Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with Teriyaki Chicken Skewers—an irresistible combination of juicy, marinated chicken grilled to caramelized perfection and brushed with a homemade teriyaki glaze. This dish brings together the sweet-savory magic of Asian cuisine in every tender bite, delivering crowd-pleasing flavor whether you’re making a weeknight dinner or hosting a backyard barbecue. Not only is this recipe incredibly delicious and colorful, but you’ll also be amazed by how simple it is to prepare and customize. Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are a surefire way to bring a burst of sunshine to your table!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every component of these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers has a special role, from the succulent chicken cubes to the glossy, deeply flavorful marinade. With just a handful of pantry ingredients, you’ll create layers of taste and beautiful color that make this dish shine.

• Chicken thighs or breasts: Choose thighs for extra-juicy, tender results or stick with lean breast meat if you prefer—it’s all delicious when marinated right!
• Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent for the teriyaki glaze, giving it that luscious, clingy texture that coats each skewer perfectly.
• Water: The foundation for your sauce, helping balance sweetness and saltiness while aiding the cooking process.
• Brown sugar: Brings a beautiful caramel hue and a deep, molasses-like sweetness to the sauce.
• Soy sauce (low sodium): The backbone of classic teriyaki flavor; low sodium keeps things savory without overpowering saltiness.
• Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic infuses the marinade with an aromatic punch that’s both comforting and vibrant.
• Rice vinegar: Adds a gentle tang, balancing out the sweetness and brightening the finished dish.
• Fresh ginger (minced): Grated ginger delivers a zesty warmth that’s essential for authentic teriyaki flavor.
• Honey: Adds a floral hint and helps caramelize the chicken as it grills, giving you gorgeous char marks.
• Sesame oil: Just a splash gives a nutty depth and unmistakable aroma that makes these skewers sing.
• Skewers (wooden or metal): The trusty tools that transform simple ingredients into fun, shareable finger food.
• Optional sesame seeds & chopped green onion: Finish your skewers with a sprinkle of seeds and fresh green onion for crunch, color, and a fresh pop.

How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Make the Teriyaki Sauce

Start by combining the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to form a smooth slurry. Next, in a medium saucepan, mix together the brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, rice vinegar, ginger, honey, and sesame oil along with the cornstarch mixture. Heat everything over medium, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens to a rich, glossy consistency. This part fills your kitchen with the most amazing aroma! Once thickened, take off the heat and let it cool completely—you can even pop it in the fridge to speed things up.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Once your sauce is cool, it’s time to get the flavor party started! Place your chicken cubes in a large ziplock bag, pour in half of the teriyaki sauce, and seal it up. Give it a gentle shake, making sure every piece is evenly coated. Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but if you have the time, an hour or two only deepens those incredible flavors. Set aside the rest of the sauce for basting later.

Step 3: Assemble the Skewers

When your chicken has marinated, it’s skewer time! Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto your skewers (if using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water first to prevent burning on the grill). Try not to crowd the pieces too close—this helps everything cook evenly and get that perfect caramelization.

Step 4: Grill the Skewers

Preheat your grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Arrange your Teriyaki Chicken Skewers on the grill, turning every 3-4 minutes so they get that beautiful color on all sides. Grill for about 20-30 minutes, or until the internal temp reaches 165 degrees. During the last few turns, baste generously with the reserved teriyaki sauce to create a glorious, sticky coating.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

When the chicken is cooked through and irresistibly glossy, take the skewers off the heat and let them rest a moment. Finish with a shower of sesame seeds and chopped green onion (if desired) for an extra hit of freshness and crunch. Serve immediately while they’re juicy and warm!

How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of sesame seeds and a handful of sliced green onions can elevate your Teriyaki Chicken Skewers from great to show-stopping. Not only do these toppings add eye-catching color, but they also provide a toasty crunch and burst of herby flavor with every bite. If you’re feeling adventurous, a drizzle of extra sauce or even a handful of chopped fresh cilantro works wonders too!

Side Dishes

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are incredibly versatile when it comes to sides. Try pairing them with a bowl of fragrant jasmine rice, steamed broccoli, or a crisp Asian slaw for a complete meal. For something lighter, serve with a cucumber salad or pickled vegetables, which help to balance the richness of the chicken with a fresh tang.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your presentation up a notch by arranging the skewers on a platter, fanned out over a bed of steamed rice or nestled among vibrant pickled veggies. For a festive twist, serve the Teriyaki Chicken Skewers as an appetizer—simply cut the chicken a bit smaller and use mini skewers for easy, party-friendly bites. You can even de-skewer the cooked chicken and toss it in a salad or wrap for a weekday lunch upgrade!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Teriyaki Chicken Skewers, let them cool completely, then remove the chicken from the skewers if you’d like and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep them fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or dinner the next day.

Freezing

Want to get a head start? Marinate the chicken and thread onto skewers, then freeze (uncooked) in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and proceed to grill as usual. You can also freeze cooked chicken skewers—just be sure to wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn and use within 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

To reheat cooked Teriyaki Chicken Skewers, pop them in a 350 degree oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. For smaller portions, a quick burst in the microwave works too. A brush of extra teriyaki sauce before reheating helps keep the chicken juicy and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts are a leaner option and still make delicious Teriyaki Chicken Skewers. Just be mindful not to overcook them, as breasts can dry out faster than thighs. Marinating helps keep them juicy!

Is it possible to cook these in the oven instead of grilling?

Yes, you can bake Teriyaki Chicken Skewers on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes, turning and basting with sauce occasionally. You’ll still get that wonderful glaze and lots of caramelization under the broiler for the last few minutes.

Can I make the teriyaki sauce ahead of time?

Definitely! The sauce will keep in the fridge for up to a week in a sealed container. It thickens as it chills, so give it a quick stir or warm-up before using if needed.

How do I keep wooden skewers from burning?

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading on the chicken. This simple step prevents scorching on the grill and helps your Teriyaki Chicken Skewers cook evenly.

Can I add veggies to these skewers?

Of course! Bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or mushrooms are fantastic additions. Just cut them to a similar size as the chicken cubes so everything cooks at the same rate and every skewer is bursting with color and flavor.

Final Thoughts

It’s hard to resist the charm of Teriyaki Chicken Skewers—every bite is loaded with sweet, savory, and smoky goodness that brings people together around the table. If you’re ready to try something new and absolutely satisfying, fire up the grill and let these skewers steal the show at your next meal!

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