Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

The aroma of grilled teriyaki chicken skewers fills the air, transporting you to a summer evening under the stars. These Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors, taking just about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. The secret lies in the homemade teriyaki sauce, which elevates the chicken to finger-licking perfection.

This recipe is perfect for families looking for a quick weeknight dinner or for impressing guests at a backyard barbecue. You can even marinate the chicken a day ahead for busy evenings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The chicken turns out incredibly tender thanks to marinating.
• Homemade teriyaki sauce offers a flavor boost compared to store-bought.
• Skewering makes for easy grilling and serving.
• Basting during grilling gives a beautiful shine and flavor.

What You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients to create your tasty skewers.

For the Chicken

• 2 lbs. chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into 1" cubes
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 cup water

For the Sauce

• 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

For Serving

• 8 skewers
• sesame seeds
• chopped green onion

Use chicken breast for a leaner option; low sodium soy sauce is healthier.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Chicken thighs for chicken breasts
• Honey for maple syrup
• Rice vinegar for apple cider vinegar
• Fresh ginger for ground ginger

How to Make It

Start with these simple steps for delicious skewers.

Make the Sauce

Combine cornstarch and water in a small bowl. In a medium saucepan, add the remaining ingredients along with the cornstarch/water mixture. Stirring frequently, bring the sauce to a simmer and cook until it lightly thickens, about 5-10 minutes. The sauce will turn dark brown. Remove from heat and let cool completely. (Refrigerate to speed up the process.)

Marinate the Chicken

Once the sauce is completely cooled, place cubed chicken in a large ziplock bag. Pour half of the sauce over the chicken and gently shake to coat it. Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Set the remaining sauce aside for later.

Skewer the Chicken

When the chicken is done marinating, thread the chicken onto skewers. Preheat your grill to medium heat.

Grill the Skewers

Once the grill is hot, place the skewers on a lightly oiled grill. Grill, turning the skewers every 3-4 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees, about 20-30 minutes. During the last few turns, baste with the remaining teriyaki sauce.

Serve

Remove the skewers from the grill and serve immediately with chopped green onion and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, if desired.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: No, the chicken texture may suffer.
Reheat: Microwaving for 2-3 minutes works well.

Tips for Best Results

• Allow the chicken to marinate longer for deeper flavor.
• Use wooden skewers soaked in water to prevent burning on the grill.
• Experiment with veggies on the skewers for a balanced meal.
• Monitor the chicken closely to avoid overcooking and drying out.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with steamed rice for an authentic experience.
• Pair with a fresh cucumber salad for added crunch.
• Great for summer gatherings or casual weeknight dinners.