Easy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers-Grill or Bake

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are an absolute summer barbecue staple for a reason! Who can resist that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy glaze coating tender, juicy chicken? They’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser, whether you’re hosting a backyard bash, packing them for a picnic, or just craving a simple yet incredibly satisfying weeknight meal. What makes these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers so special is the magic that happens when the soy sauce, non-alcoholic mirin, non-alcoholic sake, and sugar caramelize under the heat, creating an irresistible sticky sheen that beckons you for another bite. The convenience of skewers makes them easy to grill and even easier to eat – no cutlery required!

Get ready to elevate your grilling game with these sensational Teriyaki Chicken Skewers.

You’ll wonder why you ever bought them pre-made!

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Teriyaki chicken skewers are a perennial crowd-pleaser. The sweet and savory glaze, combined with tender, bite-sized pieces of chicken, makes them perfect for grilling, baking, or even pan-frying. They’re a fantastic appetizer for parties, a delightful main course for a casual weeknight dinner, or a star addition to any summer barbecue. The beauty of these skewers lies in their simplicity and the incredible flavor payoff. The homemade teriyaki sauce is miles beyond anything you’ll find in a bottle, infusing every morsel of chicken with that irresistible umami goodness.

What I love most about this recipe is how customizable it is. While chicken thighs are my preferred choice for their inherent juiciness and ability to withstand longer cooking times without drying out, you can absolutely substitute chicken breasts if that’s what you have on hand. Just be mindful of their cooking time to prevent them from becoming tough. The marinating time is key to really letting those flavors penetrate the chicken, so don’t skimp on that step if you can help it. Even a short marinade will make a difference!

Ingredients:

Cooking Instructions

Let’s get started on creating these delicious teriyaki chicken skewers! The process is straightforward, and the results are incredibly rewarding.

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken and the Marinade

Begin extract by ensuring your chicken is cut into uniform 1-inch cubes. This is important for even cooking. If you’re using chicken thighs, trim off any excess fat. For chicken breasts, make sure they’re fully defrosted and then cut. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the chicken pieces. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, minced fresh gin extractger, honey, and sesame oil. This is your flavor powerhouse – your homemade teriyaki sauce! Pour about half of this mixture over the chicken cubes. Toss everything gently to ensure each piece of chicken is well coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or ideally for 2 to 4 hours. The longer it marinates, the more deeply the flavors will penetrate the chicken, leading to an even more delicious result. If you’re short on time, even 15-20 minutes will offer a nice flavor boost.

Step 2: Making the Teriyaki Glaze

While the chicken is marinating, we’ll prepare the glaze that will be used to coat the skewers during cooking. In a small saucepan, combine the cornstarch and water, whisking until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and there are no lumps. This slurry will help thicken our glaze. Add the remaining teriyaki sauce mixture (the portion you didn’t use for marinating) to the saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously as the mixture heats up. You’ll notice it will begin extract to thicken. Bring it to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until it reaches a glossy, glaze-like consistency. This glaze will be used to brush onto the skewers as they cook, building up layers of delicious flavor. Once thickened, remove from heat and set aside. If it seems too thick, you can always whisk in a tiny bit more water. If it’s too thin, you can let it simmer a little longer, but be careful not to scorch it.

Step 3: Skewering the Chicken

If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand. This prevents them from burning on the grill or in the oven. Once the chicken has finished marinating, thread the chicken cubes onto the soaked skewers. Don’t overcrowd the skewers; leave a small space between each piece of chicken. This allows for better heat circulation and ensures that all sides of the chicken get nicely browned and cooked through. Aim for about 4-5 pieces of chicken per skewer, depending on their size and the length of your skewers. This will give you a manageable number of skewers for cooking and serving.

Step 4: Cooking the Skewers

Now for the cooking! You have several options. For grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates. Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for about 4-6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and nicely charred. During the last few minutes of grilling, generously brush the skewers with the prepared teriyaki glaze. If you’re baking them, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Arrange the skewers on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through and brushing with the glaze during the last 5-7 minutes of cooking, until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze is caramelized. You can also pan-fry these! Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the skewers in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 4-6 minutes per side, brushing with the glaze during the last few minutes of cooking, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.

Step 5: Finishing and Serving

Once your teriyaki chicken skewers are cooked to perfection and beautifully glazed, it’s time for the final touches. Remove them from the heat and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken even more tender. Arrange the skewers on a serving platter. For an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal, sprinkle generously with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. These garnishes not only add a lovely crunch and freshness but also make the skewers look incredibly appetizing. Serve immediately and watch them disappear! They pair wonderfully with steamed rice, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables.

Conclusion:

I hope you’ve enjoyed learning how to make these incredibly flavorful Teriyaki Chicken Skewers! This recipe is a winner because it’s simple enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough for a backyard BBQ or gathering. The balance of sweet and savory in the teriyaki marinade, combined with perfectly grilled chicken, creates a truly satisfying dish. These skewers are incredibly versatile, making them a fantastic option for any occasion.

Serve these delicious Teriyaki Chicken Skewers alongside fluffy white rice, a crisp cucumber salad, or some grilled pineapple for a complete and vibrant meal. For variations, don’t hesitate to experiment! You can swap chicken thighs for chicken breast for a leaner option, or add colorful vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes to the skewers for extra nutrition and visual appeal. Marinating with a touch of grated gin extractger or a splash of sesame oil can also elevate the teriyaki flavor even further.

I strongly encourage you to give this recipe a try. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a wonderful way to bring a taste of Japanese-inspired grilling to your kitchen. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I marinate the chicken for longer than recommended?

Yes, you absolutely can! Marinating the chicken for up to 24 hours will infuse even more flavor into the teriyaki chicken skewers. Just ensure it’s covered and refrigerated.

What if I don’t have a grill?

No problem! You can easily cook these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers under a broiler in your oven or even pan-fry them in a hot skillet. Just keep a close eye on them to prevent burning and ensure they are cooked through.

Can I make the teriyaki sauce from scratch?

Definitely! While store-bought teriyaki sauce is convenient, making your own allows you to control the sweetness and saltiness. A simple homemade teriyaki sauce can be made with soy sauce, non-alcoholic mirin (or rice vinegar with a pinch of sugar), non-alcoholic sake (optional), and sugar. Whisk them together and simmer until slightly thickened.

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Juicy and flavorful teriyaki chicken skewers, marinated in a homemade sauce and grilled to perfection.

Prep Time
30 Minutes

Cook Time
10 Minutes

Total Time
40 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 medium bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir in brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, minced ginger, honey, and sesame oil. This is your teriyaki marinade.
2. Step 2
   Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Step 3
   While the chicken marinates, soak the skewers in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
4. Step 4
   Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the soaked skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Step 5
   Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
6. Step 6
   Remove the skewers from the grill. Garnish 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.