Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

The aroma of grilled chicken wafts through the air as you gather around the barbecue, ready to savor a delicious meal. Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are the perfect dish for outdoor gatherings or family dinners, taking just about 30 minutes to prepare and grill. The sweet and savory flavors, combined with a hint of garlic and ginger, create an irresistible taste that will keep everyone coming back for more.

This recipe is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to impress guests or enjoy a flavorful dinner at home. It’s ideal for summertime barbecues or casual weeknight meals. You can prepare the teriyaki sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for convenient use later on.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Juicy chicken pieces cooked to perfection on skewers.
• Quick marinating time that enhances the flavor.
• A sweet-savory sauce that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
• Customizable with your favorite vegetables or side dishes.

What You’ll Need

Gather the following ingredients to prepare your delicious skewers:

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 Grilling

• 8 skewers

For Garnishing

• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onion

Low sodium soy sauce recommended for a healthier option.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Chicken thighs can be replaced with chicken breasts.
• Use coconut aminos as a soy sauce alternative.
• Agave syrup can substitute for honey.
• Arrowroot powder can replace cornstarch.

How to Make It

Start by preparing the marinade and grilling the chicken.

1. Make the sauce
   Combine cornstarch and water in a small bowl. In a medium saucepan, add remaining ingredients along with the cornstarch/water mixture. Stirring frequently, bring sauce to a simmer. Cook until sauce lightly thickens to a dark brown color. Once thickened, remove from heat and let it cool completely.

2. Marinate the chicken
   Once the sauce has cooled, place cubed chicken in a large ziplock bag. Pour half of the sauce over the chicken and gently shake to coat evenly. Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, while the remaining sauce can be set aside for basting and serving.

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

4. Grill the skewers
   Place skewers on a lightly oiled grill. Turn the skewers every 3-4 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165 degrees), which will take about 20-30 minutes. During the last few turns, baste with the remaining teriyaki sauce.

5. Serve
   Remove the skewers from the grill and serve them 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 3-4 days.
Freezer: Yes; freeze for longer shelf life.
Reheat: Microwave on medium for 2-3 minutes.

Tips for Best Results

• Allow the chicken to marinate longer for deeper flavor.
• Use soaked wooden skewers to prevent burning on the grill.
• Grill vegetables alongside chicken for a complete meal.
• Keep the grill covered to maintain heat while cooking.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with steamed rice for a filling meal.
• Serve alongside a fresh garden salad for a lighter option.
• Great for tailgating or summer barbecue parties.