Easy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers- Grilled Perfection

ByRowan

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and for good reason! There’s something incredibly satisfying about perfectly grilled, glazed chicken pieces, and when you add the vibrant, slightly sweet and savory magic of teriyaki sauce, you’ve got a winning combination. I’ve always been drawn to the simple elegance of these skewers. They’re not overly complicated, yet they deliver a punch of flavor that transports you straight to your favorite Asian-inspired restaurant or a backyard barbecue. What makes these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers truly special is their versatility. They’re fantastic as an appetizer, a light lunch, or even a main course when served with rice and steamed vegetables. The balance of tender chicken, the sticky, glistening teriyaki glaze, and that hint of char from the grill is simply irresistible. Get ready to impress yourself and everyone around you with these delicious Teriyaki Chicken Skewers!

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

There’s something undeniably satisfying about grilled skewers. They’re fun to eat, perfect for sharing, and can be surprisingly simple to prepare. My absolute favorite for a casual get-together or a weeknight dinner is teriyaki chicken skewers. The sweet, savory, and slightly tangy glaze coats tender pieces of chicken, creating a flavor explosion that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re an experienced griller or just starting out, these teriyaki chicken skewers are a guaranteed hit.

The key to truly amazing teriyaki chicken lies in the sauce. While you can buy pre-made teriyaki sauce, making your own allows you to control the sweetness, saltiness, and aromatics. It’s incredibly easy and the results are far superior. This recipe uses simple pantry staples to create a rich, glossy sauce that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. We’ll be marinating the chicken to infuse it with flavor and then basting it as it cooks for that perfect sticky finish.

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 gin extractger extract (minced)
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1/2 tsp sesame oil
  • 8 skewers
  • sesame seed (for garnish)
  • chopped green onion (for garnish)

    • Cooking Instructions

    Preparing these teriyaki chicken skewers involves a few key steps, starting with creating the delicious marinade and sauce.

  • Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the cubed chicken with half of the prepared teriyaki sauce. I like to reserve some sauce for basting later. Ensure each piece of chicken is well-coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor. If you’re using chicken breasts, be mindful of the marinating time as they can become mushy if marinated for too long. Thighs are more forgiving. While the chicken is marinating, it’s a good time to prepare your grilling area and soak your skewers if you’re using wooden ones to prevent them from burning.
  • Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce: In a small saucepan, whisk together the cornstarch and water until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and there are no lumps. This slurry will help thicken our sauce. Add the brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, minced gin extractger, honey, and sesame oil to the saucepan. Stir everything together to combine. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. You’re looking for a consistency that coats the back of a spoon. Once thickened, remove from heat and set aside. This sauce is incredibly versatile and can be used for other stir-fries or marinades.
  • Assemble the Skewers: Once the chicken has finished marinating, thread the chicken cubes onto your prepared skewers. Don’t overcrowd the skewers; leave a small space between each piece of chicken to ensure even cooking. This also allows the heat to circulate properly, preventing any pieces from steaming rather than grilling. If you find your chicken pieces are sticking to your fingers, a little bit of oil on your hands can help.
  • Grill the Skewers: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a gas grill, this usually means setting the dial to about 400-450°F. For a charcoal grill, wait until the coals are covered in gray ash. Lightly oil your grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the hot grill. Grill for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice char marks. This cooking time will vary depending on the heat of your grill and the thickness of your chicken pieces. You want the internal temperature of the chicken to reach 165°F (74°C).
  • Baste and Finish: During the last few minutes of grilling, generously brush the teriyaki sauce over the chicken skewers. This is where the magic happens! The sugars in the sauce will caramelize and create that irresistible sticky glaze. Flip the skewers and baste the other side. Continue grilling for another minute or two, just until the glaze is slightly sticky and bubbly. Be careful not to burn the sauce; it can happen quickly due to the sugar content. Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a minute before serving.

    • Serving Suggestions

    Once your teriyaki chicken skewers are perfectly grilled and glazed, it’s time to add the finishing touches. Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds for a nutty crunch and a touch of visual appeal. Then, scatter the chopped green onions over the top for a fresh, slightly pungent counterpoint to the sweet and savory glaze. These skewers are fantastic served on their own as an appetizer, or you can serve them with steamed rice, a crisp salad, or some grilled vegetables for a complete meal. I often find myself making a double batch because they disappear so quickly! Enjoy the deliciousness!

    Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

    Conclusion:

    I hope you’ve enjoyed learning how to make these delicious Teriyaki Chicken Skewers! This recipe is a true winner because it’s incredibly versatile, packed with classic sweet and savory teriyaki flavor, and surprisingly easy to whip up. Whether you’re grilling them for a backyard BBQ, baking them for a weeknight dinner, or even air frying them for a quick treat, these skewers are sure to be a hit. They’re perfect for a light lunch, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a satisfying main course.

    For serving suggestions, I love pairing these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers with steamed jasmine rice, a fresh cucumber salad, or some grilled asparagus. They also make a fantastic addition to a bento box. Don’t be afraid to get creative with variations! You can add chunks of pineapple or bell peppers to the skewers for extra color and flavor, or even experiment with different cuts of chicken like thighs for an even juicier result. I really encourage you to give this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed!

    Frequently Asked Questions:

    Q: Can I make the teriyaki sauce from scratch?

    A: Absolutely! While store-bought teriyaki sauce is convenient, making your own allows you to control the ingredients and sweetness. A simple homemade sauce can be made with soy sauce, brown sugar, non-alcoholic mirin (or rice vinegar with a pinch of sugar), and a bit of grated fresh gin extractger. It’s a great way to elevate your Teriyaki Chicken Skewers even further!

    Q: What’s the best way to prevent chicken from sticking to the grill?

    A: To prevent sticking, ensure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled before you start cooking. You can also soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken to prevent them from burning. Brushing the chicken with oil before placing it on the grill can also help.

    Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

    Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

    Tender chicken pieces marinated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, grilled to perfection on skewers. A crowd-pleasing appetizer or light meal.

    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 (*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
    • 8 skewers
    • sesame seed
    • chopped green onion

    Instructions

    1. Step 1
      In a medium bowl, combine the chicken cubes with cornstarch, ensuring each piece is lightly coated.
    2. Step 2
      In a saucepan, whisk together water, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, minced ginger, honey, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Cook for 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
    3. Step 3
      Thread the cornstarch-coated chicken cubes onto the skewers.
    4. Step 4
      Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through.
    5. Step 5
      During the last 2-3 minutes of grilling, brush the skewers generously with the prepared teriyaki sauce.
    6. Step 6
      Remove from grill and 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.

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