These Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish, perfect for grilling season. The tender chicken pieces are marinated in a savory, sweet teriyaki sauce, then skewered and grilled to perfection. Ideal for a barbecue or a casual dinner, these skewers are sure to be a hit with family and friends.

FULL RECIPE

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water
• 8-10 wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.
2. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Add it to the sauce mixture and stir to combine.
3. Pour the marinade over the chicken cubes and toss to coat. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight, to marinate.
4. Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
5. Thread the marinated chicken onto the soaked skewers, ensuring each skewer has an even amount of chicken.
6. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
7. Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 220 per serving (1 skewer)
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 500mg

Selecting the Ideal Chicken Cut

Choosing the right cut of chicken is paramount for achieving juicy and flavorful teriyaki skewers. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are often preferred due to their higher fat content, which imparts a richer flavor and helps retain moisture during grilling. This results in tender and succulent meat that is less prone to drying out compared to leaner cuts. Alternatively, chicken breasts can be used for a leaner option, but they require careful attention to prevent overcooking and dryness. Regardless of the cut chosen, cutting the chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes ensures even cooking and consistent texture throughout the skewers.

Marination: Enhancing Flavor and Tenderness

Marinating the chicken is a crucial step in infusing it with the deep, savory-sweet flavors characteristic of teriyaki. A well-balanced marinade typically includes ingredients like soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, honey, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably several hours, enables the flavors to penetrate deeply, resulting in more flavorful and tender meat. This process also aids in tenderizing the chicken, making it more succulent upon grilling.

Crafting the Teriyaki Sauce

Preparing a homemade teriyaki sauce elevates the dish by providing a fresh and customizable flavor profile. The process involves combining cornstarch and water to create a slurry, which is then mixed with soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, honey, sesame oil, and rice vinegar in a saucepan. This mixture is brought to a simmer while stirring frequently until it thickens to a glossy consistency. The resulting sauce serves a dual purpose: it acts as both the marinade and the basting glaze during grilling, ensuring a cohesive and rich flavor throughout the cooking process.

Preparing Skewers for Grilling

When using wooden skewers, it’s essential to soak them in water for about 30 minutes before threading the chicken pieces. This precautionary step prevents the skewers from burning or charring excessively on the grill, ensuring they remain intact and safe to handle. Soaking also helps maintain the structural integrity of the skewers, allowing for easier turning and even cooking of the chicken.

Grilling Techniques for Perfect Skewers

Achieving perfectly grilled teriyaki chicken skewers requires attention to grilling techniques. Preheating the grill to medium heat ensures that the chicken cooks evenly without burning the exterior. Lightly oiling the grill grates prevents sticking and promotes attractive grill marks. Placing the skewers on the grill and turning them every 3-4 minutes facilitates even cooking and caramelization of the marinade. Basting the chicken with the reserved teriyaki sauce during the final minutes of grilling enhances the flavor and adds a glossy finish. It’s crucial to cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure safety and juiciness.

Incorporating Vegetables and Fruits

Adding vegetables and fruits to the skewers introduces complementary flavors and textures, enhancing the overall dish. Bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and mushrooms are popular choices that grill well alongside chicken. For a Hawaiian twist, incorporating pineapple chunks between the chicken pieces adds a sweet and tangy element that pairs excellently with the savory teriyaki glaze. These additions not only contribute to the flavor but also provide nutritional benefits and vibrant color to the presentation.

Alternative Cooking Methods

While grilling imparts a distinct smoky flavor to teriyaki chicken skewers, alternative cooking methods can be employed when grilling is not feasible. Baking the skewers in a preheated oven at 400°F for approximately 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, can yield satisfactory results. Broiling is another option, where the skewers are placed under the broiler for about 5-7 minutes on each side, closely monitoring to prevent burning. These methods still allow for caramelization of the sauce and thorough cooking of the chicken.

Serving Suggestions

Teriyaki chicken skewers pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes that complement their flavors. Steamed white or brown rice serves as a neutral base that absorbs the savory sauce. A fresh cucumber salad or coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch and balances the richness of the chicken. For a more substantial meal, consider serving the skewers alongside stir-fried vegetables or a light noodle salad. Garnishing with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds enhances both the visual appeal and the flavor profile of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Proper storage of leftover teriyaki chicken skewers ensures their safety and maintains their quality. Once cooled, remove the chicken from the skewers and place them in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to four days. To reheat, options include microwaving until warmed through, baking in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes, or using an air fryer at 375°F for approximately 5 minutes. When reheating, brushing the chicken with additional teriyaki sauce can help restore moisture and enhance flavor.

Health Considerations

Teriyaki chicken skewers can be a healthy addition to a balanced diet when prepared mindfully. Opting for low-sodium soy sauce reduces the overall sodium content, making the dish heart-friendlier. Incorporating a variety of vegetables increases fiber intake and provides essential vitamins and minerals. Grilling is a cooking method that requires minimal added fats, keeping the calorie count in check. Being mindful of portion sizes and accompanying the skewers with wholesome sides contributes to a nutritious meal.

Variations and Substitutions

Customizing teriyaki chicken skewers to suit personal preferences or dietary restrictions is straightforward. For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce. To add a spicy kick, incorporate sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes into the marinade. Experimenting with different sweeteners

Conclusion

Teriyaki chicken skewers are a versatile, flavorful dish that brings together the savory richness of soy sauce, the sweetness of brown sugar, and the aromatic notes of garlic and ginger. With careful attention to marination, grilling techniques, and the choice of ingredients, these skewers can be easily tailored to suit a variety of preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re preparing them for a casual weeknight dinner or a festive barbecue, the combination of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and glossy teriyaki glaze is sure to impress. By experimenting with different cooking methods, serving suggestions, and creative variations, you can enjoy this dish in countless delicious ways.