Zingy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Recipe: Sweet & Savory Bites

Sizzling and packed with umami, these teriyaki chicken skewers bring a burst of Japanese-inspired flavor to your dinner table.

Grilled to perfection with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce that coats tender chicken pieces, this recipe promises an explosion of taste in every bite.

The marinade infuses the meat with deep, rich notes that caramelize beautifully over open flames.

Juicy chicken chunks thread onto skewers create an irresistible meal that looks as good as it tastes.

Summer barbecues or weeknight dinners will never be the same once you master these mouthwatering skewers.

Impressive yet simple, this dish turns an ordinary meal into a restaurant-quality experience that sparks conversation and delights everyone at the table.

Get ready to become the grill master among your friends with this foolproof teriyaki chicken skewers recipe that guarantees culinary success.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating time)

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 305 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

• Cornstarch: Magical thickening agent that gives the sauce its luxurious, glossy texture.
• Water: Essential liquid for creating smooth cornstarch mixture.
• Soy Sauce: Delivers deep, umami-rich flavor foundation.
• Brown Sugar: Introduces caramel-like sweetness and helps create glossy sauce.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic punch and complex depth.
• Ginger: Adds zesty, warm undertone with bright, spicy notes.

• Chicken: Lean protein that absorbs marinade beautifully, perfect for grilling.
• Green Onions: Fresh garnish that adds vibrant color and mild oniony crunch.
• Sesame Seeds: Nutty topping that brings delightful textural contrast.

• Skewers: Wooden or metal tools for easy chicken handling and beautiful presentation.
• Cooking Oil: Prevents chicken from sticking and ensures gorgeous grill marks.

Grilling Tool for Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

• Grill or grill pan: Essential for cooking the chicken skewers with perfect char marks.
• Skewers: Wooden or metal skewers to thread and grill the chicken pieces.
• Ziplock bag: Large bag for marinating chicken evenly in teriyaki sauce.
• Small bowl: For mixing cornstarch and water to create sauce thickener.
• Medium saucepan: Used to prepare and simmer the teriyaki sauce.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To accurately measure sauce ingredients.
• Cutting board: For cubing chicken and chopping green onions.
• Sharp knife: To cut chicken and garnish green onions.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring sauce while cooking.
• Tongs: To handle and turn skewers on the grill safely.

Skewering and Cooking Teriyaki Chicken

• Sauce Preparation

Craft a silky teriyaki sauce by mixing cornstarch with water in a saucepan. Blend in other sauce ingredients and simmer until the mixture transforms into a rich, glossy glaze. Let the sauce cool completely, creating a deep flavor profile.

• Chicken Marination

Cube the chicken and bathe it in half of the prepared teriyaki sauce. Seal in a bag and allow the meat to absorb the tantalizing flavors in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes.

• Skewer Grilling

Heat the grill to a medium temperature. Carefully thread the marinated chicken onto skewers. Place the skewers on the oiled grill grates, rotating every few minutes to ensure even cooking. Brush with remaining sauce during the final stages of grilling until the chicken reaches a perfect golden-brown and is thoroughly cooked.

• Final Presentation

Transfer the sizzling skewers from the grill to a serving plate. Sprinkle with fresh green onions and a light dusting of sesame seeds for an elegant touch. Serve immediately while the chicken remains hot and juicy.

Marinade and Serving Tips for Teriyaki Chicken

• Enhance flavor by marinating chicken for up to 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator for deeper teriyaki taste.
• Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from charring or catching fire during cooking.
• Swap grilling with oven baking at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or use a grill pan on the stovetop for similar delicious results.
• Replace chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef for diverse protein options that work perfectly with teriyaki sauce.
• Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the teriyaki sauce for a quick kick of heat and extra flavor complexity.

Best Ways to Plate Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

• Backyard BBQ Companion: Pair these sizzling teriyaki chicken skewers with fluffy white rice or coconut rice for a complete tropical-inspired meal.
• Asian-Inspired Platter: Create a vibrant spread by adding cucumber salad, pickled vegetables, and a small bowl of extra teriyaki sauce for dipping.
• Fresh Garden Side: Complement the savory skewers with a light mixed green salad featuring mandarin orange segments and a ginger-sesame vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
• Family-Style Feast: Serve the skewers on a large wooden board with various accompaniments like steamed edamame, roasted vegetables, and crispy wonton strips to encourage interactive and fun dining.

Storing Teriyaki Chicken Skewers After Cooking

• Refrigerator Life Span: Cooked teriyaki chicken skewers stay fresh for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. Keep the skewers whole or slice them for easy lunch prep.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual or batch portions of cooled skewers in plastic wrap, then place inside freezer-safe bags. These teriyaki delights will maintain quality for up to 2 months when properly sealed.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm refrigerated skewers in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. Brush with extra teriyaki sauce to restore moisture and prevent dryness during reheating.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the teriyaki sauce and marinate chicken up to 24 hours before grilling. This strategy helps develop deeper flavor profiles and reduces day-of cooking stress.

Mouthwatering Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering teriyaki chicken skewers combine Japanese flavors with grilled perfection. Marinated chicken pieces glazed with sweet soy sauce create an irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 2 lbs (907 grams) chicken thighs, cubed (can use breasts)
• 1 cup (240 ml) water
• ⅓ cup (79 ml) soy sauce (low sodium)
• ⅓ cup (71 grams) brown sugar
• 2 tbsps (30 grams) cornstarch
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp (21 grams) honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tbsp ginger, minced
• ½ tsp sesame oil
• 8 skewers
• Sesame seeds (optional)
• Chopped green onion (optional)

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Instructions

1. Sauce Preparation: Whisk cornstarch with water in a small bowl until smooth, creating a seamless thickening base for the teriyaki sauce.
2. Sauce Cooking: Transfer cornstarch mixture to a medium saucepan, blend in remaining sauce ingredients, and heat while stirring continuously until the liquid transforms into a rich, glossy brown consistency.
3. Sauce Cooling: Remove sauce from heat and refrigerate to expedite cooling, ensuring a chilled teriyaki base for marination.
4. Chicken Marination: Slice chicken into uniform cubes and place in a large resealable bag, coating thoroughly with half the prepared teriyaki sauce. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavor infusion.
5. Grill Preparation: Preheat outdoor grill or grill pan to medium heat, lightly oiling the cooking surface to prevent sticking.
6. Skewer Assembly: Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, maintaining even spacing for consistent cooking.
7. Grilling Process: Position skewers on heated grill, rotating every 3-4 minutes to achieve caramelization. During final moments, brush remaining teriyaki sauce over skewers to create a glistening exterior.
8. Doneness Check: Confirm chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F, typically requiring 20-30 minutes of total cooking time.
9. Serving: Garnish with finely chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds, serving immediately while chicken remains hot and sauce maintains its appetizing sheen.

Notes

• Sauce Thickening Technique: Whisk cornstarch with water until completely smooth to prevent lumps and ensure a silky, glossy teriyaki sauce.
• Marination Magic: Allow chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to maximize flavor absorption and tenderize the meat thoroughly.
• Grill Temperature Control: Maintain medium heat to achieve perfect caramelization without burning the chicken or sauce.
• Safety First: Always check chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F to guarantee safe and fully cooked meat.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating time)
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 305
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg