Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Succulent, beautifully charred chunks of chicken glistening with a rich, sweet glaze—that’s what Teriyaki Chicken Skewers bring to the table. As you pull them off the grill, the mouth-watering aroma of soy sauce, garlic, and honey wafts through the air, making it impossible to resist. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or preparing a quick weeknight meal, these skewers are sure to impress any crowd. Their flexibility shines through as they can be easily adapted to dietary preferences, keeping your family satisfied without sacrificing flavor or fun.

What makes these skewers stand out is their combination of savory and slightly sweet flavors, making each bite an exciting explosion of taste. You’ll find that they’re budget-friendly and can be whipped up in record time, even on the busiest of nights. So grab your grill and get ready to enjoy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers that not only taste delicious but are also incredibly easy to prepare!

Why Make This Recipe

A mouth full of delicious flavors awaits you, and here’s why you’ll want to tackle this Teriyaki Chicken Skewers recipe:

The taste sensation is unbelievable. The sweet and savory teriyaki sauce elevates the chicken, creating a luscious, sticky coating that pairs well with a variety of sides. You’ll relish the combination of garlic, ginger, and honey, which enriches each bite.

Time savings are significant. Prepping the marinade only involves mixing ingredients and letting chicken soak for a short while. Once marinated, grilling takes about 20-30 minutes, making this dish a quick dinner option that satisfies even the pickiest eaters.

Versatility is key to this dish. You can use chicken thighs or breasts and adjust ingredients to match your taste, making it an adaptable recipe for various occasions. It’s as great for a backyard party as it is for an intimate family dinner.

How to Make Teriyaki Chicken 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 (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
• 8 skewers
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Chopped green onion (for garnish)

Directions

1. 
   

   Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water, stirring until smooth. In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, rice vinegar, ginger, honey, and sesame oil. Add the cornstarch mixture and stir. Over medium heat, bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Cook until the sauce lightly thickens, about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes a dark brown color. Remove from heat and let cool completely. (You can place it in the fridge to speed up the cooling process.)

   
   
2. 
   

   Marinate the Chicken: Once the sauce is cooled, place the cubed chicken in a large ziplock bag. Pour half of the cooled sauce over the chicken and gently shake the bag to ensure that the chicken is evenly coated. Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours for the best flavor. Reserve the remaining sauce for later.

   
   
3. 
   

   Prepare the Grill: After marinating, remove the chicken from the fridge. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning. Preheat your grill to medium heat.

   
   
4. 
   

   Grill the Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook, turning every 3-4 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and achieves an internal temperature of 165°F, about 20-30 minutes. Baste with the remaining teriyaki sauce during the last few turns of grilling for extra flavor.

   
   
5. 
   

   Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and serve immediately. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added color and crunch.

   
   

How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

For the best experience, serve your Teriyaki Chicken Skewers hot off the grill. Pair them with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a well-rounded meal, or enjoy them as an appetizer with a side of cucumber salad. A refreshing cucumber salad or crunchy Asian slaw complements the skewers beautifully. To elevate the dish even more, consider a garnish of toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions for a burst of color and flavor.

How to Store Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Store any leftover Teriyaki Chicken Skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’d like to freeze them, wrap the cooled skewers in foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag, where they will keep well for 1-2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and reheat them gently in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. To keep the texture nicely intact, avoid microwaving them, as it may make the chicken rubbery.

Tips to Make Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

1. 
   

   Prep Ahead: Marinate the chicken the night before to deepen the flavors and save time on the day of grilling.

   
   
2. 
   

   Ingredient Swap: If you don’t have brown sugar, you can substitute it with white sugar, or maple syrup for a delightful twist.

   
   
3. 
   

   Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on your skewers. Cooking beyond 165°F can dry out the chicken, so use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

   
   
4. 
   

   Alternative Equipment: No grill? Use a grill pan or broiler in your oven to achieve similar flavor and char marks.

   
   
5. 
   

   Batch Cooking: Double or triple the recipe and freeze portions for quick weeknight dinners in the future.

   
   
6. 
   

   Adjust the Sauce: For a thicker glaze, let it simmer longer until it coats the back of a spoon.

   
   
7. 
   

   Add Heat: If you enjoy some spice, mix in red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the marinade for a kick.

   
   
8. 
   

   Vegetarian Option: You can swap the chicken for firm tofu or mushroom skewers for a veggie-friendly version.

   
   
9. 
   

   Use Leftovers Creatively: Chop leftovers and toss them into a salad or stir-fry for a quick and tasty meal.

   
   
10. 
    

    Dietary Adaptations: Substitute soy sauce with coconut aminos for a gluten-free variant.

    
    

Variations

1. 
   

   Grilled Veggie Delight: Replace chicken with colorful bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for a vegetarian feast. Marinate the veggies with the same teriyaki sauce and enjoy a delightful, healthy option.

   
   
2. 
   

   Honey-Ginger Pork Skewers: Swap chicken for pork tenderloin, marinating in the same sauce. The sweetness of the honey and tangy ginger beautifully complements the richness of the pork.

   
   
3. 
   

   Spicy Sesame Chicken Skewers: Add your favorite hot sauce to the marinade for a fiery twist, turning this dish into a spicy sensation that packs a punch.

   
   
4. 
   

   Tropical Teriyaki: Incorporate pineapple chunks into the skewers or grill them alongside the chicken for a sweet and tangy tropical flavor that brightens any meal.

   
   
5. 
   

   Keto-Friendly Skewers: Use chicken with a low-carb teriyaki sauce made with erythritol instead of brown sugar to fit into a low-carb diet.

   
   

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the teriyaki sauce and marinate the chicken a day in advance. Just make sure to store everything in the fridge until you’re ready to grill.

How do I store leftovers?
Leftover skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer bag.

Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked skewers. Wrap them tightly in foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They should last for 1-2 months.

What can I substitute for soy sauce?
If you need a soy sauce substitute, coconut aminos work well as a gluten-free option. For a lower sodium alternative, you can use a low-sodium soy sauce.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Keep a close watch on the cooking time and ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Additionally, basting with the teriyaki sauce in the final minutes adds moisture.

Is this gluten-free?
Using gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos can make this recipe gluten-friendly. Just ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I double or halve this recipe?
Definitely! You can easily double or halve the recipe as needed. Adjust cooking times accordingly based on the amount of chicken you’re grilling.

With this guide, you are all set to create mouthwatering Teriyaki Chicken Skewers that are as easy to make as they are delicious! Enjoy the vibrant flavors and aromatic scent as it fills your kitchen, and watch as everyone gathers around to devour each skewer. Happy grilling!

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