Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for grilling season, look no further than these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers. This recipe combines tender, juicy chicken with a flavorful homemade teriyaki sauce that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or just want a quick and tasty dinner, these skewers are a surefire hit.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into 1″ cubes

For the Teriyaki Sauce/Marinade:

• 2 tablespoons 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

Directions:

1. Make the Sauce:

Start by preparing the teriyaki sauce. In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1 cup of water until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.

Next, in a medium saucepan, combine the cornstarch mixture with the rest of the sauce ingredients: ⅓ cup brown sugar, ⅓ cup soy sauce, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, ½ tablespoon minced fresh ginger, 1 tablespoon honey, and ½ teaspoon sesame oil. Stir frequently as you bring the mixture to a simmer. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens to a dark brown color. Once thickened, remove the saucepan from heat and allow the sauce to cool completely. (To speed up the cooling process, you can place the sauce in the refrigerator.)

2. Marinate the Chicken:

Once the sauce has completely cooled, transfer your cubed chicken into a large ziplock bag. Pour half of the teriyaki sauce over the chicken, seal the bag, and gently shake it to ensure all the chicken pieces are evenly coated. Place the bag in the refrigerator and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. Reserve the remaining sauce for grilling.

3. Prepare the Skewers:

After the chicken has marinated, thread the chicken cubes onto skewers, making sure not to overcrowd the pieces. Preheat your grill to medium heat.

4. Grill the Chicken:

Once the grill is hot, lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the chicken skewers on the grill, turning them every 3-4 minutes to ensure even cooking. Grill the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, which should take about 20-30 minutes. During the last few turns, baste the skewers with the remaining teriyaki sauce for an extra layer of flavor.

5. Serve:

Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the skewers from the grill. Serve them hot, garnished with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired.

Quick Stats:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Calories: 320 kcal per serving
• Servings: 4

Tips for the Best Teriyaki Chicken Skewers:

• Marinate Overnight: For even more flavor, you can marinate the chicken overnight.
• Use Thighs for Juiciness: Chicken thighs tend to stay juicier on the grill than breasts, but either works well.
• Alternative Cooking Method: If you don’t have a grill, these skewers can also be cooked under the broiler in your oven.

These Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a summer cookout. Enjoy the savory, sweet, and slightly tangy flavors that make this dish irresistible!