Name: Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
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 Low sodium soy sauce; 2 cloves Garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon Rice vinegar; 1/2 tablespoon Fresh ginger, minced; 1 tablespoon Honey; 1/2 teaspoon Sesame oil; 8 pieces Skewers (wooden or metal); Sesame seeds, for garnish; Chopped green onion, for garnish

Jump to Recipe

Juicy, savory, and irresistibly glazed, Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are the perfect answer for anyone craving a quick and delicious homemade meal. There’s just something about sweet and salty teriyaki sauce caramelizing over tender chunks of chicken that turns an everyday dinner into a crowd-pleaser. I remember the first time I made these chicken skewers for a summer barbecue—every last piece disappeared in minutes! Did you know that “teriyaki” literally means “shiny grilled” in Japanese? That gorgeous, lacquered glaze isn’t just for looks; it’s packed with flavor! This recipe brings family and friends together with its foolproof preparation and mouthwatering results. If you love my Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers, you’ll definitely want to give this one a try. So, let’s dive into a recipe that’s easy enough for busy weeknights but special enough for entertaining—your next favorite meal awaits!

What is Teriyaki Chicken Skewers?

What’s in a name? In this case, “Teriyaki Chicken Skewers” is pretty much the answer to everyone’s dinnertime prayers—tender chicken cubes doused in a bold, shiny teriyaki sauce, threaded onto skewers, and grilled to perfection. But have you ever wondered why it’s called “teriyaki”? Turns out, “teri” refers to the sauce’s glossy sheen and “yaki” to the act of grilling. It’s not just fun to say; it’s as fun to eat! My grandmother always used to say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”—and with these skewers, you might just win over everyone at the table. Ready to make dinnertime legendary? Give this recipe a try; your taste buds will thank you!

Why You’ll Love This

There’s so much to love about Teriyaki Chicken Skewers, but let’s start with the star: juicy, tender chicken generously soaked in a sweet and savory teriyaki glaze. The magic happens on the grill or in the oven, where the sauce caramelizes into a sticky, flavor-packed coating. Making these skewers at home is not just a treat for your palate; it’s a smart way to save money compared to ordering takeout—plus, you control the ingredients! Don’t forget the delightful toppings: a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a smattering of chopped green onion take these skewers from tasty to show-stopping. If you’ve enjoyed my Sticky Chicken Thighs, you’ll love how these skewers capture the same flavor punch in a bite-sized form. Tap into your inner chef and give this recipe a try—quick, satisfying, and guaranteed to delight!

How to Make

Quick Overview

Making Teriyaki Chicken Skewers is as easy as it is rewarding. This dish shines for its simple steps, bold flavors, and mouthwatering aroma—the sweet-and-savory glaze is simply irresistible! With a preparation time of about 15 minutes and a short marinade, you’ll have dinner on the table in under an hour. Whether you’re a grill master or an oven pro, these skewers promise juicy chicken and crowd-pleasing results every single time.

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 low sodium soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1/2 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
8 skewers (wooden or metal)
Sesame seeds, for garnish
Chopped green onion, for garnish

Step-by-Step

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
In a saucepan, combine water, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, ginger, honey, and sesame oil. Stir well and bring to a boil over medium heat.
In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch with a few tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Add this to the saucepan and whisk until the sauce thickens, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Place chicken cubes in a large bowl and pour about half the teriyaki sauce over the chicken. Toss to coat evenly, and let marinate for at least 20 minutes (or up to a few hours for deeper flavor).
Preheat grill or broiler to medium-high heat.
Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
Grill or broil skewers for 4–5 minutes per side, brushing with extra teriyaki sauce as they cook. Cook until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
Transfer skewers to a plate, drizzle with remaining sauce, and finish with sesame seeds and chopped green onion.
Serve hot and enjoy!

What to Serve Teriyaki Chicken Skewers With

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are wonderfully versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Try serving them over fluffy steamed white or brown rice to soak up that delicious sauce. For a fresh crunch, accompany with Asian-style coleslaw or a cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar and sesame oil. Add a side of grilled or roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra color and nutrition. For drinks, a light green tea or citrusy lemonade works perfectly to complement the caramelized chicken. Looking to make it a party? Offer a platter of sticky rice balls or sesame noodles—your guests will thank you!

Top Tips for Perfecting

Swap chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer leaner meat—the thighs stay extra juicy, but both are delicious!
If you’re short on time, skip marinating, but even 10 minutes will boost flavor.
Avoid overcrowding your skewers. Leaving a bit of space between pieces helps the chicken cook through evenly and caramelize beautifully.
Don’t overcook! Chicken is ready when the juices run clear and the interior is no longer pink.
For an extra glossy finish, brush on an extra layer of teriyaki sauce in the last minute of grilling.
No grill? Use a broiler or indoor grill pan for equally tasty results.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Keep leftovers fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, arrange cooked (cooled) skewers on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag—good for up to 2 months. Reheat refrigerated or thawed skewers on a baking sheet at 350°F for 10–12 minutes or until heated through. Microwave reheating is fine for quick lunches, but the oven helps maintain that enticing texture!

FAQs

Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce instead of homemade?
Yes, you can substitute with your favorite store-bought teriyaki sauce, though making it at home lets you control the sweetness and saltiness.

Can I prepare these skewers ahead of time?
Absolutely! Marinate the chicken and assemble the skewers a day in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator until ready to grill.

What if I don’t have skewers?
No problem! Simply sauté the marinated chicken chunks in a skillet until cooked through and serve over rice or noodles.

Are there vegetarian options for this recipe?
Yes! Substitute chicken with firm tofu or a mix of veggies like bell pepper, mushrooms, and zucchini. Adjust grilling time as needed.

How do I prevent chicken from sticking to the grill?
Make sure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled before cooking. Using metal skewers also helps prevent sticking.

Conclusion

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are your ticket to a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful meal the whole family will love. With their sweet-meets-savory glaze, juicy chicken, and simple preparation, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or lively gatherings. Now that you’ve got all the tips and tricks, it’s time to fire up the grill and impress everyone at your table. Don’t forget to check out my other delicious recipes for even more mealtime inspiration—happy cooking!