Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

The aroma of grilling chicken wafts through the air, evoking memories of backyard barbecues and summer evenings. Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are not only simple to make but also burst with sweet and savory flavors. In just about 1 hour, you can serve these delicious skewers that are perfectly tender and coated in a rich homemade sauce.

This recipe is perfect for family gatherings, weekend cookouts, or a quick weeknight dinner. You can easily prepare the sauce ahead of time and marinate the chicken for an even more flavorful experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The homemade teriyaki sauce offers a perfect balance of sweetness and umami.
• Grilling the skewers brings out a wonderful smokiness and crispy texture.
• It’s a fun and interactive meal that everyone can enjoy assembling.
• Marinating the chicken ensures juicy and flavorful bites in every skewer.

What You’ll Need

Gather all your ingredients for a smooth cooking experience.

For the Teriyaki Sauce

• 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

For the Chicken Skewers

• 2 lbs. chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1" cubes
• 8 skewers

For Serving

• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onion

Low sodium soy sauce helps reduce salt intake.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Chicken thighs for breasts for juiciness.
• Honey for maple syrup if desired.
• Fresh ginger can be replaced with ground ginger (1/2 tsp).
• Rice vinegar can be swapped with apple cider vinegar.

How to Make It

Prepare for a flavorful adventure with these step-by-step instructions.

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. Cook until the sauce lightly thickens and reaches a dark brown color. Once thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool completely.

Marinate the Chicken

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

Prepare the Grill

After marinating, thread the chicken cubes onto the skewers. Heat the grill to medium heat.

Grill the Skewers

Once the grill is hot, place the skewers on a lightly oiled grill. Turn the skewers every 3-4 minutes until the chicken is cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This should take about 20-30 minutes. During the last few turns, baste the chicken with the remaining teriyaki sauce for extra flavor.

Serve and Enjoy

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

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Yes, it’s great for freezing if not grilled.
Reheat: Microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.

Tips for Best Results

• Use chicken thighs for maximum flavor and moisture.
• Let the sauce cool completely before adding it to the chicken.
• Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
• Baste generously for a delicious glaze on the chicken.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
• Pair with a light salad for a refreshing contrast.
• Great for summer barbecues or casual dinner parties.