Description
These Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are a delicious and easy-to-make grilled dish featuring tender chicken marinated in a homemade teriyaki sauce. Perfectly balanced with savory soy, sweet brown sugar and honey, and aromatic garlic and ginger, these skewers are grilled to juicy perfection and finished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions for a fresh crunch.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 lbs. chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1 inch cubes
- 8 skewers
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
- Chopped green onion, for garnish
Teriyaki Sauce
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/2 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1 cup of water until smooth. In a medium saucepan, add the cornstarch mixture along with brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, minced ginger, honey, and sesame oil. Stir frequently and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens and turns a dark brown color. Remove from heat and let it cool completely, placing it in the refrigerator to speed up the process.
- Marinate the Chicken: Once the teriyaki sauce has cooled, place the cubed chicken in a large ziplock bag. Pour half of the sauce over the chicken, seal the bag, and gently shake to evenly coat the chicken pieces. Refrigerate and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Preheat the Grill: When the chicken is ready, thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers evenly. Preheat your grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Skewers: Place the chicken skewers on the hot grill. Cook the skewers for 20 to 30 minutes, turning every 3 to 4 minutes to ensure even cooking. During the last few turns, baste the chicken with the remaining teriyaki sauce to enhance flavor and glaze the meat. Confirm the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your flavorful teriyaki chicken skewers.
Notes
- Using low sodium soy sauce helps control the saltiness of the dish.
- Chicken thighs provide more flavor and juiciness, but breasts can be used for a leaner option.
- Soaking wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes prior to grilling can prevent burning.
- Make sure to baste during grilling to keep the chicken moist and add an extra layer of flavor.
- Keep an eye on grill temperature to avoid charring while thoroughly cooking the chicken.
