Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are a delightful combination of succulent chicken marinated in a sweet, savory sauce that dances on your taste buds. The aroma wafting from the grill is enough to make anyone’s mouth water, promising a flavor explosion with every juicy bite.
Picture this: a summer barbecue, friends gathered around, and the sizzling sound of chicken skewers cooking over an open flame. Memories flood back of laughter, stories shared, and the sheer joy of biting into perfectly charred meat glazed with teriyaki goodness. These skewers are not just a meal; they’re an experience meant for gatherings, picnics, or simply those days when you need a little sunshine on your plate.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are super easy to prepare and require minimal ingredients
- Their rich, sweet flavor profile will have everyone coming back for seconds
- The vibrant colors make them a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach
- Perfect for any occasion, whether you’re grilling in the backyard or hosting a dinner party
I remember one sunny afternoon when I first made these skewers. My friends couldn’t stop raving about how delicious they were; I felt like a culinary rockstar!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor.
Fresh Ginger: Use fresh ginger rather than powdered for an aromatic kick that elevates the dish.
Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce so you can better control the saltiness.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create that lovely caramelization when grilled.
Sesame Oil: A small amount goes a long way in enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Green Onions: Chopped finely for garnish; they add freshness and color to your dish.
Bamboo Skewers: Soak them in water beforehand to prevent burning while grilling.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preparing these teriyaki chicken skewers is easier than convincing your cat to ignore a laser pointer.
Prepare Your Chicken and Marinade: Start by cutting the chicken breasts into even cubes so they cook uniformly. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil until fully combined.
Marinate Like You Mean It!: Toss the chicken pieces into the marinade and let them soak up all that tasty goodness for at least 30 minutes; longer if you have time—it really makes a difference!
Skewer It Up!: Thread marinated chicken onto soaked bamboo skewers, leaving some space between pieces for even cooking. Don’t overcrowd them; we want each piece to shine!
Grill Time!: Preheat your grill over medium-high heat. Grill each skewer for about 10-12 minutes total, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through—your kitchen will love you!
Add Some Flair!: Once off the grill, sprinkle chopped green onions over your skewers for that extra pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately while they’re still warm and juicy!
Enjoying homemade teriyaki chicken skewers is not just about eating; it’s about making memories filled with laughter and good food!
You Must Know
- Teriyaki chicken skewers are not just delicious; they’re easy to prepare
- The marinade adds a sweet and savory flavor that makes your taste buds dance
- Perfect for summer barbecues, these skewers are also great for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner
Perfecting the Cooking Process
For perfect teriyaki chicken skewers, marinate the chicken first, then thread onto skewers. Preheat your grill while the chicken soaks up those flavors. Cook until the chicken reaches 165°F, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option. Add bell peppers or zucchini to your skewers for extra color and crunch. A sprinkle of sesame seeds on top can elevate the presentation.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover teriyaki chicken skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, ensuring they stay juicy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Ensure you soak wooden skewers in water before grilling to prevent burning on the grill
- Marinating longer enhances flavor; try overnight if possible
- Use fresh ginger and garlic for a vibrant flavor boost that gels perfectly with teriyaki sauce
Cooking these teriyaki chicken skewers always brings back memories of family barbecues where laughter and delicious food filled the air. Everyone clamored for seconds, reminding me how good food brings people together.
FAQ
What kind of chicken is best for teriyaki skewers?
Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juiciness and flavor.
Can I make teriyaki sauce from scratch?
Yes! Combine soy sauce, sugar, ginger, and garlic for a homemade version.
How do I prevent my skewers from burning?
Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to avoid burning.
Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are a must-try for your next barbecue. These juicy, marinated chicken pieces are grilled to perfection and glazed with a sweet-savory teriyaki sauce. Perfect for gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner, these skewers promise a burst of flavor in every bite.
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3–4 breasts)
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped, for garnish
- 8 bamboo skewers, soaked in water
Instructions
- Cut chicken breasts into uniform cubes.
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
- Add the chicken to the marinade and let soak for at least 30 minutes.
- Thread the marinated chicken onto soaked bamboo skewers.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat and cook skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until cooked through.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
