Name: Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts cut into 1 inch cubes; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 cup water; 1/3 cup brown sugar; 1/3 cup soy sauce low sodium recommended; 2 cloves garlic minced; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1/2 tablespoon fresh ginger minced; 1 tablespoon honey; 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil; 8 skewers; sesame seeds optional; chopped green onion optional

Jump to Recipe

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers bring together tender chicken, a rich homemade sauce, and the irresistible flavor of the grill. This recipe creates juicy skewers that cook quickly and deliver a sweet-savory glaze in every bite. Whether you prepare them for a weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue, these skewers offer a simple yet satisfying option. The Teriyaki Chicken Skewers marinade coats each piece of chicken with bold flavor while grilling adds a lightly smoky finish. Serve them over steamed rice with sesame seeds and green onions for a dish that feels restaurant-worthy yet easy enough to make at home.

Story

The first time I prepared Teriyaki Chicken Skewers, I wanted a grilled dish that tasted both sweet and savory without complicated steps. After testing a few variations, this recipe quickly became a family favorite. The homemade sauce thickens into a glossy glaze that clings to the chicken while grilling brings out its natural flavor.

Because the sauce works as both a marinade and finishing glaze, Teriyaki Chicken Skewers stay juicy and flavorful from the first bite to the last. As the skewers cook, the sauce caramelizes slightly, creating the same delicious taste you expect from restaurant-style grilled teriyaki chicken.

Today I prepare these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers whenever I want a simple grilled meal that feels special. They pair beautifully with rice and vegetables, and the preparation stays straightforward enough for beginners. If you enjoy a reliable chicken skewers recipe, this one delivers consistent flavor every time.

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes	2 lbs
Cornstarch	2 tablespoons
Water	1 cup
Brown sugar	1/3 cup
Soy sauce (low sodium recommended)	1/3 cup
Garlic, minced	2 cloves
Rice vinegar	1 tablespoon
Fresh ginger, minced	1/2 tablespoon
Honey	1 tablespoon
Sesame oil	1/2 teaspoon
Skewers	8
Sesame seeds (optional)	For garnish
Chopped green onion (optional)	For garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Ingredients

Start by preparing the teriyaki sauce because it also serves as the marinade for the Teriyaki Chicken Skewers. Combine cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth. Next, place the brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, rice vinegar, ginger, honey, sesame oil, and the cornstarch mixture into a medium saucepan.

Stir constantly while heating the mixture over medium heat until it reaches a gentle simmer. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes a dark glossy brown. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the sauce to cool completely. Refrigerating the sauce speeds up the cooling process and prevents the chicken from cooking during marination.

Once the sauce cools, place the cubed chicken in a large zip-top bag and pour half of the sauce over it. Shake gently to coat the chicken evenly. Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes while reserving the remaining sauce for grilling.

Cooking Instructions

Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers while heating your grill to medium heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking before placing the skewers on the grill.

Cook the skewers for about 20 to 30 minutes, turning them every three to four minutes to cook evenly. As the chicken grills, brush the skewers with the remaining teriyaki sauce during the final turns. This step creates a sticky glaze that gives these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers their rich flavor and glossy appearance.

Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the skewers from the grill and allow them to rest briefly before serving.

Tips for Perfect Results

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid adding warm sauce directly to raw chicken because heat can start cooking the meat prematurely. Always allow the sauce to cool completely before using it as a marinade.

Another common mistake involves overcrowding the skewers. Leave a small gap between chicken pieces so heat circulates properly. This method helps the chicken cook evenly and prevents steaming instead of grilling.

Finally, turn the skewers regularly while grilling. Consistent turning helps develop the signature flavor of best chicken skewers without burning the glaze.

Pro Tips for Better Flavor

Chicken thighs deliver the most tender result because their natural fat keeps the meat juicy during grilling. However, chicken breast also works well when cut into evenly sized cubes.

For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken for up to two hours. The longer resting time allows the teriyaki mixture to soak into the meat.

If grilling outdoors is not possible, cook the skewers on a grill pan over medium heat. This method still creates delicious grilled teriyaki chicken with a slightly caramelized glaze.

Serving and Storage

How to Serve

Serve Teriyaki Chicken Skewers over steamed white rice or jasmine rice to absorb the flavorful sauce. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the top for added texture and freshness.

These skewers also pair beautifully with grilled vegetables, stir-fried broccoli, or a simple cucumber salad. Because they cook quickly and serve easily, they make an excellent option for casual dinners or summer gatherings.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Remove the chicken from the skewers before storing for easier reheating.

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding a small splash of water or extra teriyaki sauce helps keep the chicken moist during reheating.

Conclusion

These Teriyaki Chicken Skewers offer a delicious combination of sweet teriyaki glaze and smoky grilled chicken. The homemade sauce, simple marinade process, and quick cooking time make this recipe reliable for both busy weeknights and relaxed outdoor grilling. Once you try this flavorful recipe, it will likely become one of your favorite ways to prepare chicken on the grill.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake Teriyaki Chicken Skewers instead of grilling them?

Yes, you can bake the skewers in a 400°F oven for about 20 to 25 minutes. Turn them halfway through cooking and brush with extra sauce near the end to achieve a glazed finish similar to grilling.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

Thirty minutes provides good flavor, but marinating for one to two hours allows the sauce to soak deeper into the chicken. Avoid marinating overnight because the soy sauce can make the texture slightly firm.

What vegetables pair well with chicken skewers?

Bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and onions pair perfectly with this recipe. You can even thread vegetables onto separate skewers and grill them alongside the chicken.