during the last few minutes of grilling.
7. Step 7
   Remove from grill and 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.