Sizzling Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Recipe for Summer Grilling

Have you ever craved a mouthwatering teriyaki chicken skewers dish that transports you straight to Japanese street food paradise?

My weekend adventures in cooking began with discovering this incredible flavor combination.

Tender chicken pieces marinated in a glossy, sweet-savory sauce create an irresistible meal that sparks conversation around the dinner table.

Regional ingredients blend seamlessly to produce a delightful culinary experience that feels both authentic and exciting.

Succulent meat chunks threaded onto wooden skewers promise a delectable grilling experience that will impress anyone watching you cook.

Weekend warriors and casual home chefs can master this simple yet sophisticated recipe with minimal effort.

Let’s unlock the secrets to making restaurant-quality teriyaki chicken skewers that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What to Serve with Teriyaki Skewers

• Select a slightly sweet German Riesling to balance the teriyaki's savory-sweet profile, cutting through the rich chicken flavor while complementing the dish's umami notes.
• Create a zesty Asian-inspired coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, rice vinegar, and toasted sesame seeds to provide a crunchy, refreshing contrast to the warm skewers.
• Prepare fluffy jasmine rice mixed with diced green onions and a hint of ginger, which will soak up the teriyaki sauce and enhance the chicken's marinade flavors.
• Whip up a quick pickle-style cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar, a touch of sugar, and red pepper flakes to add a cool, tangy element that brightens the entire dish.

Why Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Make Mealtime Fun

• Master this teriyaki chicken skewers recipe with just a few easy steps, perfect for both beginner and experienced home cooks who want a delicious meal without complex techniques.
• Prepare these skewers in under an hour, including marinating time, making it an ideal solution for busy families craving a flavorful dinner that doesn't require hours of preparation.
• Enjoy flexible preparation methods with both grill and oven techniques, allowing you to create tasty chicken skewers regardless of your kitchen setup or outdoor cooking preferences.
• Combine sweet and savory teriyaki sauce with tender chicken, creating a universally appealing dish that satisfies different taste buds and works perfectly for family dinners or casual gatherings.

What You’ll Need for Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

• Chicken: Tender, boneless meat perfect for absorbing marinade flavors. Best to use chicken thighs or breasts cut into uniform pieces.

• Soy Sauce, Honey: Creates rich, sweet-savory base for chicken flavor. Low-sodium soy sauce recommended for better control of salt content.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds tangy brightness and helps tenderize meat. Unseasoned rice vinegar works best.
• Sesame Oil: Provides nutty, deep flavor characteristic of Asian cuisine. Use toasted sesame oil for more intense taste.

• Garlic, Ginger: Fresh ingredients that add depth and traditional Asian flavor profile. Freshly minced recommended over pre-chopped versions.

• Cornstarch: Essential for creating glossy, clingy sauce texture. Ensures marinade transforms into smooth, coating sauce.

• Skewers: Metal or wooden skewers for grilling chicken. Wooden skewers should be soaked in water to prevent burning.

• Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Adds visual appeal and fresh, complementary flavor. Toasted sesame seeds provide extra crunch.

• Grill, Oven: Flexible cooking methods to achieve caramelized, slightly charred exterior. High heat crucial for best results.

How to Grill Teriyaki Chicken Skewers at Home

Step 1: Whip Up Flavor Explosion

• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Garlic
• Ginger

Blend all ingredients in a mixing bowl, whisking until completely combined. Set aside a portion for later magic.

Step 2: Bath the Chicken

Transfer chicken pieces into a spacious container or zip-lock bag. Pour marinade over chicken, massaging to ensure complete coverage. Chill in refrigerator for 30 minutes to 4 hours.

Step 3: Transform Marinade into Silky Sauce

Pour reserved marinade into a small pot. Heat gently over medium temperature. Create cornstarch mixture separately, then incorporate into sauce. Stir continuously until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

Step 4: Prepare Skewer Magic

Slide marinated chicken onto wooden or metal skewers. Maintain small gaps between chicken chunks for even cooking.

Step 5: Cook to Perfection

• Warm grill to medium-high heat
• Position skewers on grates
• Cook 8-10 minutes
• Rotate periodically
• Brush with teriyaki sauce
• Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F

• Preheat oven to 400°F
• Line baking sheet with aluminum foil
• Arrange skewers
• Bake 15-20 minutes
• Flip midway
• Optional: Broil 2-3 minutes for caramelized edges

Step 6: Elevate the Presentation

Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over skewers. Plate alongside steamed rice, noodles, or fresh vegetables. Serve remaining sauce for dipping.

Tips for Flavorful Chicken Skewers

• Marinate Strategically: Let chicken soak in marinade for at least 30 minutes to maximize flavor absorption and tenderize the meat.
• Control Heat Levels: Maintain medium-high grill or oven temperature to ensure chicken cooks evenly without burning or drying out.
• Baste Frequently: Brush teriyaki sauce during cooking to create a glossy, caramelized exterior and lock in moisture.
• Create Uniform Pieces: Cut chicken into similar-sized chunks for consistent cooking and even marination.
• Safety First: Always check internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F to prevent foodborne illnesses and ensure proper doneness.

Store and Reheat Skewers the Right Way

• Store leftover skewers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Warm skewers at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Drizzle extra teriyaki sauce before reheating to maintain moisture.
• Quickly reheat individual portions for 30-45 seconds, adding a splash of water to prevent chicken from becoming tough. Stir or rotate midway through heating.
• Remove chicken from skewers before storing for easier storage and more even reheating. Discard any leftovers left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Switch Up the Sauce for Skewers

• Low-Sodium Variation: Replace regular soy sauce with low-sodium soy sauce or tamari to reduce salt content while maintaining rich flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional soy sauce with coconut aminos or gluten-free tamari sauce, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Substitute chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or large portobello mushroom pieces, using identical marinating and cooking techniques for plant-based protein.
• Spicy Kick Version: Add sriracha, red pepper flakes, or gochujang to the marinade for enhanced heat and complex flavor depth.

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling teriyaki chicken skewers deliver Japanese-inspired grilling magic straight to summer dinner tables. Juicy marinated chicken pieces glazed with sweet-savory sauce promise a quick, delicious meal you’ll savor with friends and family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 12–15 bamboo or metal skewers (if using bamboo, soak in water for 30 minutes before using)

Teriyaki Marinade and Sauce:

• 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 0.33 cup (80 milliliters) honey (or brown sugar)
• 0.25 cup (60 milliliters) rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) sesame oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

Garnish (Optional):

• Sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions

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Instructions

1. Craft a robust marinade by blending soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a mixing vessel. Separate a portion for future basting and dipping purposes.
2. Immerse chicken pieces thoroughly in the marinade within a sealed container, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply.
3. Transfer reserved marinade to a compact saucepan. Activate heat to medium, introducing a cornstarch mixture to create a glossy, thickened sauce. Remove from warmth once consistency transforms.
4. Carefully thread marinated chicken onto wooden skewers, maintaining consistent spacing to guarantee uniform heat distribution.
5. For grilling: Establish medium-high temperature on grill surface. Position skewers, rotating periodically and brushing with teriyaki glaze. Cook until internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F, approximately 8-10 minutes.
6. Alternative oven preparation: Preheat to 400°F. Arrange skewers on foil-lined baking sheet. Roast for 15-20 minutes, intermittently turning and glazing. Activate broiler for 2-3 minutes to achieve caramelized edges.
7. Elevate presentation by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and finely sliced green onions. Accompany with steamed rice, noodles, or crisp vegetables, presenting additional teriyaki sauce for complementary dipping.

Notes

• Experiment with different protein options like tofu, shrimp, or beef to create varied teriyaki skewers for diverse dietary preferences.
• Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the authentic teriyaki flavor profile.
• Allow extra marinating time for deeper flavor penetration, but avoid exceeding 4 hours to prevent meat texture breakdown.
• Consider soaking wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading chicken to prevent burning during grilling or baking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg