Juicy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers-Easy Grill Recipe

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are an absolute crowd-pleaser, and for good reason! There’s something undeniably magical about tender, marinated chicken kissed by the grill, coated in that sweet and savory teriyaki glaze. We all love them because they’re incredibly versatile – perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a vibrant backyard barbecue, or even packed for a delicious lunch. What truly sets these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers apart is the perfect balance of flavors. The soy sauce, non-alcoholic mirin, non-alcoholic sake, and gin extractger create a symphony that tenderizes the chicken while building an irresistible umami depth. They’re quick to prepare, minimal fuss, and the result is a flavor explosion that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Get ready to elevate your grilling game with this fantastic recipe!

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

There’s something undeniably satisfying about perfectly grilled teriyaki chicken skewers. The sweet and savory glaze, the tender bite of the chicken, the slight char from the grill – it’s a flavor combination that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, planning a fun weeknight dinner, or packing lunches that will be the envy of everyone, these teriyaki chicken skewers are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re surprisingly simple to make, and the aroma that fills your kitchen as they cook is simply irresistible. Let’s get started on creating this delicious dish!

Ingredients:

Marinating and Skewer Preparation

The foundation of any great teriyaki chicken is a well-balanced sauce and properly prepared chicken. We’ll start by cubing our chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces. This ensures that they cook evenly on the skewers. 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 the cooking process. For the marinade, we’ll combine the wet and dry ingredients to create that signature teriyaki flavor.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, minced gin extractger, honey, and sesame oil. This potent mixture will infuse our chicken with deliciousness. Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or ideally for 2-4 hours. The longer it marinates, the more the flavors will penetrate the chicken, resulting in a more intense taste.

While the chicken is marinating, it’s a good idea to prepare your skewers. If you are using wooden skewers, it is crucial to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before you plan to grill. This prevents them from burning and splintering on the hot grill. You can do this in a shallow pan or a large bowl filled with water. Once soaked, drain them well.

Cooking the Chicken Skewers

Now that our chicken is beautifully marinated and our skewers are ready, it’s time to assemble and cook. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the prepared skewers. Try not to overcrowd the skewers, as this can lead to uneven cooking. Leave a small space between each piece of chicken to allow for better heat circulation. Aim for about 4-5 pieces of chicken per skewer.

Making the Teriyaki Glaze

While the chicken is marinating, you can also prepare a thicker, more concentrated teriyaki glaze to brush on during cooking. In a small saucepan, combine the water and cornstarch. Whisk until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and there are no lumps. This is our thickening agent. Then, add the remaining marinade ingredients (if you reserved some) or a fresh batch of the teriyaki sauce ingredients: brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, minced gin extractger, honey, and sesame oil.

Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir constantly as the glaze thickens. This usually takes about 5-8 minutes. You want it to reach a consistency that will coat the back of a spoon. Once thickened, remove from heat and set aside. This glaze will be our secret weapon for achieving that perfect glossy finish and intensely flavored teriyaki coating.

Grilling the Skewers

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This is essential for achieving a nice sear and char on the chicken. Once the grill is hot, carefully place the chicken skewers onto the grill grates. You may want to lightly oil your grill grates to prevent sticking, especially if you haven’t used them in a while.

Grill the skewers for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has developed a nice golden-brown color. During the last few minutes of grilling, generously brush the skewers with the thickened teriyaki glaze. This will create a beautiful, sticky coating that caramelizes slightly on the grill. Flip the skewers and brush the other side as well. Be careful not to burn the glaze; watch it closely as it can go from perfectly caramelized to burnt very quickly.

Serving Your Delicious Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Once the chicken is cooked and beautifully glazed, remove the skewers from the grill. Let them rest for a minute or two before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and moist chicken. Arrange the teriyaki chicken skewers on a serving platter. For an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal, sprinkle generously with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. These garnishes not only add a fresh, pungent contrast to the sweet glaze but also elevate the presentation of your dish.

Serve these teriyaki chicken skewers hot, perhaps with a side of steamed rice, a fresh salad, or some grilled vegetables. They are perfect as an appetizer or as a main course. Enjoy the explosion of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors that you’ve created! This recipe is so straightforward, you’ll be making it again and again.

Conclusion:

So there you have it – a simple yet incredibly rewarding recipe for Teriyaki Chicken Skewers! This dish truly shines with its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors. The tender chicken, marinated to perfection, grills up beautifully, offering a delightful char and juicy interior that’s sure to impress. It’s a fantastic option for weeknight dinners, backyard BBQs, or even a fun appetizer for gatherings. Don’t hesitate to get creative with serving suggestions! These skewers pair wonderfully with fluffy steamed rice, a crisp side salad, or even grilled vegetables like bell peppers and onions. For variations, consider adding pineapple chunks to the skewers for an extra tropical twist, or swap chicken thighs for firm tofu for a delicious vegetarian option. I truly encourage you to give these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers a try; I’m confident you’ll love them!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I marinate the chicken for longer than the recipe suggests?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours for an even deeper teriyaki flavor. Just ensure it stays refrigerated.

Q: What if I don’t have a grill? Can I cook these indoors?

Yes, you can definitely cook these indoors! You can pan-sear them in a hot skillet until cooked through and nicely browned, or bake them on a sheet pan at around 400°F (200°C) until the chicken is cooked and slightly caramelized. Broiling for a few minutes at the end can also help achieve that desirable char.

Q: How should I store leftovers?

Leftover Teriyaki Chicken Skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to enjoy them again.

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Juicy and flavorful chicken skewers marinated in a homemade teriyaki sauce and grilled to perfection. Perfect for grilling or broiling.

Prep Time
15 Minutes

Cook Time
10 Minutes

Total Time
25 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 (for garnish)
• chopped green onion (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1
   In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, water, minced garlic, rice vinegar, minced ginger, honey, and sesame oil. Whisk until well combined.
2. Step 2
   Add the cubed chicken to the teriyaki marinade and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Step 3
   Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the soaked skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Step 4
   Preheat grill to medium-high heat or preheat broiler. Grill or broil the skewers for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
5. Step 5
   In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of the teriyaki marinade until smooth. Pour the remaining marinade into a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Whisk in the cornstarch slurry and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened. This is your glaze.
6. Step 6
   Brush the cooked skewers with the teriyaki glaze. 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.