Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Sinking your teeth into a succulent teriyaki chicken skewer is a moment of pure bliss. The aroma of grilled chicken mingling with the sweet and savory notes of homemade teriyaki sauce can transport you straight to a summer barbecue, no matter what the season. Imagine savory chunks of chicken, perfectly caramelized on the outside, bursting with flavor inside. This recipe not only satisfies cravings but also simplifies meal prep, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. Easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser, these teriyaki chicken skewers are perfect for any occasion.

Why make teriyaki chicken skewers? Here are a few compelling reasons:

First, the flavors are incredible. The balance of sweet, salty, and umami in the homemade teriyaki sauce elevates the chicken to new heights, ensuring each bite is packed with taste. Secondly, the preparation is simple; with just a few ingredients and minimal chopping, you can have dinner on the table in about an hour. Lastly, these skewers are incredibly versatile. You can easily customize the recipe by adding seasonal vegetables, making it adaptable to whatever you have on hand.

Ingredients

• 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
• 8 skewers
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Chopped green onion (for garnish)

Helpful Notes:

• You can find cornstarch in the baking aisle of your grocery store, and low sodium soy sauce is often located near regular soy sauce.
• For a twist, consider adding bell peppers or zucchini to the skewers for enhanced flavor and nutrition.
• Allow ingredients to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking to promote even cooking.

Directions

1. First, make the sauce: In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and water. Stir until smooth. In a medium saucepan, add the brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, rice vinegar, ginger, honey, and sesame oil along with the cornstarch mixture.
2. Stirring frequently, bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Continue cooking until the sauce lightly thickens, about 5-7 minutes. The sauce should turn a deep brown color. Once thickened, remove from heat and let cool completely; you can place it in the fridge to speed up the cooling process.
3. Once the sauce is cooled, place the cubed chicken in a large ziplock bag. Pour half of the teriyaki sauce over the chicken and gently shake to coat. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Reserve the remaining sauce for basting and serving.
4. When you’re ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium heat. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, ensuring not to overcrowd them.
5. Lightly oil the grill and place the skewers on it. Grill for 20-30 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. During the last few turns, generously baste the chicken with the remaining teriyaki sauce.
6. Remove skewers from the grill and serve with chopped green onion and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flavor and presentation.

How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

These skewers are best served hot off the grill. For an aesthetically pleasing presentation, arrange them neatly on a platter and drizzle with additional teriyaki sauce. Pair with fragrant jasmine rice or a refreshing cucumber salad to balance the rich flavors. For drinks, consider a light beer or a chilled sake to complement the dish. Garnishing with sesame seeds and chopped green onion not only adds a delightful crunch but also elevates the dish’s visual appeal.

How to Store Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

To store leftover teriyaki chicken skewers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze them, wrap the skewers tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can safely be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, approximately 10-15 minutes. Reheating on the stovetop in a non-stick pan works well too, allowing you to crisp them back up.

Tips to Make Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

1. Prep Ahead: Make the teriyaki sauce in advance and store it in your fridge for up to a week for quick dinners.
2. Substitution: Swap honey for maple syrup to make the dish vegan or to add a unique flavor.
3. Avoid Drying Out: To prevent chicken from drying out, do not grill on high heat; cook over medium heat for longer.
4. Grill Marks: For restaurant-style grill marks, avoid moving the skewers too much during grilling.
5. Batch Cooking: Make extra skewers and freeze them for easy weeknight dinners—just thaw and grill when needed!
6. Thickness: Adjust the thickness of your sauce by adding a touch more cornstarch or water according to your preference.
7. Flavor Boost: Marinate the chicken longer, even overnight, for more robust flavor.
8. Skewer Alternatives: If you don’t have wooden skewers, use metal skewers—just ensure they’re soaked if they’re wooden to prevent burning.
9. Vegetable Additions: Spice things up by adding chunks of pineapple or onion to the skewers for a vibrant flavor mix.
10. Leftover Usage: Transform leftover chicken into a delicious stir-fry with seasonal veggies and additional teriyaki sauce.

Variations

1. Teriyaki Tofu Skewers: For a plant-based twist, substitute cubed chicken with firm tofu. Marinate the tofu in the sauce and grill until golden brown.
2. Asian Pork Skewers: Use pork tenderloin instead of chicken for a richer flavor; just be sure to adjust the cooking time as pork may cook faster.
3. Gluten-Free Skewers: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to create a gluten-free version without sacrificing flavor.
4. Spicy Teriyaki Skewers: Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce for a spicy kick that balances out the sweetness.
5. Citrus Teriyaki Chicken Skewers: Incorporate orange juice and zest for a fresh citrus flair that brightens the dish.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the teriyaki sauce ahead and marinate the chicken up to a day in advance. Just store in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill.

How do I store leftovers?
After cooling, store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze this dish?
Absolutely, you can freeze the skewers before grilling. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

What can I substitute for soy sauce?
Try using coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative. This option is sweeter, so consider adjusting the sugar in the recipe.

How do I prevent chicken from drying out?
Using chicken thighs instead of breasts will help keep the skewers juicy. Additionally, be careful to cook over medium heat to prevent drying them out.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! The sweetness of the teriyaki sauce appeals to children, and you can adjust the spice level to suit their tastes.

Enjoy experimenting with these flavorful teriyaki chicken skewers, either for a casual family dinner or as an impressive dish for guests!

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