How to Make the Perfect Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Japanese-American · Medium · 35 min · 4 servings
Tender grilled chicken skewers brushed with a glossy homemade teriyaki glaze. These skewers are sweet, savory, and perfectly charred from the grill.
Why this recipe works
This Teriyaki Chicken Skewers recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 35 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 390 calories with 35g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 10 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into chunks
- 0.5 cup soy sauce
- 0.25 cup honey
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 3 stalks green onions sliced
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Make the Teriyaki Sauce
Whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in a bowl. Pour half the sauce into a separate small saucepan and reserve it for glazing. The other half will be used as the marinade.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add chicken chunks to the marinade portion of the teriyaki sauce. Toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Do not skip the marinating time as it builds deep flavor in the chicken.
Step 3: Thicken the Glaze
Whisk cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and stir into the reserved sauce in the saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes stirring constantly until the glaze thickens and becomes glossy.
Step 4: Skewer and Grill the Chicken
Thread marinated chicken onto pre-soaked wooden skewers or metal skewers. Grill over medium-high heat for 5 to 6 minutes per side, brushing with the thickened glaze during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove skewers from the grill and brush with one final layer of teriyaki glaze. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve over steamed rice or alongside grilled vegetables.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- soy sauce → tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version
- chicken thighs → chicken breast for a leaner option though it may be slightly less juicy
- honey → brown sugar dissolved in a small amount of warm water
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling which causes them to catch fire on the grill
- Using the same marinade that touched raw chicken as a finishing glaze which is a food safety risk
- Cooking the chicken over heat that is too high which chars the outside before the inside is fully cooked through
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 390 calories, 35g protein, 28g carbs, 14g fat, 1g fiber.
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