These Easy Epic Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are packed with sweet and tangy flavors that make your taste buds dance! Juicy chicken pieces grilled to perfection on sticks are a hit!
Perfect for a backyard barbecue! Grab a skewer, and you might forget it’s dinner time. Who could resist a second helping, right? 😂
I love serving these with some rice and veggies for a complete meal. They’re quick to make and always a crowd-pleaser—perfect for any gathering!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using chicken thighs for juiciness, but chicken breasts work great too. If you’re looking to cut calories, go for breast meat. Tofu or cauliflower can also substitute to make this dish plant-based.
Soy Sauce: Low sodium soy sauce helps keep the dish from being overly salty. If you’re gluten-free, try tamari or coconut aminos instead. You can also use liquid aminos for a similar taste.
Brown Sugar: This gives a nice depth of flavor. If you’re out, regular sugar or honey can substitute, though it may change the flavor a bit. For a healthier option, try maple syrup or agave nectar.
Vinegar: Rice vinegar is preferred for its mildness, but apple cider vinegar works well too. If you don’t have either, white wine vinegar is a decent substitute.
How Do You Grill Chicken Skewers Without Burning Them?
Getting perfectly grilled chicken skewers is all about the heat and timing! Here’s what you need to do:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures a nice sear without overcooking.
- Use a timer! Grill each side for about 4-5 minutes. When you see grill marks, flip carefully.
- Brush with reserved marinade occasionally to add flavor and keep it moist.
- If the chicken starts to brown too quickly, move skewers to a cooler part of the grill to finish cooking.
Following these steps will help you achieve juicy chicken skewers, everyone will enjoy!
Easy Epic Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening)
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes before using)
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus at least 30 minutes for marinating. The grilling will take an additional 10-15 minutes. Overall, you can expect the entire process to take about 1 hour if you allow for marinating. The best part? Most of that time is just waiting while the flavors blend!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and black pepper until the sugar has dissolved. This delicious blend will give your chicken that classic teriyaki flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Reserve about 1/3 cup of the marinade for later use as a basting sauce or to serve. Add the chicken cubes to the remaining marinade in the bowl and toss well to ensure they’re all coated. Cover and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—1 to 2 hours gives even better results!
3. Prepare to Grill:
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. While it heats up, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, making sure they’re evenly spaced with a little room to cook properly.
4. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred. Feel free to brush them occasionally with the reserved marinade for added flavor!
5. Thicken the Remaining Marinade (Optional):
If you want a thicker teriyaki sauce to drizzle over your skewers, take the reserved marinade and pour it into a small saucepan. Bring it to a simmer and stir in the cornstarch mixed with cold water. Cook until thickened, which should only take about 2 minutes.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Once the chicken skewers are done, remove them from the grill. Drizzle with the thickened sauce if you prepared it, and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot alongside steamed rice and vegetables or a fresh salad for a perfect meal!
Enjoy your delicious Easy Epic Teriyaki Chicken Skewers! They’re sure to be a hit!
FAQ for Easy Epic Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Can I Use Chicken Breast Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can absolutely use chicken breasts! While thighs tend to be juicier, chicken breasts are a leaner option. Just be sure not to overcook them to keep them tender and juicy!
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for as little as 30 minutes, but letting it soak for 1-2 hours will enhance the flavor even more. If you’re tight on time, even 15 minutes can help!
What Can I Use Instead of Soy Sauce?
If you need a soy sauce substitute, try using tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter flavor. Both work well in this recipe!
How Do I Store Leftover Skewers?
Place any leftover skewers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them on the grill or in a skillet over medium heat to avoid drying them out.
