Easy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Recipe

Want a tasty grilled chicken dish that brings Japanese flavors to your backyard? Teriyaki chicken skewers are a sweet and savory delight. They’ll make your summer cookouts unforgettable.

This classic recipe captures the essence of teriyaki sauce. It’s a mouthwatering meal that’s easy to make and very satisfying. Perfect for backyard barbecues or quick dinners, these skewers will wow everyone.

The secret is in the marinade. Our authentic teriyaki sauce makes the chicken tender and full of flavor. From the first bite, you’ll enjoy a perfect mix of soy, mirin, and sweetness. It’s a Japanese dish that everyone loves.

Ready to take your grilling to the next level? This easy recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your plate.

Best Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Recipe: Essential Ingredients and Preparation

To make the best teriyaki chicken skewers, you need to pick the right ingredients. You also need to know how to prepare them. This will turn a simple dish into a feast for your taste buds and a hit with your guests.

Selecting the Perfect Chicken Cut

Choosing the right chicken is key for skewers. Go for boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. They are tender and soak up flavors well. Thighs are juicier and tastier, while breasts are leaner for those watching their diet.

• Chicken thighs: More flavorful and juicy
• Chicken breasts: Lean and protein-rich
• Cut into uniform 1-inch cubes for even cooking

Making Authentic Teriyaki Sauce

A homemade teriyaki sauce is the heart of a great marinade. It makes your skewers stand out. The sauce combines sweet and savory Asian flavors perfectly.

• Soy sauce: Base of the sauce
• Mirin: Sweet rice wine
• Sake: Optional but traditional
• Brown sugar: Adds caramelized sweetness

Preparing the Marinade

Marinating is what makes the chicken special. Mix your teriyaki sauce with minced ginger and crushed garlic. This creates a marinade that deeply flavors the meat.

• Marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours
• Refrigerate while marinating
• Turn chicken occasionally for even coating

Pro tip: Never reuse marinade that has touched raw chicken to prevent food safety risks.

Recipe card

Making delicious barbecue glazed chicken at home is simple. This recipe card will guide you through making tasty teriyaki chicken skewers. They’re great for meal prep and weekend grilling.

Essential Equipment

• Wooden or metal skewers
• Grill or grill pan
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Basting brush

Ingredients for Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup mirin
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes for even cooking
2. Whisk marinade ingredients in a bowl
3. Marinate chicken for 2-4 hours in refrigerator
4. Thread chicken onto presoaked skewers
5. Preheat grill to medium-high heat
6. Grill skewers 4-5 minutes per side
7. Baste with extra marinade while grilling
8. Garnish with sesame seeds before serving

Pro tip: For easy meal prep, these skewers can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

“The secret to perfect glazed chicken is consistent basting and high heat” – Chef Michael Rodriguez

Nutrition per serving: 250 calories, 15g protein, 8g carbohydrates, 12g fat

Grilling Techniques for Juicy and Flavorful Skewers

Mastering outdoor cooking means paying close attention to how you grill chicken. The secret to perfect teriyaki chicken skewers is knowing your grilling technique. Getting the temperature right and timing is key to making your meal stand out.

Before you start grilling, get your outdoor cooking area ready. Here’s what you need to do:

• Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F)
• Clean and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking
• Create both direct and indirect heat zones

When cooking grilled chicken skewers, watch the heat closely. Start by searing the skewers on high heat. This technique locks in the teriyaki marinade’s flavors and makes those delicious grill marks.

Cooking times depend on the chicken’s thickness. Skewers usually need about 10-12 minutes. Rotate them every 3-4 minutes for even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken is at 165°F for safety.

Pro tip: Let your skewers rest for 3-5 minutes after grilling to retain maximum juiciness.

If you don’t have an outdoor grill, don’t worry. A grill pan or broiler works just as well. The important thing is to keep the heat steady and not overcook the chicken.

Conclusion

Learning to make teriyaki chicken skewers brings Japanese flavors right to your backyard. These skewers are more than food; they open a door to Asian tastes through outdoor cooking. This turns simple ingredients into something amazing.

This recipe is easy and flexible. It’s perfect for anyone who loves to grill, whether you’re a pro or just starting out. With quality ingredients, the right marinade, and careful grilling, you can make meals that wow everyone.

Try different proteins, add colorful veggies, or tweak the marinade to make it your own. This recipe is just the start of your culinary journey. It teaches you about the balance of flavors in Asian cooking.

Your skills with teriyaki chicken skewers are just the beginning. Let this recipe spark your interest in trying new grilling techniques. Turn your outdoor cooking into a journey through international flavors.