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