Teriyaki Chicken Skewers: A Delicious and Simple Recipe

By: Julia Pacheco

Juicy chicken pieces marinated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, grilled or baked until tender and slightly caramelized. This teriyaki chicken skewer recipe is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dinner option, perfect for busy weeknights or weekend barbecues. Serve these delectable skewers with a side of fluffy rice and your favorite vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a delightful culinary experience.

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 23 mins

Total Time: 33 mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, OR chicken breast

Teriyaki Sauce:

• 1 cup water
• 2 tbs cornstarch
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbs minced garlic
• 1 tbs minced ginger
• 1 tbs honey
• 1 tbs rice vinegar

Instructions

Teriyaki Sauce:

1. In a bowl, whisk together water and cornstarch until smooth. This creates a slurry that will help thicken the sauce.
2. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the remaining teriyaki sauce ingredients along with the cornstarch slurry.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer, whisking frequently. Continue simmering until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
4. Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the teriyaki sauce to cool completely. Cooling the sauce will further enhance its flavor and texture.

Chicken Preparation:

1. Cut the chicken into approximately 1-inch cubes. This size is ideal for even cooking and easy skewering.
2. Place the cubed chicken into a large resealable plastic bag (gallon-sized is recommended).
3. Pour half of the cooled teriyaki sauce into a separate container (such as a Tupperware). Cover and refrigerate. This portion will be used for basting later.
4. Pour the remaining half of the teriyaki sauce into the plastic bag with the chicken. Seal the bag tightly, ensuring that all the chicken pieces are coated with the marinade.
5. Refrigerate the chicken in the teriyaki marinade for at least 30 minutes. For a more intense flavor, you can marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours.

Cooking the Skewers:

1. Once the chicken has marinated, preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius).
2. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers. Be careful not to overcrowd the skewers, as this can hinder even cooking.
3. Place the prepared chicken skewers onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a non-stick mat for easy cleanup.
4. Bake the skewers in the preheated oven for 18 minutes. Alternatively, you can cook the skewers on a preheated BBQ grill, adjusting the cooking temperature and time accordingly.
5. After the initial 18 minutes of baking, remove the skewers from the oven.
6. Brush the remaining teriyaki sauce (from the Tupperware container) generously over the chicken skewers, ensuring they are well coated.
7. Return the skewers to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). The added basting will create a beautiful glaze on the chicken.

Serving Suggestions:

1. Remove the teriyaki chicken skewers from the oven or grill.
2. Serve hot over a bed of fluffy rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.
3. Enjoy your delicious homemade teriyaki chicken skewers!

Tips and Variations:

• Vegetable Additions: Include colorful bell peppers, red onions, or pineapple chunks on the skewers for added flavor and nutrition.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the teriyaki sauce for a spicy kick.
• Grilling Instructions: If grilling, ensure the grill is preheated to medium heat. Grill the skewers for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
• Marinating Time: For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. However, longer marinating times (up to 4 hours) will result in a more flavorful and tender chicken.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve these teriyaki chicken skewers with a side of steamed broccoli, edamame, or a fresh salad for a complete and balanced meal.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.

• Calories: 388 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Protein: 46 g
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.04 g
• Cholesterol: 215 mg
• Sodium: 976 mg
• Potassium: 673 mg
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Sugar: 22 g
• Vitamin A: 55 IU
• Vitamin C: 1 mg
• Calcium: 48 mg
• Iron: 2 mg

Tried this recipe? Let us know how it was!