Easy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers-Grill Perfect

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are an absolute showstopper, aren’t they? There’s something undeniably magical about those perfectly grilled morsels of chicken, glistening with a sweet and savory glaze, all threaded onto skewers. It’s no wonder why Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are a perennial favorite for backyard barbecues, weeknight dinners, and casual get-togethers. They hit all the right notes: a delightful balance of tangy, sweet, and umami flavors, coupled with that irresistible char from the grill. What truly makes them special is their incredible versatility and the sheer joy they bring to the table. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just starting out, these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are guaranteed to impress your taste buds and have everyone asking for the recipe.

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

There’s something undeniably satisfying about perfectly grilled chicken skewers, and when they’re coated in a glistening, savory-sweet teriyaki glaze, they become an absolute showstopper. These Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are incredibly easy to make, yet they deliver restaurant-quality flavor that will have everyone asking for the recipe. They’re ideal for a weeknight dinner, a backyard barbecue, or even as an impressive appetizer. The combination of tender chicken, infused with a homemade teriyaki sauce that strikes the perfect balance between salty and sweet, is simply irresistible. Get ready to impress yourself and your guests with this simple yet spectacular dish.

Ingredients:

Marinating and Skewering

Before we dive into the cooking, let’s get our chicken prepped. The key to tender, flavorful chicken is to marinate it properly. For these skewers, we’re making a quick and easy teriyaki marinade that doubles as our glaze. First, ensure your chicken is cut into uniform 1-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking. If you’re using chicken breasts, be mindful that they can dry out more easily than thighs, so keep a close eye on them during cooking. Place the chicken cubes in a medium bowl.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, minced gin extractger, honey, and sesame oil. This is the heart of our teriyaki flavor! Pour about half of this marinade over the chicken cubes, reserving the other half for later. Toss the chicken to ensure each piece is well coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or for a deeper flavor, cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours.

While the chicken is marinating, if you are using wooden skewers, it’s important to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning on the grill or under the broiler. Once the chicken has marinated, thread the chicken cubes onto the soaked skewers, leaving a small space between each piece for even cooking. Aim to put about 4-5 pieces of chicken per skewer, depending on their size.

Making the Teriyaki Glaze

Now, let’s prepare the luscious teriyaki glaze that will coat our skewers. In a small saucepan, combine the 1 cup of water and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Whisk them together thoroughly until there are no lumps. This cornstarch slurry will be our thickening agent for the glaze.

Place the saucepan over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the reserved teriyaki marinade that you set aside earlier. Continue to whisk constantly as the mixture heats up. You’ll notice it will begin extract to thicken. Let it simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes, whisking occasionally, until it reaches a syrupy consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Be careful not to over-thicken it, as it will continue to thicken slightly as it cools. Once it’s reached the desired consistency, remove it from the heat and set aside.

Grilling the Skewers

It’s time to cook these beauties! You have a few options here: grilling, broiling, or pan-searing.

Grilling Method:

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the chicken skewers on the hot grill. Grill for about 4-5 minutes per side, turning them occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has developed nice grill marks. During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the skewers generously with the prepared teriyaki glaze. Allow the glaze to caramelize slightly, but be careful not to burn it.

Broiling Method:

If you’re using your oven, preheat your broiler to high. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easier cleanup. Arrange the chicken skewers on the prepared baking sheet. Broil for about 4-6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. During the last few minutes of broiling, brush the skewers generously with the teriyaki glaze. Keep a close eye on them, as broilers can be intense and the glaze can burn quickly.

Pan-Searing Method:

For a stovetop option, heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Carefully place the skewers in the hot pan, ensuring not to overcrowd it. You may need to cook them in batches. Sear the skewers for about 4-5 minutes per side, until cooked through and browned. In the last few minutes of cooking, brush them with the teriyaki glaze.

Finishing Touches and Serving

Once your teriyaki chicken skewers are cooked to perfection and beautifully glazed, it’s time to serve them up! Carefully remove them from the heat. Arrange the skewers on a serving platter. For an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal, sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions. The nutty crunch of the sesame seeds and the fresh, slightly sharp bite of the green onions perfectly complement the rich, savory-sweet teriyaki glaze.

These skewers are incredibly versatile. They make a fantastic main course served with steamed rice, a simple side salad, or grilled vegetables like bell peppers and onions. You can also serve them as an appetizer for parties, allowing guests to easily pick them up and enjoy. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water, and the taste is even better. Enjoy every delicious bite of these homemade Teriyaki Chicken Skewers!

Conclusion:

There you have it – simple, delicious Teriyaki Chicken Skewers that are guaranteed to impress! This recipe truly shines because it balances sweet and savory flavors perfectly, creating a mouthwatering glaze that coats tender chicken pieces. The grilling process adds a delightful smoky char, making these skewers a fantastic option for both weeknight dinners and weekend barbecues. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or just starting out, these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are incredibly forgiving and incredibly rewarding.

I love serving these alongside fluffy jasmine rice and a crisp, refreshing cucumber salad. They’re also wonderful wrapped in large lettuce leaves with some shredded carrots and a drizzle of extra teriyaki sauce for a lighter, more interactive meal. Feel free to experiment with your favorite vegetables too! Bell peppers, onions, pineapple chunks, and zucchini all grill beautifully on skewers alongside the chicken, adding pops of color and flavor.

So please, give these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers a try! I’m confident you’ll find them to be a new go-to favorite. Get ready for rave reviews!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the teriyaki sauce from scratch?

Absolutely! While the store-bought sauce is convenient, a homemade teriyaki sauce offers even more control over the flavor. Simply combine soy sauce, non-alcoholic mirin, non-alcoholic sake, sugar, and grated fresh gin extractger in a saucepan and simmer until slightly thickened.

What if I don’t have a grill?

No problem! You can achieve a similar delicious result by baking these skewers in the oven at around 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, or by cooking them in a hot skillet or under the broiler.

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Delicious and easy teriyaki chicken skewers, marinated in a sweet and savory sauce.

Prep Time
15 Minutes

Cook Time
12 Minutes

Total Time
27 Minutes

Servings
8 skewers

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. chicken thighs (or breasts) (cut into 1″ cubes)
• 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 ginger extract (minced)
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1/2 tsp sesame oil
• sesame seed
• chopped green onion

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Combine brown sugar, soy sauce, water, minced garlic, rice vinegar, fresh ginger extract, honey, and sesame oil in a bowl. Whisk until well combined to create the teriyaki marinade.
2. Step 2
   Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are coated. Marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or longer in the refrigerator.
3. Step 3
   Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Step 4
   Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates.
5. Step 5
   Grill the chicken skewers for 5-6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char. Baste with extra marinade during the last few minutes of cooking.
6. Step 6
   Remove from grill and sprinkle 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.