Sizzling Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Recipe: Flavorful Asian Feast

Barbecue enthusiasts adore these mouthwatering teriyaki chicken skewers that blend sweet and savory flavors.

The classic teriyaki chicken recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional grilling methods.

Tender marinated chicken pieces capture the essence of Japanese-inspired cuisine with minimal effort.

Marinades infuse each bite with rich, caramelized goodness that makes everyone crave more.

The secret lies in a perfect balance of soy sauce, ginger, and honey that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish.

Weekend gatherings or weeknight dinners become extraordinary with these irresistible skewers.

Grill these gems and watch as everyone requests seconds.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and prevent drying out. Chicken breasts tend to be leaner, so be careful not to overcook them.

• Is it necessary to marinate the chicken for the full 4 hours?

No, the minimum marinating time is 30 minutes. However, marinating for 2-4 hours will allow the chicken to absorb more flavor and become more tender. Just don’t marinate longer than 4 hours, or the meat might become mushy.

• What if I don't have rice vinegar?

You can substitute rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. These alternatives will provide a similar acidic balance to the marinade and help tenderize the chicken.

• Can I make these skewers ahead of time?

You can prepare the marinade and marinate the chicken in advance. However, for the best texture and flavor, assemble and cook the skewers just before serving to maintain their juiciness and prevent the chicken from becoming too soft.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 4

Teriyaki Chicken Skewer Ingredient List

• Soy Sauce: Delivers deep umami flavor and enhances overall seasoning with rich saltiness.
• Honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps create a glossy caramelized exterior on chicken.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds bright, tangy notes and tenderizes meat with its subtle acidity.
• Sesame Oil: Introduces nutty, aromatic undertones that elevate the dish's complexity.
• Garlic: Contributes robust, pungent flavor and supports immune health with its powerful compounds.
• Ginger: Brings warm, zesty spiciness and aids in meat tenderization.

• Cornstarch: Creates silky smooth sauce texture and helps marinade cling perfectly to chicken.
• Water (for cornstarch slurry): Allows cornstarch to blend smoothly and thicken sauce effectively.

• Sesame Seeds: Adds delightful crunch and toasty flavor with visual appeal.
• Green Onions: Provides fresh, mild onion flavor and vibrant color contrast.

Tools to Skewer and Grill Chicken Perfectly

• Grill or Grill Pan: Essential for creating those perfect charred marks and smoky flavor.
• Skewers: Wooden or metal skewers needed to thread and cook the chicken.
• Mixing Bowl: For whisking together the marinade ingredients.
• Whisk: To blend marinade ingredients smoothly.
• Resealable Bag or Large Bowl: For marinating the chicken.
• Small Saucepan: To cook and thicken the teriyaki sauce.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient proportions.
• Tongs: To handle and turn skewers during cooking.
• Baking Sheet (for oven method): Lined with foil for easy cleanup.

Grill Chicken Skewers With Sweet Teriyaki

• Create Flavor Explosion

Whip up a zesty marinade by mixing soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Tuck away a small portion of this liquid gold for later basting and dipping.

• Give Chicken a Bath

Dive the chicken pieces into the marinade, making sure every morsel gets cozy and covered. Let it chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 4 hours, allowing flavors to mingle and dance.

• Transform Sauce

Pour the reserved marinade into a small pan. Bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring in a cornstarch mixture to create a glossy, thick sauce that’ll make your taste buds sing.

• Build Your Skewer Masterpiece

Carefully thread marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving tiny gaps between pieces for even cooking.

• Unlock Delicious Potential

Grill method: Fire up the grill to medium-high heat. Cook skewers 8-10 minutes, turning and basting with teriyaki sauce until chicken reaches perfect doneness.

Oven method: Crank oven to 400F. Spread skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. Finish with a quick broil for those irresistible crispy edges.

• Serve with Flair

Sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions over your masterpiece. Pair with rice, noodles, or veggies, and keep extra sauce nearby for dipping pleasure.

Tips for Juicy Bites and Glazed Finish

• Let chicken marinate longer for deeper flavor, but avoid exceeding 4 hours to prevent the meat from becoming too salty or tough.
• Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before use to prevent burning during grilling or broiling.
• Replace honey with a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit sweetener for a diabetic-friendly version. Serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.
• Swap chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, adjusting cooking time to ensure proper heating and achieving a crispy exterior.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the marinade for those who enjoy a spicy kick to their teriyaki sauce.

Serve with Rice or Noodle Salad

• Rice Bowl Delight: Create a colorful rice bowl topped with the teriyaki chicken skewers, adding steamed edamame, pickled cucumber, and a sprinkle of furikake for extra flavor.
• Picnic Party Platter: Arrange skewers on a large platter with small dipping bowls of extra teriyaki sauce, perfect for casual outdoor gatherings or summer parties.
• Fresh Summer Salad: Slice the grilled chicken and place over a crisp mixed green salad with mandarin oranges, sliced almonds, and a light sesame dressing for a refreshing meal option.
• Quick Lunch Wrap: Chop the teriyaki chicken and wrap in a soft tortilla with shredded cabbage, quick-pickled carrots, and a drizzle of extra teriyaki sauce for a portable lunch.

Store and Reheat for Another Meal

• Store leftover teriyaki chicken skewers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Separate skewers from sauce to maintain crispness and prevent soggy texture.
• Allow skewers to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating. This prevents condensation and maintains the chicken's delicious texture.
• Warm skewers in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, ensuring they remain juicy and prevent drying out. Brush with extra teriyaki sauce to restore moisture and flavor.
• Wrap individual skewers in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating for best taste and texture.

Sizzling Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Sizzling teriyaki chicken skewers showcase Japanese grilling mastery with tender marinated meat. Glazed with sweet-savory sauce, these skewers offer a delightful blend of flavors you’ll savor at home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) soy sauce (low-sodium)
• 0.33 cup (80 ml) honey (or brown sugar)
• 0.25 cup (60 ml) rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) sesame oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsps water (slurry)
• 12–15 bamboo or metal skewers (if using bamboo, soak in water for 30 minutes)
• Sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions

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Instructions

1. Marinade Fusion: Whisk soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger into a vibrant flavor base, strategically reserving a portion for later basting and dipping.
2. Chicken Immersion: Submerge chicken pieces completely in marinade within a sealed container, refrigerating for 30 minutes to allow deep flavor infusion and tenderization.
3. Glaze Transformation: Simmer reserved marinade in a saucepan, incorporating cornstarch to create a glossy, rich teriyaki sauce with a perfect viscous texture.
4. Skewer Assembly: Thread marinated chicken onto wooden skewers with precise spacing, ensuring optimal heat conductivity and even cooking potential.
5. Cooking Method: Grill at medium-high heat, rotating skewers and generously brushing with teriyaki glaze until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature (approximately 8-10 minutes). Alternatively, oven-roast at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, finishing with a brief broiler blast to caramelize edges.
6. Garnish and Serve: Adorn skewers with toasted sesame seeds and delicate green onion slivers. Plate alongside steamed rice, noodles, or crisp vegetable medley, providing extra teriyaki sauce for enthusiastic dipping.

Notes

Prevent Meat Dryness: Marinate chicken for exactly 30 minutes to 2 hours maximum, avoiding over-soaking which breaks down protein fibers and creates mushy texture.

Manage Skewer Safety: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading chicken to prevent burning and potential charring during grilling.

Control Sauce Consistency: Whisk cornstarch mixture thoroughly without lumps and simmer sauce gently, stirring continuously to achieve smooth, glossy teriyaki glaze without burning.

Ensure Even Cooking: Cut chicken pieces uniformly in similar sizes, allowing consistent heat absorption and preventing undercooked or overcooked sections during grilling or baking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg