Let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite dishes to whip up—Teriyaki Chicken Skewers! They’re the perfect blend of sweet and savory, and every bite is just bursting with flavor. I remember the first time I had these at a summer barbecue, the sun setting, laughter all around, and those delicious skewers sizzling on the grill. I couldn’t resist going back for seconds (or thirds, if we’re being honest!). This recipe brings all those warm memories back and is so easy to make at home. Trust me, once you try these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers, you’ll be the star of your own gatherings, too! So, grab your skewers and let’s dive into this delightful dish!
Ingredients List
Now, let’s gather our ingredients to make these mouthwatering Teriyaki Chicken Skewers! You’ll want to make sure you have everything ready before you start cooking. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes – This is the star of the show, so choose a nice, fresh piece!
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce – This gives that sweet and savory flavor that makes the skewers so irresistible.
- 2 tablespoons honey – A little extra sweetness to balance the savory notes of the teriyaki sauce.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil – Adds a lovely nutty aroma and richness to the marinade.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce – A classic flavor booster that enhances the umami taste.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic – Fresh garlic adds a punch of flavor; it’s a must!
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger – This gives a warm, zesty kick that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
- Skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes – I recommend using wooden skewers to keep things traditional, but metal works too!
Make sure to have all these ingredients on hand, and we’ll be ready to create something delicious together!
How to Prepare Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Alright, let’s get our hands a little messy and whip up these scrumptious Teriyaki Chicken Skewers! The key is to take your time with the marination to really allow those flavors to soak in. Here’s how to do it:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First off, grab a large bowl and mix together the teriyaki sauce, honey, sesame oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Give it a good whisk until everything’s nicely combined.
- Next, add your chicken cubes to the marinade. Make sure they’re all coated evenly—this is where the magic happens! Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you can wait longer, even better! This allows the chicken to absorb all those delicious flavors!
- When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot, so those skewers get that perfect char!
- Now, take your marinated chicken and thread it onto your soaked skewers. I usually fit about 4-5 pieces on each skewer, but feel free to adjust based on your preference.
- Once your grill is ready, place the skewers on it. Grill for 5-7 minutes on each side, turning them occasionally until they’re fully cooked and have nice grill marks. You’re looking for that golden brown goodness!
- Finally, serve those skewers hot and watch everyone dig in with delight!
Trust me, the aroma will be mouthwatering, and you won’t be able to resist snacking on them straight off the grill!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are not just delicious; they’re also super practical! Here’s why you’ll want to make them again and again:
- Quick to prepare, with just a little marination time needed!
- Easy to make, perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
- Flavor-packed with that irresistible sweet and savory combo.
- Gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy them at gatherings.
- Great for meal prep or a fun grilling session with friends!
Seriously, these skewers check all the boxes for a fantastic meal!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Teriyaki Chicken Skewers turn out absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite pro tips! First, don’t rush the marination process—ideally, let the chicken soak for at least an hour or even overnight if you can. The longer it marinates, the more intense the flavors will be!
When you’re ready to grill, make sure your grill is nice and hot to achieve those beautiful grill marks and a juicy interior. Keep an eye on the skewers while they cook; turning them frequently will help them cook evenly and prevent burning. If you want to mix things up, toss some bell peppers, onions, or pineapple chunks onto the skewers for added flavor and color!
Finally, taste your marinade before adding the chicken. If you like a little more sweetness, feel free to adjust the honey or teriyaki sauce to fit your preference. Happy grilling!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Hey there, before we dive into the deliciousness, I just want to give you a quick heads-up about the nutritional information. The values can vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, so they’re not set in stone. That said, here’s a typical breakdown for a serving size of one Teriyaki Chicken Skewer:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Just keep in mind that these numbers are approximate, and the actual values can change based on your specific ingredients. Enjoy your skewers guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Can I use other types of meat for these skewers?
Absolutely! While chicken is a classic choice, you can also use beef, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just be sure to adjust the marination time according to the type of meat you choose!
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
Great question! The best way to ensure your Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have one, just cut into a piece; it should be white all the way through with no pink remaining.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Yes, you can! In fact, making the marinade a day in advance can enhance the flavors even more. Just store it in the fridge, and when you’re ready to cook, add your chicken and let it marinate!
What should I serve with Teriyaki Chicken Skewers?
These skewers pair beautifully with steamed rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad. You can also serve them with a side of extra teriyaki sauce for dipping. Yum!
Can I cook these skewers in the oven instead of the grill?
Definitely! If you can’t grill, just preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until they’re cooked through and nice and caramelized.
Serving Suggestions
Now that your Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are ready to shine, let’s talk about what to serve alongside them to create a delightful meal! I love pairing these skewers with a fluffy bed of steamed jasmine rice—it’s the perfect canvas to soak up all that delicious teriyaki sauce. You could also whip up a vibrant stir-fried vegetable medley with bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas for a colorful side that adds crunch and freshness.
If you’re feeling adventurous, a light cucumber salad dressed with sesame oil and rice vinegar offers a refreshing contrast. And don’t forget to serve extra teriyaki sauce on the side for dipping—trust me, it’s a game changer. Enjoy your meal!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about how to keep those delicious Teriyaki Chicken Skewers fresh for later! If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), the best way to store them is to let them cool down completely first. Once they’re cooled, place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay good in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap each skewer tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just be sure to label the bag with the date so you know when you made them!
When you’re ready to enjoy those skewers again, reheating is key to keeping them tasty. If you’re using the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and place the skewers on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re warmed through. You can brush a little extra teriyaki sauce on them for added moisture and flavor!
If you’re short on time, you can also reheat them in the microwave. Just place a skewer on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat for about 30-60 seconds, checking to make sure they’re hot but not overcooked. No matter how you choose to reheat, those juicy flavors will have you dreaming of summer barbecues all over again!
Print
Teriyaki Chicken Skewers: 5 Steps to Irresistible Flavor
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are marinated chicken pieces grilled on skewers, offering a sweet and savory flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- Skewers, soaked in water
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix teriyaki sauce, honey, sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
- Add chicken cubes to the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread marinated chicken onto skewers.
- Grill skewers for 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
- Serve hot with your choice of sides.
Notes
- You can use vegetables on the skewers for added flavor.
- Adjust marinade ingredients to taste.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Teriyaki Chicken Skewers, grilled chicken, easy dinner