Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are a delicious blend of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors that make them one of the most beloved dishes in Asian-inspired cuisine. Tender pieces of chicken are marinated in a rich homemade teriyaki sauce, then grilled or baked until caramelized and perfectly juicy.

These skewers are incredibly versatile, ideal for family dinners, parties, meal prep, or outdoor grilling season. The combination of sticky glaze, charred edges, and tender meat creates a mouthwatering experience that appeals to both kids and adults. Whether served as an appetizer, main dish, or part of a larger spread, these skewers are always a hit.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers restaurant-quality flavor with just a handful of simple ingredients. The homemade teriyaki marinade strikes the perfect balance of sweet and savory, allowing the chicken to soak up incredible depth of flavor before cooking. It is also incredibly easy to customize—add more sweetness, extra ginger, or more garlic depending on your taste. The skewers cook quickly, making this one of my go-to dishes for busy weeknights, BBQ gatherings, and meal prep.

Another reason I adore this recipe is the texture. Grilling or broiling creates a perfect char, while the marinade keeps the chicken moist and tender. The glossy, caramelized finish looks as good as it tastes.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it’s simple, flavorful, and universally loved. You don’t need advanced cooking skills to achieve excellent results. The marinade does most of the work, infusing every bite with rich umami flavor. Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are also incredibly versatile—you can serve them as a main dish, pack them in lunch boxes, or add them to bowls, salads, and wraps.

If you love dishes that are easy to prepare yet impressive enough for guests, this recipe deserves a spot in your rotation.

Recipe Details

Preparation Time: 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating time)
Cooking Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: Approximately 310 calories per serving
Course: Main Course / Appetizer
Cuisine: Japanese-Inspired

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 ½ lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 10–12 wooden or metal skewers

For the Teriyaki Marinade

• ½ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup honey or brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons mirin (optional for authenticity)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)

Optional Garnish

• Sesame seeds
• Chopped scallions

Cooking Directions

1. Mix all marinade ingredients in a bowl.
2. Add chicken pieces and marinate at least 30 minutes.
3. Thread chicken onto skewers.
4. Grill, pan-sear, or broil until cooked through and caramelized.
5. Brush with additional thickened teriyaki sauce before serving.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

1. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, mirin, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
2. Reserve ¼ cup of this marinade in a small pot for later glazing.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. Add chicken pieces to the remaining marinade.
2. Toss well to coat completely.
3. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes (up to 4 hours).

Step 3: Prepare the Skewers

1. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning.
2. Thread marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers tightly but without overcrowding.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Grill Method:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Grill skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning frequently.

Stovetop Method:

1. Heat a grill pan with a little oil.
2. Cook skewers for 12–14 minutes, turning to brown all sides.

Oven Broil Method:

1. Place skewers on a foil-lined tray.
2. Broil on high for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Step 5: Thicken the Glaze

1. Heat the reserved marinade over medium heat.
2. Add cornstarch slurry and stir until thickened.

Step 6: Final Glazing

1. Brush the cooked chicken skewers generously with the thickened teriyaki sauce.
2. Garnish with sesame seeds and scallions.

How to Serve

• Serve hot with rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables.
• Add to Buddha bowls or Asian salad bowls.
• Use as a party appetizer with dipping sauce.
• Pair with steamed broccoli, edamame, or grilled pineapple for a complete meal.

Recipe Tips

• Chicken thighs stay juicier than chicken breasts.
• Do not skip marinating; it enhances flavor and tenderness.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan or grill—this ensures proper caramelization.
• For stronger flavor, marinate overnight.
• Brush with glaze during the last minute of grilling for extra shine.

Variations

• Spicy Teriyaki: Add sriracha or red pepper flakes.
• Pineapple Teriyaki: Add pineapple chunks between chicken pieces.
• Low-Sodium Version: Use low-sodium soy sauce.
• Ginger-Lovers Teriyaki: Add extra fresh ginger.
• Teriyaki Veggie Skewers: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigeration

• Store cooked skewers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

Freezing

• Freeze raw marinated chicken (without skewers) for up to 2 months.
• Freeze cooked skewers for up to 1 month.

Reheating

• Reheat in a skillet on low heat with a splash of water.
• Microwave for 1–2 minutes until hot.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.

Special Equipment Needed

• Skewers (wooden or metal)
• Grill, grill pan, or oven
• Mixing bowl
• Saucepan for glaze
• Tongs for turning skewers

FAQ

Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?
Yes, but homemade gives richer flavor.

Can I bake the skewers instead of grilling?
Yes. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes.

Can I make these skewers ahead of time?
You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance.

Can I use vegetables on the skewers?
Yes—bell peppers, onions, and pineapple work well.

How do I know the chicken is cooked?
It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Conclusion

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are a delicious blend of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors that transform simple ingredients into an impressive dish. They are easy to prepare, versatile, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and festive gatherings. With their glossy caramelized glaze and tender texture, these skewers are sure to become a regular favorite in your kitchen. Whether you grill, bake, or pan-sear them, the result is always satisfying, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing. If you’re looking for a simple yet impressive recipe, these skewers are an excellent choice.