Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Recipe

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are a delicious, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for grilling season or any time you’re in the mood for something savory with a hint of sweetness.

These skewers are marinated in a homemade teriyaki sauce, which infuses the chicken with incredible flavor before being grilled to perfection. Serve them as an appetizer, main course, or a fun party dish – they’re versatile, tasty, and always a hit!

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, mirin, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved and the ingredients are well combined.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a resealable plastic bag or a large bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to develop.

Step 2: Prepare the Skewers

1. Assemble the Skewers: Once the chicken has marinated, thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers. If you’re using wooden skewers, ensure they’ve been soaked in water to prevent burning on the grill.
2. Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using an indoor grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Grill the Skewers

1. Grill the Chicken: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has a nice char. Use a basting brush to occasionally brush more marinade over the chicken as it cooks, enhancing the flavor.
2. Check for Doneness: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.

Step 4: Optional: Thicken the Sauce

1. Thicken the Teriyaki Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce to serve with the skewers, transfer the remaining marinade to a small saucepan. In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Bring the marinade to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish: Remove the skewers from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a finishing touch.
2. Serve: Serve the Teriyaki Chicken Skewers hot with the thickened sauce on the side for dipping. Pair with steamed rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Side Dishes

• Steamed Rice: Classic white or brown rice pairs perfectly with the sweet and savory teriyaki sauce.
• Grilled Vegetables: Grilled bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms complement the skewers beautifully.
• Asian Slaw: A fresh, crunchy slaw with a tangy dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken.

Beverage Pairings

• Green Tea: A light, refreshing option that balances the richness of the chicken.
• Cold Beer: A crisp, cold beer is a great match for the grilled, savory flavors of the dish.
• Sake: A traditional Japanese rice wine that pairs well with the sweet and savory notes of teriyaki.

Tips for Success

Marinating for Maximum Flavor

• Overnight Marination: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. This allows the marinade to penetrate the chicken fully, resulting in juicy, flavorful bites.

Using the Right Chicken

• Breasts vs. Thighs: Both chicken breasts and thighs work well for this recipe. Thighs tend to be juicier, while breasts are leaner – choose based on your preference.

Grilling Tips

• Preventing Sticking: Lightly oil the grill grates or grill pan to prevent the chicken from sticking. This also helps achieve those desirable grill marks.
• Even Cooking: Cut the chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking across all the skewers.

Conclusion

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are a delightful dish that brings together the best of sweet and savory flavors in every bite. With a few simple ingredients and some time to marinate, you can easily recreate this takeout favorite at home. Perfect for grilling season or any time you’re in the mood for something deliciously satisfying, these skewers are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

FAQs

Can I bake these skewers instead of grilling them?

Yes, you can bake the skewers in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through. Broil for the last few minutes to get a nice char.

Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought teriyaki sauce works well. Just be sure to choose a good quality sauce for the best flavor.

How do I store leftovers?

Leftover Teriyaki Chicken Skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Can I freeze the marinated chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before threading onto skewers and grilling.

What other meats can I use for this recipe?

This marinade works well with other meats like beef, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose.

Yield: 4

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Recipe

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Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are a delicious, easy-to-make dish that's perfect for grilling season or any time you're in the mood for something savory with a hint of sweetness. These skewers are marinated in a homemade teriyaki sauce, which infuses the chicken with incredible flavor before being grilled to perfection. Serve them as an appetizer, main course, or a fun party dish – they’re versatile, tasty, and always a hit!

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Marinating Time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 10-12 wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling)
• For the Teriyaki Marinade:
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine) or rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water
• For Garnish:
• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, mirin (or rice vinegar), sesame oil, garlic, and ginger until well combined.
   In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then add it to the marinade. Stir well to incorporate.
   
2. Marinate the Chicken:
   Place the chicken cubes in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the teriyaki marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated evenly. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours for best flavor.
   
3. Preheat the Grill:
   Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C). If you don't have a grill, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop or broil the skewers in the oven.
   
4. Assemble the Skewers:
   Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
   
5. Grill the Skewers:
   Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char. Baste the skewers with any remaining marinade during grilling for extra flavor, but stop basting a few minutes before they are done to avoid cross-contamination.
   
6. Serve:
   Once the chicken is cooked through and has a nice glaze, remove the skewers from the grill. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish. Serve hot.

Notes

Chicken: Chicken thighs are recommended for a juicier result, but chicken breasts can be used if preferred. Be mindful of cooking time as breasts tend to dry out quicker.

Marinade: The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be. However, do not marinate for more than 4 hours as the chicken can become too tender.

Cooking Method: If you don’t have access to a grill, you can broil the skewers in the oven for a similar effect. Place them on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil on high for about 6-8 minutes per side.

Side Dishes: These skewers pair well with steamed rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.