Get ready to light up your tastebuds with Teriyaki Chicken Skewers, a dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors with juicy, flame-kissed chicken. These irresistible skewers are a staple at backyard BBQs, cozy family dinners, or even busy weeknights when you need something delicious and satisfying. Every bite is glazed in a sticky teriyaki sauce that caramelizes beautifully on the grill, making this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving friends, family, or just treating yourself, Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are destined to become a favorite in your rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Teriyaki Chicken Skewers lies in their simplicity—each ingredient brings something special to the table, from tenderness and flavor to gorgeous color and shine. These pantry staples create a marinade and glaze that lets the chicken shine, while still infusing every bite with addictive umami.
- Chicken breast, cubed: Lean, juicy, and perfect for absorbing the marinade so every piece is tender and flavorful.
- Teriyaki sauce: The star of the show; a blend of salty, sweet, and tangy notes that gives the skewers their signature taste.
- Soy sauce: Adds depth, saltiness, and enhances that classic umami richness in the marinade.
- Honey: Helps the sauce caramelize beautifully on the grill and adds a glossy, sticky sweetness.
- Sesame oil: A splash of nuttiness that rounds out the sauce and gives everything a mouthwatering aroma.
- Wooden skewers: The vessel for this dish—soak them first to prevent burning and make threading a snap.
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
To kick things off, combine the teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil in a large bowl, whisking everything until smooth and glossy. Add the cubed chicken and toss until every piece is coated with that irresistible marinade. Let the chicken soak up all that flavor for at least 30 minutes—you’ll be amazed at how tender and tasty it becomes!
Step 2: Soak and Thread the Skewers
While the chicken marinates, soak your wooden skewers in water to prevent them from burning on the grill. Once the chicken is ready, carefully thread the cubes onto the skewers, leaving a bit of space between each piece for even cooking and that perfect char. Each skewer should look colorful and tempting even before they hit the heat.
Step 3: Grill or Broil to Perfection
Preheat your grill or broiler to medium-high. Lay those beautiful Teriyaki Chicken Skewers on and grill them for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally for good grill marks. Keep a little extra sauce on hand for basting—this is where the magic really happens. Brushing on more sauce as the skewers cook ensures a glossy finish and that sticky, caramelized layer everyone loves.
How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Garnishes
Garnishing your Teriyaki Chicken Skewers is the easiest way to add color and fresh flavor. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch, scatter some sliced green onions on top for zip, or add a pop of vibrant cilantro if you’re feeling adventurous. A wedge of lime on the side adds a bright, zesty touch that’s perfect for summer evenings.
Side Dishes
These skewers pair beautifully with so many sides! Try a mound of fluffy steamed rice or a tangy cucumber salad to balance the sweetness of the sauce. Roasted veggies or a fresh Asian slaw are excellent partners too, keeping things light, crunchy, and refreshing alongside the rich, sticky chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests, pile the Teriyaki Chicken Skewers high on a platter, resting them atop a bed of shredded cabbage or lettuce. Serve them in individual mason jars lined with rice, or even tuck the skewers into mini pita pockets along with pickled veggies for a portable, party-friendly twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with a few extra Teriyaki Chicken Skewers, let them cool completely before popping them into an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, they’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days—perfect for lunchboxes or quick dinners.
Freezing
Want to prep ahead? These skewers freeze surprisingly well! Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their texture and flavor for up to two months, making last-minute meals incredibly easy.
Reheating
To reheat, just pop the Teriyaki Chicken Skewers onto a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave them in a pinch, though the oven method helps keep that beautiful slightly crisp exterior.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even juicier and richer in flavor, so feel free to swap them in if you prefer dark meat. Just be sure to cut them into evenly sized cubes for the best grilling results.
How long should the chicken marinate?
A minimum of 30 minutes works wonders, but if you have more time, marinating for up to 2 hours intensifies the flavor even more. Avoid marinating overnight, as the acidity might make the chicken a bit too soft.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No worries—just use your oven’s broiler! Arrange the skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet, broil close to the heat source, and turn every few minutes for even caramelization. The results are just as tasty.
Can I add vegetables to the skewers?
Definitely! Bell peppers, red onions, and pineapple chunks are classic picks that grill up beautifully alongside the chicken. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces so everything cooks evenly.
Is it okay to use store-bought teriyaki sauce?
Store-bought sauce is totally fine and saves time, especially on busy nights. If you want a homemade touch, you can jazz it up with extra garlic, ginger, or a splash of rice vinegar to suit your tastes.
Final Thoughts
There’s simply nothing like the combination of smoky grill marks, sticky-sweet sauce, and juicy chicken you get with Teriyaki Chicken Skewers. Give this recipe a try the next time you’re craving something vibrant and satisfying—your friends and family will thank you!
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Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 4
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Juicy grilled chicken skewers glazed in a sweet-savory teriyaki sauce.
Ingredients
Chicken Skewers:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
Teriyaki Sauce:
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Additional:
- Wooden skewers
Instructions
- Marinate: Marinate chicken in teriyaki mix for 30 minutes.
- Skewer: Thread marinated chicken onto skewers.
- Grill/Broil: Grill or broil for 10–12 minutes, basting with sauce.
- Prep Time: 10m
- Cook Time: 12m
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling/Broiling
- Cuisine: Asian
