Teriyaki chicken skewers are a dish that never fails to impress. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply want a flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare, this recipe combines the savory, sweet, and tangy notes of teriyaki sauce with tender chicken, perfectly charred on the grill.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make epic Teriyaki Chicken Skewers at home. This recipe is ideal for grilling, but you can also make it in your oven if a grill isn’t available. We’ll cover how to make the best homemade teriyaki marinade, skewer the chicken, and achieve that perfect caramelized finish that’s bursting with flavor.
Why Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Are A Crowd-Pleaser
Teriyaki chicken skewers are popular for good reason. The skewers are simple to make, offer an irresistible combination of flavors, and are versatile enough for various occasions.
- Sweet and Savory Glaze: The teriyaki marinade blends soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic to give the chicken a sweet and savory glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
- Perfect for Any Event: Whether you’re preparing a casual family dinner or a large gathering, these skewers are sure to be a hit.
- Customizable: You can easily swap in vegetables or other proteins like beef or tofu to suit your dietary needs.
Now, let’s dive into the recipe and get grilling!
Ingredients for Epic Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
To achieve the ultimate teriyaki flavor, it’s important to balance sweetness, saltiness, and umami. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 10-12 wooden or metal skewers
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for grilling)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- 2 green onions (thinly sliced, for garnish)
For the Homemade Teriyaki Marinade:
- ½ cup soy sauce (preferably low-sodium)
- ¼ cup honey (or brown sugar)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
- ½ cup water (to adjust sauce consistency)
Optional Add-ons:
- Bell peppers, zucchini, or pineapple chunks for skewering alongside the chicken.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
1. Prepare the Teriyaki Marinade
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Whisk everything together until the honey dissolves and the ingredients are well-combined.
To thicken the sauce, make a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with ½ cup of water. Stir this into the marinade and simmer on low heat in a saucepan for 5 minutes, until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool.
2. Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken cubes in a large ziplock bag or bowl, and pour half of the cooled marinade over the chicken. Reserve the remaining marinade for basting and serving. Seal the bag or cover the bowl, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the chicken to soak up all the delicious flavors. For best results, marinate for 2-4 hours.
3. Soak the Skewers (If Using Wooden Ones)
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20-30 minutes before grilling. This helps prevent them from burning on the grill.
4. Assemble the Skewers
Once the chicken is fully marinated, thread the chicken cubes onto the skewers. You can alternate with bell peppers, zucchini, or pineapple chunks if desired, which adds both color and texture to the skewers.
5. Grill the Chicken Skewers
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F). Brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 12-15 minutes, turning every 4-5 minutes. Brush the chicken with the reserved marinade during the last few minutes of cooking to enhance the flavor and create a beautiful glaze.
6. Caramelize and Serve
During the last minute of grilling, brush the skewers with a final coat of teriyaki glaze and sprinkle with sesame seeds. The sauce should caramelize slightly for a rich, glossy finish. Once the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred, remove the skewers from the grill.
Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and serve the skewers hot.
Cooking Tips for the Best Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
- Don’t Skip the Marinade: Marinating the chicken ensures the meat absorbs all the wonderful teriyaki flavors, making the chicken more tender and juicy.
- Keep an Eye on the Grill: Since the teriyaki sauce contains sugar, it can burn if left on high heat for too long. Be sure to monitor the skewers closely to avoid burning.
- Preheat the Grill: Always preheat your grill before placing the skewers. This helps the chicken cook evenly and achieve those beautiful grill marks.
Teriyaki Chicken Skewers in the Oven
If you don’t have access to a grill, no worries! You can make these teriyaki chicken skewers in the oven.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Place the assembled skewers on the prepared baking sheet and cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- During the last few minutes of cooking, brush with the reserved teriyaki sauce and broil on high for 1-2 minutes to get a caramelized finish.
Serving Suggestions for Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Teriyaki chicken skewers pair well with a variety of side dishes:
- Steamed White Rice or Jasmine Rice: The mild flavor of rice perfectly complements the bold teriyaki glaze.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: Serve with a medley of bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots sautéed with a touch of soy sauce.
- Asian-Inspired Salad: A crisp salad with a sesame dressing can add a refreshing contrast to the skewers.
- Grilled Pineapple: The natural sweetness of pineapple enhances the tangy teriyaki flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are a great alternative! They are juicier and more flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, since thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
How long should I marinate the chicken for?
For best results, marinate the chicken for 2-4 hours. If you’re short on time, 30 minutes will still give a good flavor, but longer marinating times result in deeper flavor.
Can I freeze the chicken in the marinade?
Yes! You can freeze the marinated chicken for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to cook, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and grill as directed.
What can I use if I don’t have a grill?
If you don’t have a grill, the oven works just as well. Broiling in the last couple of minutes ensures a crispy, caramelized finish.
How do I prevent wooden skewers from burning?
To prevent wooden skewers from burning, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes before threading the chicken and grilling.
Can I make the sauce in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the teriyaki sauce up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and warm it slightly before using.