Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Table of Contents
There’s something truly magical about the smell of a warm, home-cooked meal wafting through the kitchen, isn’t there? It instantly transports me back to those childhood days spent in my grandmother’s cozy kitchen, watching her create meals that were simple yet filled with love. Today, I want to share with you a recipe that holds a special place in my heart — Teriyaki Chicken Skewers. These skewers are not only deliciously satisfying, but they also evoke feelings of warmth and togetherness, perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings.
Imagine biting into tender, juicy chicken, infused with a sweet and savory teriyaki glaze, and feeling the burst of flavor with every chew. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table, encouraging laughter and stories shared over good food. One of the things I adore about this recipe is its versatility — whether you’re grilling under the summer sun or broiling in the warmth of your kitchen during winter, these skewers are a year-round favorite. Plus, they’re wonderfully easy to prepare, making them perfect for every home cook, whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out on your culinary journey.
Cooking is a little like crafting a story — each ingredient adds a new layer, each step a new chapter. And with these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers, you’ll find yourself weaving a tale of flavors that are as comforting as they are delightful. Let’s dive into why these skewers should make a regular appearance on your dinner table.
Why This Recipe Should Be on Your Table
These Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are a must-have for any meal, capturing the essence of home-cooked goodness with a delightful twist. Here’s why they deserve a spot on your table:
Bursting with Flavor: The homemade teriyaki sauce is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy, ensuring every bite is a flavor explosion. The sauce caramelizes beautifully on the grill, giving the chicken a glossy, appetizing finish that tantalizes taste buds. The combination of brown sugar and honey adds a complex sweetness, while the soy sauce provides a rich umami base. The garlic and ginger add depth and warmth, making the flavor profile both intriguing and satisfying.
Family-Friendly: This dish is a hit with both kids and adults, making it a great choice for family dinners or casual entertaining. The skewers are fun to eat and can even get the little ones excited about dinner. You can involve children in the preparation by letting them help thread the chicken onto the skewers, turning cooking into a fun, family activity. The option to customize each skewer with different vegetables or additional spices can also cater to varying taste preferences within the family.
Simple Ingredients: With easily accessible ingredients, this recipe is as straightforward as it is delicious, making it perfect for any skill level. Most of these ingredients are pantry staples, so you can whip up these skewers anytime without a special trip to the store. The use of low-sodium soy sauce ensures that the dish is flavorful without being overly salty, and fresh ginger and garlic provide a fresher, more vibrant taste than their dried counterparts.
Versatile Cooking: Whether you’re grilling outdoors or using an indoor grill pan, these skewers adapt beautifully to any cooking method. They can be cooked on a stovetop grill pan, broiled in the oven, or even baked if you prefer a hands-off approach. This flexibility means you can enjoy them no matter the weather or your kitchen setup. Additionally, you can experiment with charcoal or gas grills to impart different smoky flavors to the chicken.
Kitchen Tools to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
To whip up these delightful bites, you won’t need much — just a few trusty kitchen tools, much like the ones my grandma used when teaching me the joy of homemade snacks:
Cutting Board: Essential for safely dicing the chicken into perfect cubes. A wooden board is recommended for meats as it’s gentle on your knives, reducing the risk of dulling them quickly. A well-maintained cutting board also helps prevent cross-contamination, keeping your kitchen safe.
Sharp Knife: A good knife makes cutting through chicken thighs or breasts a breeze. Keeping your knife sharp is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the chicken cubes, ensuring even cooking and a better texture. Investing in a quality chef’s knife can make food preparation quicker and more enjoyable.
Medium Saucepan: Ideal for simmering your teriyaki sauce to perfection. A non-stick saucepan can prevent the sauce from sticking and burning, allowing for easier cleanup. The even heat distribution of a quality saucepan helps the sauce thicken uniformly, achieving the perfect consistency.
Grill or Grill Pan: Perfect for achieving that lovely char on your skewers. If you’re using an outdoor grill, soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. A cast-iron grill pan is a great indoor alternative, offering superb heat retention and a beautiful sear on the chicken.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key when creating the perfect sauce balance. Stainless steel measuring tools are durable and provide precise measurements, ensuring consistency every time you make this dish. Using the correct measurements also helps maintain the intended flavor balance of the sauce.
How to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into 1″ cubes
- Teriyaki Sauce/Marinade:
- 2 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup water
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- ½ tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- 8 skewers
- Optional Topping:
- sesame seeds
- chopped green onion
Instructions
First make the sauce: Combine cornstarch and water in a small bowl. This slurry will help thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency. In a medium saucepan, add the remaining ingredients along with the cornstarch/water mixture. Stirring frequently, bring sauce to a simmer. Cook until sauce lightly thickens, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. The sauce will be dark brown and glossy. Once the sauce has thickened up, remove from heat and let cool completely. (Place in fridge to speed up the process.)
Marinate the chicken: Once the sauce is completely cooled, place cubed chicken in a large ziplock bag. Pour half of the sauce over the chicken and gently shake to coat chicken. Let chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Place the remaining sauce aside for later. For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken for a few hours or overnight. The longer marination allows the flavors to penetrate deeper into the meat, resulting in an even more flavorful dish.
Prepare the grill and skewers: When the chicken is done marinating, thread your chicken onto skewers carefully. If you’re adding vegetables like bell peppers or onions, alternate them with the chicken on the skewers for additional flavor and color. Heat the grill to medium heat.
Cook the skewers: Once the grill is hot, place skewers on a lightly oiled grill. Turn the skewers every 3-4 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165 degrees F), about 20-30 minutes. During the last few turns, baste with the remaining teriyaki sauce to add extra flavor and moisture.
Serve and enjoy: Remove skewers from grill and serve with chopped green onion and a sprinkle of sesame seeds (optional). These garnishes add a fresh, nutty crunch that complements the sweet and savory chicken beautifully.
Difficulty: Easy • Cuisine: Asian • Preparation Time: 20 minutes • Cooking Time: 30 minutes • Total Time: 50 minutes • Calories: 250 per serving • Servings: 4
Health and Flavor Benefits of Ingredients
These Teriyaki Chicken Skewers not only promise delightful flavors but also come with some surprising benefits:
Chicken Thighs: Rich in iron and zinc, providing essential nutrients while being deliciously tender and juicy. They are often more flavorful and less prone to drying out compared to chicken breasts, offering a succulent texture that complements the teriyaki glaze.
Soy Sauce: A source of antioxidants, adding depth of flavor with less sodium when opting for low-sodium varieties. It’s a key ingredient that imparts a rich umami taste, essential for the authentic teriyaki experience.
Ginger: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, it adds a warm spice to the sauce. Ginger is also renowned for aiding digestion, making it a great addition to any meal for both its health benefits and its ability to enhance the overall flavor.
Garlic: Offers immune-boosting compounds while enhancing the savory element of the dish. Its pungent flavor mellows as it cooks, contributing to the complexity of the sauce and adding depth to the chicken.
Honey: A natural sweetener that contributes additional antioxidants and a lovely sweetness. It balances the salty and sour elements of the sauce, creating a harmonious blend that is both nutritious and delicious.
Tasty Pairings to Serve with This Easy Peasy Dish
These Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are versatile companions to various beverages and dishes, making them perfect for any occasion:
Steamed Rice: The perfect base to soak up all that delicious teriyaki sauce. Jasmine or basmati rice are excellent choices for their fragrant qualities, and they complement the flavors of the chicken beautifully.
Grilled Vegetables: Complement the skewers with the smoky flavors of grilled veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus. The vibrant colors of the vegetables also create an appealing contrast on the plate, making the meal visually enticing.
Cucumber Salad: A refreshing, crunchy side that balances the richness of the chicken. Add a touch of rice vinegar and sesame oil to the salad for a cohesive flavor profile, enhancing the Asian theme of the meal.
Chilled Sake: For adult gatherings, pair with a light sake to enhance the Asian flavors. Alternatively, a crisp white wine or a light beer can also be delightful accompaniments, offering a refreshing counterbalance to the richly flavored skewers.
Storage Tips and How to Enjoy Leftovers the Easy Peasy Way
If you find yourself with leftovers, which isn’t often the case with these delicious skewers, they store beautifully:
Refrigeration: Keep your skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave to avoid drying out the chicken. A splash of water or a drizzle of leftover sauce can help maintain moisture during reheating.
Freezing: Remove the chicken from skewers and freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Defrost thoroughly before reheating. Freezing the chicken in marinade is also an option, ensuring it remains flavorful and tender.
Creative Leftovers: Dice leftover chicken and add to stir-fries, salads, or wraps for a quick meal. They can also be a great topping for homemade pizzas or a filling for tacos, offering a fusion twist. Using the chicken in a fried rice dish can also be a fantastic way to use up both chicken and any leftover rice.
There’s an undeniable joy in sharing homemade meals that bring family and friends together, creating memories around the dinner table. These Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are more than just a dish; they’re a reminder of the simple pleasures that come from cooking with love. I hope this recipe fills your home with warmth and happiness, much like it has mine.
Pin this Easy Peasy recipe!
Love this recipe? Pin the image below to your favorite Pinterest boards and bring a little Easy Peasy comfort to your kitchen whenever you need it.
Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- First make the sauce: Combine cornstarch and water in a small bowl. In a medium saucepan, add remaining ingredients along with the cornstarch/water mixture.
- Stirring frequently, bring sauce to a simmer. Cook until sauce lightly thickens. Sauce will be dark brown. Once sauce has thickened up, remove from heat and let cool completely. (place in fridge to speed up the process)
- Once the sauce is completely cooled, place cubed chicken in a large ziplock bag. Pour half of the sauce over the chicken and gently shake to coat chicken. Let chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Place remaining sauce aside for later.
- When the chicken is done marinating, place your chicken on skewers and heat the grill to medium heat.
- Once the grill is hot, place skewers on lightly oiled grill. Turn the skewers every 3-4 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165 degrees), about 20-30 minutes. During the last few turns baste with remaining teriyaki sauce.
- Remove skewers from grill and serve with chopped green onion and a sprinkle of sesame seeds(optional).
