Best Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Recipe

Teriyaki chicken skewers are a delicious and easy-to-make dish featuring tender, marinated chicken grilled to perfection with a flavorful, sweet, and savory teriyaki glaze. This recipe is perfect for summer barbecues, casual dinners, or meal prepping. With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a mouthwatering dish that pairs well with a variety of sides.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Teriyaki Marinade:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and minced ginger until combined. This will be used both as a marinade and as the sauce.

2. Marinate the Chicken:

• Place the chicken cubes in a ziplock bag or a large bowl. Pour half of the teriyaki marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Seal the bag (or cover the bowl) and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 hours for maximum flavor.

3. Soak the Skewers (if using wooden skewers):

• While the chicken is marinating, soak the wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent them from burning on the grill.

4. Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce:

• In a small saucepan, add the remaining half of the teriyaki marinade. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch-water mixture and let the sauce thicken, stirring constantly for about 3-4 minutes. Once it reaches a thick, glaze-like consistency, remove from heat and set aside.

5. Assemble the Skewers:

• Once the chicken has marinated, thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.

6. Grill the Chicken Skewers:

• Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• In the last few minutes of grilling, brush the skewers with the prepared teriyaki sauce for an extra layer of flavor.

7. Serve:

• Once the chicken skewers are done, remove them from the grill and brush with more teriyaki sauce, if desired. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh finish.

Tips and Variations:

1. Add Vegetables:

• For added flavor and nutrition, thread vegetables like bell peppers, red onions, or pineapple chunks onto the skewers between the chicken pieces. The sweet pineapple pairs especially well with the teriyaki flavor.

2. Baking Option:

• If you don’t have access to a grill, bake the chicken skewers in a 400°F oven for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through and brushing with teriyaki sauce.

3. Spice It Up:

• Add a little heat by stirring in some red pepper flakes or sriracha into the teriyaki marinade for a spicy kick.

4. Gluten-Free Option:

• For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Serving Suggestions:

• Rice or Noodles:
  • Serve the teriyaki chicken skewers over steamed white or brown rice, or alongside stir-fried noodles for a complete meal.
• Grilled Vegetables:
  • Grilled veggies like zucchini, asparagus, or bok choy are excellent accompaniments to the skewers.
• Salad:
  • A fresh, light cucumber or cabbage salad with a sesame dressing pairs wonderfully with the bold flavors of the teriyaki chicken.

Storage and Reheating:

In the Fridge:

• Store leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on a grill for best results.

In the Freezer:

• You can also freeze the marinated chicken before grilling for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before grilling. Alternatively, freeze cooked chicken skewers for up to 2 months and reheat as needed.

Conclusion:

This Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Recipe delivers an irresistible balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner or an outdoor barbecue. Pair it with your favorite sides, and you’ve got a meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Yield: 4

Best Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Recipe

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Teriyaki chicken skewers are a delicious and easy-to-make dish featuring tender, marinated chicken grilled to perfection with a flavorful, sweet, and savory teriyaki glaze. This recipe is perfect for summer barbecues, casual dinners, or meal prepping. With just a few ingredients, you'll have a mouthwatering dish that pairs well with a variety of sides.

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Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 12 minutes

Marinating Time 15 minutes

Total Time 42 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 8-10 wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes if grilling)
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
• Chopped green onions, for garnish
• For the Teriyaki Marinade:
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey (or brown sugar)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon mirin (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken, optional)
• 1/4 cup water (for cornstarch mixture, if thickening)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Teriyaki Marinade:
   In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, mirin (if using), and black pepper.
   If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water to create a slurry, and set aside for later.
   
2. Marinate the Chicken:
   Place the cubed chicken into a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour half of the teriyaki marinade over the chicken, reserving the other half for basting and dipping.
   Seal the bag or cover the dish, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours (the longer, the better).
   
3. Preheat Grill or Broiler:
   If grilling, preheat the grill to medium-high heat. If using the broiler, set your oven's broiler to high.
   
4. Assemble the Skewers:
   Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers (or metal skewers), leaving a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
   
5. Cook the Chicken Skewers:
   Grill Method: Place the chicken skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with the reserved marinade during the last few minutes of cooking. Grill until the chicken is cooked through and has a slight char.
   Broiler Method: Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil. Broil for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through and basting with the reserved marinade until the chicken is cooked through and slightly caramelized.
   
6. Thicken the Reserved Marinade (Optional):
   While the chicken is cooking, pour the remaining teriyaki marinade into a small saucepan. If you'd like a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry and heat over medium heat until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
   
7. Serve:
   Once the chicken is done, remove it from the grill or broiler. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve the skewers with the thickened teriyaki sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.

Notes

Make it Spicy: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or Sriracha to the marinade for a spicy kick.

Vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to the skewers for extra color and flavor.

Serving Suggestions: These skewers pair wonderfully with steamed rice, a light salad, or stir-fried veggies.

Storage: Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.