Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

The aroma of teriyaki chicken skewers wafting through the air will instantly transport you to a summer backyard barbecue. These skewers are not only simple to prepare but also deliver a delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors in under an hour. The secret to their success lies in the homemade teriyaki sauce that perfectly coats the tender chicken.

This recipe is perfect for family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners. You can easily prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken ahead of time, allowing for a stress-free cooking experience when mealtime arrives.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The chicken turns out juicier and more flavorful with a homemade sauce.
• Skewers create a fun and interactive dining experience.
• Quick cooking time means dinner is ready in 30 minutes.
• Perfect for grilling enthusiasts or beginners.

What You’ll Need

Get ready to bring these delicious skewers to life with the following ingredients.

For the Marinade

• 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

For Serving

• 8 skewers
• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onion

Make sure to soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before use to prevent burning.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Chicken thighs can be replaced with breasts for a leaner option.
• Use agave syrup in place of honey.
• Swap sesame oil with peanut oil for a different flavor.
• Garlic powder may substitute fresh garlic if needed.

How to Make It

Follow these simple steps to create savory teriyaki chicken skewers.

Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and water. In a medium saucepan, add the remaining marinade ingredients along with the cornstarch/water mixture. Stirring frequently, bring the sauce to a simmer. Cook until the sauce lightly thickens; it will be dark brown. Once thickened, remove from heat and let it cool completely. (You can place it in the fridge to speed up the process.)

Marinate the Chicken

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

Prepare the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium heat.

Skewer and Grill

When the chicken is done marinating, place the chicken cubes on 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 (internal temp should be 165 degrees), about 20-30 minutes. During the last few turns, baste with the remaining teriyaki sauce.

Serve

Remove skewers from the grill and serve hot, garnished 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: Yes, can freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Microwave on medium for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.

Tips for Best Results

• Allow sauce to cool completely before adding the chicken to ensure better marinade absorption.
• Avoid overcrowding the skewers for even cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to gauge chicken doneness accurately.
• Experiment with adding vegetables to the skewers for extra flavor and nutrition.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with steamed rice and grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
• Serve alongside a fresh salad for a lighter option.
• Perfect for summer cookouts or family gatherings.