Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

The aroma of sweet and savory teriyaki chicken skewers wafting through the air is simply irresistible. This recipe brings you a delicious medley of grilled chicken infused with a rich teriyaki glaze that can be prepared in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The secret to its success lies in the marinating process, which ensures every bite bursts with flavor.

This recipe is ideal for family dinners or gatherings with friends, adding a touch of Asian flair to your table. Feel free to prepare the teriyaki marinade ahead of time; it keeps well in the fridge for up to a week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Juicy chicken skewers caramelized to perfection give you a delightful texture contrast.
• The homemade teriyaki marinade is simple yet packed with flavor.
• It only takes 10-15 minutes on the grill or in the oven, making it a quick meal solution.
• The dish is customizable—add your favorite vegetables to the skewers for added nutrition.

What You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients to prepare your skewers:

For the Marinade

• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup soy sauce, low sodium recommended
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1/2 tbsp fresh ginger extract, minced
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1/2 tsp sesame oil

For the Chicken

• 2 lbs. chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into 1" cubes

For Basting

• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 cup water

For Serving

• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onion
• 8 skewers

Use bamboo skewers soaked in water for best results.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Chicken thighs can be replaced with chicken breasts.
• Rice vinegar can be swapped with apple cider vinegar.
• Honey may be substituted with maple syrup.
• Fresh ginger extract can be swapped with ground ginger.

How to Make It

Follow these simple steps to create your teriyaki chicken skewers.

1. Whisk marinade

In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, minced ginger, honey, and sesame oil to create the teriyaki marinade.

2. Marinate chicken

Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.

3. Thread skewers

Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, ensuring they are not overcrowded.

4. Prepare thickening sauce

In a small saucepan, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. This will be used to baste the skewers.

5. Preheat grill or oven

Preheat grill to medium-high heat or oven to 400°F (200°C). Grill or bake skewers for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with the thickened sauce, until chicken is cooked through and lightly caramelized.

6. Garnish and serve

Remove skewers from heat. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Yes, it stores well for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Microwave or grill for 5 minutes until heated through.

Tips for Best Results

• Ensure the chicken is fully coated in marinade for maximum flavor.
• Soak bamboo skewers to prevent burning on the grill.
• Baste the skewers multiple times during cooking for a glazy finish.
• Allow the sauce to cool slightly before basting to maintain its thickness.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside jasmine rice and steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
• Pair with a fresh cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.
• Perfect for summer barbecues or casual family gatherings.