Sizzling Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Recipe: Fun Backyard Flavor

Teriyaki chicken skewers bring a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors that dance across your palate.

These tantalizing morsels capture the essence of Japanese-inspired grilling with a vibrant marinade that crafts ordinary chicken into something extraordinary.

Marinating proteins creates deep, complex taste profiles that elevate simple ingredients into culinary magic.

Each skewer represents a perfect balance between caramelized edges and tender, juicy meat that promises to impress dinner guests.

The marinade’s rich blend of ingredients infuses every bite with incredible depth and character.

Grilling techniques craft these skewers into a smoky, irresistible dish that beckons food lovers from across the table.

Summer gatherings or casual weeknight dinners will never be the same with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers With Sweet-Grilled Glaze

• Burst with Flavor: Homemade teriyaki sauce delivers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes that transform ordinary chicken into an irresistible grilled delicacy.
• Master Easy Marinading: Simple ziplock bag technique ensures every chicken piece gets completely coated, creating a foolproof method for maximum flavor penetration without extra dishes.
• Quick Weekend Grill Star: Minimal prep time and straightforward grilling process make these skewers an ideal choice for casual outdoor cooking, perfect for family gatherings or relaxed weekend meals.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Professional-style teriyaki glaze and beautiful garnish of green onions and sesame seeds elevate home cooking, allowing anyone to create restaurant-worthy dishes with minimal culinary skills.

Everything You Need for These Savory Skewers

• Chicken: Lean protein that absorbs teriyaki sauce flavors, best when using boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs.

• Soy Sauce, Water: Base for teriyaki sauce with rich umami and balanced saltiness.
• Brown Sugar: Provides sweet caramelized flavor and helps sauce thicken.
• Cornstarch, Water: Creates smooth sauce consistency and helps thicken teriyaki glaze.
• Garlic, Ginger: Adds aromatic depth and traditional Asian flavor profile.

• Wooden Skewers: Helps chicken cook evenly and creates classic kebab presentation, soak in water before use to prevent burning.
• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Fresh garnish that adds color, texture, and complementary flavor.
• Cooking Oil: Prevents chicken from sticking to grill grates, use neutral oil like vegetable or canola.

Instructions to Grill Teriyaki Chicken Just Right

Step 1: Craft the Saucy Magic

• Cornstarch
• Water
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Rice vinegar

Whisk cornstarch and water in a small bowl until silky smooth. Pour mixture into a saucepan with remaining sauce ingredients. Stir constantly over medium heat until sauce transforms into a rich, glossy brown. Remove from heat and let cool completely. Speed up cooling by popping it in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Grab your chicken and slice into bite-sized cubes. Transfer chicken to a large ziplock bag. Pour half the teriyaki sauce over the chicken. Seal and shake the bag until every chicken piece is coated in deliciousness. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors dance together. Keep the remaining sauce for later magic.

Step 3: Prepare the Grill

Fire up your grill to medium heat. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, creating tasty kebab masterpieces. Brush grill grates with a light coat of oil to prevent sticking. Lay skewers on the grill with confidence.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Cook skewers, rotating every 3-4 minutes to ensure even cooking. Watch for that golden-brown exterior and juicy interior. Chicken is ready when internal temperature hits 165°F, typically taking 20-30 minutes. During the final turns, brush skewers with reserved teriyaki sauce for extra flavor punch.

Step 5: Serve and Celebrate

Carefully remove skewers from the grill. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a final flourish. Plate immediately and enjoy your homemade teriyaki chicken skewer feast!

Grill Master Tips for Juicy, Glazed Skewers

• Marinate Strategically: Let chicken soak in teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 8 hours to prevent the meat from becoming too salty or tough.
• Control Grill Temperature: Maintain medium heat to ensure chicken cooks evenly without burning, preventing dry or charred exterior while keeping interior juicy.
• Check Meat Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to verify chicken reaches 165°F internally, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked skewers every time.
• Prevent Stick and Tear: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to stop them from burning and help chicken slide off smoothly.
• Enhance Flavor Layers: Brush extra teriyaki sauce during final grilling minutes to create caramelized edges and intensify the sweet-savory profile of the chicken.

How to Reheat Without Drying Out the Chicken

• Refrigeration: Store leftover teriyaki chicken skewers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Warm skewers in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, ensuring chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Drizzle extra teriyaki sauce to prevent dryness and restore moisture.
• Freezing: Wrap skewers tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain optimal flavor and texture.

Skewer Pairings That Complete the Meal

• Boost Flavor with Rice Companions: Serve teriyaki chicken skewers over steamed jasmine or short-grain rice to soak up the delicious sauce and create a complete meal that balances the sweet and savory flavors.
• Cool Down with Crisp Beverage: Pair the grilled skewers with a cold Japanese Sapporo beer or a crisp Pinot Grigio to cut through the richness of the teriyaki glaze and refresh your palate.
• Enhance with Fresh Side Salad: Complement the skewers with a light cucumber and seaweed salad dressed in rice vinegar, which adds a refreshing crunch and helps balance the sweet teriyaki sauce.
• Create Texture with Pickled Vegetables: Add a side of quick-pickled carrots or daikon radish to introduce a tangy counterpoint that brightens the overall dish and provides a zesty contrast to the grilled chicken.

Creative Teriyaki Chicken Variations to Try

• Spicy Kick Teriyaki: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a fiery flavor that tingles your taste buds. Adjust heat levels to personal preference for a customized spicy experience.
• Pineapple Fusion Skewers: Alternate chicken pieces with fresh pineapple chunks on the skewers. The sweet tropical fruit caramelizes beautifully on the grill, complementing the teriyaki's savory notes.
• Oven-Baked Alternative: For those without a grill, arrange marinated chicken skewers on a lined baking sheet. Roast at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, turning once and brushing with extra sauce to achieve a similar caramelized finish.
• Vegetarian Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, cutting into similar-sized cubes. Marinate and grill using the same technique, creating a plant-based version of this classic dish.

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Japanese-inspired teriyaki chicken skewers deliver a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. Succulent marinated chicken pieces grilled to caramelized perfection will transport you to Tokyo’s street food scene with each delicious bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 lbs (907 grams) chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into 1 inch cubes

Teriyaki Sauce/Marinade Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) water
• ⅓ cup (79 milliliters) soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
• ⅓ cup (71 grams) brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon (21 grams) honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil

Cooking and Garnish Accessories:

• 8 skewers

Optional Toppings:

• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onion

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft a velvety teriyaki sauce by whisking cornstarch with water until silky smooth in a small bowl, creating a glossy thickening agent.
2. Transfer the cornstarch mixture into a medium saucepan, incorporating all remaining sauce ingredients and stirring consistently while heating.
3. Simmer the sauce until it transforms into a rich, deep brown liquid with a glossy consistency, then remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
4. Accelerate cooling by transferring the sauce to the refrigerator, ensuring a chilled teriyaki base.
5. Select tender chicken pieces and slice into uniform cubes for consistent cooking and marination.
6. Place chicken cubes inside a large resealable bag, generously coating with half the prepared teriyaki sauce, ensuring every morsel is thoroughly dressed.
7. Refrigerate the marinating chicken for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
8. Prepare outdoor grill or grill pan by preheating to medium temperature and lightly oiling the cooking surface.
9. Carefully thread marinated chicken onto skewers, maintaining even spacing for uniform grilling.
10. Position skewers on heated grill, rotating every 3-4 minutes to achieve beautiful caramelization and ensure thorough cooking.
11. During final grilling moments, generously brush remaining teriyaki sauce over skewers, creating a glistening, flavorful exterior.
12. Verify chicken’s doneness by confirming internal temperature reaches 165°F, typically requiring 20-30 minutes total cooking time.
13. Garnish freshly grilled skewers with finely chopped green onions and a delicate sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
14. Serve immediately while chicken remains hot and sauce maintains its glossy, appetizing sheen.

Notes

• Prepare the teriyaki sauce ahead of time to allow cooling and flavor development before marinating chicken.
• Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes to ensure deep, rich flavor penetration and tenderizing effect.
• Use wooden skewers soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
• Check chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F to guarantee safe and fully cooked meat.
• Baste skewers with reserved sauce during final grilling moments for an extra layer of glossy, caramelized flavor.
• Garnish with fresh green onions and sesame seeds to add brightness and texture to the finished dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating time)
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg