Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are the culinary equivalent of a warm hug on a chilly evening. Picture juicy chicken, marinated to perfection in a sweet and savory sauce, grilled until it’s caramelized and slightly charred, sending your taste buds into a euphoric dance of flavor. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking, “What’s cooking?”
Every summer family gathering, backyard barbecue, or cozy weeknight dinner becomes infinitely better with these skewers. They’re not just food; they’re a delicious memory waiting to happen—like the time Uncle Bob mistakenly used hot sauce instead of teriyaki and turned family dinner into a fiery challenge.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings
- Their rich flavor profile combines sweet and savory notes that leave everyone wanting more
- Visually stunning with their glazed finish and colorful veggies, they will be the star of any meal
- Versatile enough to enjoy on rice, in wraps, or alone as snacks!
Ingredients for Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 1-1.5 pounds for the best results; cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Bell Peppers: Choose vibrant colors like red and yellow for a pop of color; they add sweetness and crunch.
- Red Onion: This will give your skewers a zesty flavor; cut into wedges for easy threading.
- Mushrooms: Button mushrooms work well; they soak up the marinade beautifully while grilling.
For the Sauce:
- Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce keeps things from getting too salty while delivering that umami punch.
- Brown Sugar: This adds delightful sweetness and helps achieve that beautiful caramelization on the grill.
- Fresh Garlic: Minced garlic brings in aromatic depth; always use fresh for the best taste.
- Ginger: Freshly grated ginger enhances the flavor profile with its warm spiciness—truly a game changer!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger until combined. This will be your magical elixir!
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place your bite-sized chicken pieces into another bowl or a zip-top bag. Pour half of your marinade over them and let it sit for at least 30 minutes (or longer if you can resist!).
Step 3: Chop Your Veggies
While the chicken is marinating, chop up your bell peppers, red onion, and mushrooms into manageable pieces. Aim for uniform sizes so they cook evenly.
Step 4: Assemble Your Skewers
Thread chicken pieces alternately with veggies onto skewers. If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water beforehand to prevent burning.
Step 5: Grill Time
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until everything is nicely charred.
Step 6: Brush with Remaining Marinade
In the last few minutes of grilling, brush on some reserved marinade (from before it touched raw chicken) for extra flavor!
Transfer to plates and drizzle with any remaining sauce for the perfect finishing touch.
Now go ahead and serve those glorious Teriyaki Chicken Skewers at your next gathering! They’re bound to be an instant hit—unless Uncle Bob’s there again…
You Must Know
- This delightful teriyaki chicken skewers recipe offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a joy
- You can easily swap ingredients based on your pantry
- The vibrant colors and savory aromas make it a showstopper for any gathering
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or broiling
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve juicy teriyaki chicken skewers, start by marinating the chicken to infuse flavor. While it marinates, soak your skewers in water to prevent burning. Grill the skewers until they achieve a beautiful char, ensuring even cooking throughout.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your teriyaki chicken skewers! Swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option. Add colorful bell peppers, zucchini, or even pineapple chunks for an extra burst of flavor and fun.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover teriyaki chicken skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm them in a pan over medium heat or pop them in the microwave for a quick meal while preserving their deliciousness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For incredible teriyaki chicken skewers, always marinate overnight for deeper flavor
- Ensure your grill is preheated to get that perfect sear without drying out the meat
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers; give each piece breathing room for even cooking
Cooking these teriyaki chicken skewers reminds me of summer barbecues with my family, where laughter and smoky aromas filled the air. Everyone would fight over who could grab the first skewer!
FAQs:
What ingredients do I need for Teriyaki Chicken Skewers?
To prepare delicious Teriyaki Chicken Skewers, you will need boneless chicken thighs or breasts, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Additional ingredients like green onions and bell peppers can enhance the flavor and presentation. For a perfect marinade, combine these ingredients in a bowl and allow the chicken to soak up the flavors for at least 30 minutes. This ensures that every bite of your skewers is infused with that classic teriyaki taste.
How long should I marinate the chicken for Teriyaki Chicken Skewers?
Marinating your chicken for Teriyaki Chicken Skewers is crucial for enhancing flavor. Ideally, you should marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours. If time allows, marinating overnight in the refrigerator provides even better results. The longer you marinate, the more tender and flavorful your chicken will be when cooked. Just remember to keep it refrigerated during this time to maintain food safety.
Can I grill Teriyaki Chicken Skewers indoors?
Yes, you can grill Teriyaki Chicken Skewers indoors using a grill pan or broiler. If you’re using a grill pan, preheat it over medium-high heat and brush with oil to prevent sticking. Cook the skewers for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through. If using a broiler, place the skewers on a broiler-safe pan and cook for similar timing while keeping an eye on them to avoid burning.
What can I serve with Teriyaki Chicken Skewers?
Teriyaki Chicken Skewers pair beautifully with various side dishes. You can serve them over steamed rice or quinoa for a hearty meal. A simple salad with mixed greens or Asian slaw adds freshness and crunch. For an authentic touch, consider serving them with pickled vegetables or dipping sauces like extra teriyaki sauce or sesame dressing to complement the savory flavors.
Conclusion for Teriyaki Chicken Skewers:
Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are a fantastic dish that combines juicy chicken with a sweet and savory marinade. By following the right steps—marinating your chicken adequately and choosing fresh ingredients—you can create an irresistible meal that impresses everyone at your table. Whether grilled outdoors or made indoors on a stovetop, these skewers are versatile and easy to prepare. Enjoy them as part of a family dinner or at your next gathering; they are sure to be a hit!
Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are a delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for summer barbecues or cozy weeknight dinners. These easy-to-make skewers feature tender chicken marinated in a rich teriyaki sauce, grilled alongside colorful vegetables for a meal that’s as vibrant as it is flavorful. Serve them over rice or enjoy them on their own – they are sure to be a hit with family and friends!
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), chopped
- 1 small red onion, cut into wedges
- 8 oz button mushrooms, halved
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger to create the marinade.
- Place chicken pieces in a zip-top bag or bowl; pour half of the marinade over the chicken. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- While the chicken marinates, chop bell pepper, onion, and mushrooms into uniform pieces.
- Thread chicken and veggies onto soaked wooden skewers alternately.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat and grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until charred and cooked through.
- Brush with reserved marinade during the last few minutes of grilling for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers (180g)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
