Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
I remember the first time I made Teriyaki Chicken Skewers. It was a sunny Saturday afternoon, and my friends had come over for a casual barbecue. I wanted to impress them with something easy but utterly delicious. After some simple prep and a bit of grilling, we were all savoring the sweet and savory bites of juicy chicken. The smiles on their faces and the laughter that echoed around the backyard made it clear: these skewers were a hit. You’ll find that this recipe not only satisfies your taste buds but also brings everyone together around the table. Perfect for family gatherings or a fun night with friends, Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are sure to become a favorite in your home just as they have in mine.
Why make this recipe?
You should definitely try making Teriyaki Chicken Skewers for several reasons. First, the taste is simply mouthwatering. The combination of sweet and savory flavors from the teriyaki sauce perfectly complements the juicy chicken, making every bite an explosion of deliciousness.
Next, this recipe is incredibly easy and quick! You can whip it up in about 30 minutes (plus marinating time), making it not just a weeknight dinner option but also great for weekend get-togethers. Plus, it’s budget-friendly; chicken thighs won’t break the bank, especially when you make this at home.
Also, kids love it! If you have picky eaters at home, they often enjoy eating food off skewers, and the sweet teriyaki sauce will win them over. Even if you’re new to cooking, this recipe walks you through each step, so you can confidently impress your guests and family alike.
How to make Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Making Teriyaki Chicken Skewers is an enjoyable experience that requires minimal tools. You’ll only need a medium saucepan for the sauce and some skewers for grilling. The entire process starts with preparing a delightful teriyaki sauce, marinating the chicken, and finally grilling them to perfection.
Expect this culinary adventure to take about an hour in total, which includes 30 minutes of marinating time. The most challenging part? Picking out your favorite vegetables to pair with the skewers!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. chicken thighs (or breasts) (cut into 1" cubes)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 cup water
- 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 (minced)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- 8 skewers
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Chopped green onion, for garnish
Step-by-step directions
Let’s dive into the preparation of these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers! It’s a simple process, and I promise you’ll love how easy it is.
First, make the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water. Then, in a medium saucepan, add the remaining ingredients along with the cornstarch and water mixture. Stir the mixture frequently as you bring it to a simmer. Keep cooking until the sauce lightly thickens and darkens, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Once it has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool completely. If you’re in a hurry, popping it in the fridge can speed this up!
Marinate the chicken: Once the sauce is cooled, grab a large ziplock bag. Toss in the cubed chicken and pour half of the teriyaki sauce over it. Seal the bag and gently shake to coat the chicken evenly. Place the bag in the fridge and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. Set aside the remaining sauce for later.
Prepare the grill: When the chicken is ready, thread it onto the skewers. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
Grill the skewers: Once the grill is nice and hot, carefully place the skewers on the lightly oiled grill. Grill the skewers for about 20-30 minutes, turning them every 3-4 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. During the last few turns, baste the baby with the reserved teriyaki sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
Serve: Once done, remove the skewers from the grill and serve hot. Garnish with chopped green onion and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that extra flair.
How to serve Teriyaki Chicken Skewers?
When it comes to serving Teriyaki Chicken Skewers, the possibilities are endless! Pair them with a fluffy scoop of rice or some tasty stir-fried vegetables for a well-rounded meal. You might also consider serving them with a crisp Asian-style salad or some fresh cucumber salad to balance the sweetness of the dish.
For a delightful touch, try dipping the finished skewers in additional teriyaki sauce or serve them with a side of soy sauce. Don’t forget to top off your dish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for that gorgeous presentation!
How to store Teriyaki Chicken Skewers?
Leftovers? No problem! If you have extra Teriyaki Chicken Skewers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm them up on the grill for a few minutes, or microwave them for a minute or two until heated through.
Tips for perfect Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Don’t skip the marination: Letting the chicken soak in the sauce not only enhances the flavor but also keeps the meat tender and juicy. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but marinating overnight will take the taste to the next level.
Use a meat thermometer: Ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees to guarantee it’s cooked properly.
Make it colorful: Toss in colorful vegetables onto the skewers like bell peppers, zucchini, or onions for extra flavor and visual appeal.
Keep the grill properly oiled: This helps to prevent the chicken from sticking to the grates, making flipping easier and keeping your skewers intact.
Watch the time!: Chicken can easily go from juicy to dry if overcooked. Set a timer or keep an eye on your skewers while they cook.
Variations
Feel free to switch things up with these variations:
Vegetarian option: Replace chicken with firm tofu or your favorite vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini for a delicious vegetarian version.
Different proteins: You can use shrimp, steak, or pork instead of chicken. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary based on the protein you choose.
Spicy kick: If you’re a fan of heat, add some red pepper flakes or sriracha to the marinade for a spicy twist.
FAQs about Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Can I substitute chicken thighs with breasts?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs offer a more tender and juicy result, chicken breasts work just as well. Just remember that breasts can dry out if overcooked, so monitor the grilling time closely.
Why is my teriyaki sauce not thickening?
If your sauce isn’t thickening, make sure you’ve mixed the cornstarch thoroughly with the water before adding it to the saucepan. If it’s still too thin, let it simmer a bit longer, stirring frequently.
Can I prepare the skewers in advance?
Certainly! You can marinate the chicken and thread it onto the skewers up to a day ahead of time. Just store them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to grill.
With your Teriyaki Chicken Skewers prepped and ready, you’re all set for a delightful meal full of flavor. Enjoy your cooking adventures, and more importantly, enjoy the delicious reactions from everyone who gets to savor your creation!
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Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Delicious teriyaki chicken skewers perfect for barbecues and gatherings, featuring a sweet and savory flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. chicken thighs (cut into 1″ cubes)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 cup water
- 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 (minced)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- 8 skewers
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Chopped green onion, for garnish
Instructions
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water. Then, in a medium saucepan, add the remaining ingredients along with the cornstarch and water mixture. Stir the mixture frequently as you bring it to a simmer, cooking until it thickens and darkens, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Marinate the chicken: Once the sauce is cooled, place cubed chicken in a large ziplock bag. Pour half of the teriyaki sauce over the chicken, seal the bag, and shake to coat. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the grill: Thread marinated chicken onto skewers and preheat your grill to medium heat.
- Grill the skewers: Place skewers on the grill and cook for 20-30 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes until chicken is cooked through (internal temp of 165°F). Baste with reserved teriyaki sauce during the last few turns.
- Serve: Remove skewers from grill, serve hot, and garnish with chopped green onion and sesame seeds.
Notes
For best results, let the chicken marinate longer. Serve with rice or stir-fried vegetables.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: teriyaki chicken, skewers, barbecue, easy recipe, grill