Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are one of those recipes that feel both effortless and impressive at the same time. They bring together juicy, tender pieces of chicken and a glossy, sweet-savory teriyaki glaze that caramelizes beautifully as it cooks. Whether you’re planning a casual backyard barbecue, looking for an easy weeknight dinner, or searching for a crowd-pleasing dish that works year-round, Teriyaki Chicken Skewers deliver every single time.

What makes Teriyaki Chicken Skewers so appealing is their versatility. They can be grilled outdoors, baked in the oven, or cooked on a stovetop grill pan. They pair effortlessly with steamed rice, fried rice, noodles, salads, or grilled vegetables, and they work just as well as a main course or as an appetizer for parties and gatherings. Best of all, the flavors are universally loved—sweet, savory, slightly garlicky, and deeply comforting.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know to make perfect Teriyaki Chicken Skewers at home. We’ll cover the ingredients in detail, explain how to achieve juicy chicken and a perfectly thickened teriyaki sauce, explore variations and substitutions, and share tips for storage, reheating, and serving. By the end, you’ll have a go-to recipe you’ll return to again and again.

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Why Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Are So Popular

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers have earned their place as a staple in home kitchens and restaurants alike, and it’s easy to see why. The dish strikes a perfect balance between flavor, simplicity, and visual appeal.

First, there’s the sauce. Teriyaki sauce is known for its glossy finish and irresistible combination of sweet and salty flavors. When cooked properly, it coats the chicken in a sticky glaze that clings to every bite. The addition of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and a touch of honey creates layers of flavor that taste far more complex than the ingredient list suggests.

Second, skewers make everything more fun and more practical. Skewered chicken cooks evenly, is easy to flip on the grill, and looks inviting on the plate. Skewers also make portioning simple, which is especially helpful when serving a group.

Finally, Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are incredibly adaptable. You can keep them classic and simple, or customize them with vegetables, spices, or alternative proteins. They’re approachable enough for beginners and satisfying enough for experienced cooks.

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Ingredients + Tips

The success of Teriyaki Chicken Skewers depends on a handful of well-chosen ingredients and a few simple techniques. Each component plays an important role in flavor, texture, and appearance.

Chicken

• 2 lbs chicken thighs or chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

Chicken thighs are highly recommended for Teriyaki Chicken Skewers because they stay moist and tender during grilling. Their slightly higher fat content helps prevent drying out, especially over high heat. Chicken breasts are a leaner option and work well if you’re careful not to overcook them.

Cutting the chicken into evenly sized cubes ensures consistent cooking and prevents some pieces from drying out while others are still underdone.

Skewers

• 8 skewers

If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. Metal skewers are reusable and don’t require soaking.

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

This homemade teriyaki sauce is the heart of the recipe. Cornstarch thickens the sauce, giving it that signature glossy texture. Brown sugar and honey provide sweetness, while soy sauce adds depth and umami. Garlic and ginger bring warmth and complexity, and sesame oil finishes the sauce with a subtle nutty aroma.

Optional Toppings

• Sesame seeds

• Chopped green onions

These toppings aren’t just decorative—they add texture and freshness that balance the rich glaze.

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How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Make the Teriyaki Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. This step prevents lumps and ensures a silky sauce later.

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cornstarch mixture, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, rice vinegar, ginger, honey, and sesame oil. Stir frequently as the mixture heats up. As it reaches a simmer, the sauce will begin to thicken and turn glossy.

Once thickened, remove the sauce from heat and allow it to cool completely. This is crucial—pouring hot sauce over raw chicken can partially cook it and affect texture. Refrigerating the sauce can speed up the cooling process.

Marinate the Chicken

Place the cubed chicken into a large zip-top bag or bowl. Pour half of the cooled teriyaki sauce over the chicken, reserving the remaining sauce for basting later.

Toss the chicken until evenly coated, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, you can marinate the chicken for up to 12 hours.

Prepare the Grill

Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a small amount of space between pieces to ensure even cooking.

Preheat your grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

Grill the Skewers

Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 20–30 minutes, turning every 3–4 minutes. During the final turns, brush the chicken with the reserved teriyaki sauce to build layers of flavor and shine.

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and has a caramelized, slightly charred exterior.

Serve

Remove the Teriyaki Chicken Skewers from the grill and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

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Tips for Perfect Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Making Teriyaki Chicken Skewers is straightforward, but a few expert tips can take them from good to exceptional.

• Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness. Thighs are more forgiving on the grill and stay tender.

• Cool the sauce completely before marinating. This protects the texture of the chicken.

• Baste near the end of cooking. Teriyaki sauce contains sugar, which can burn if applied too early.

• Don’t overcrowd the skewers. Space allows heat to circulate evenly.

• Let the chicken rest briefly before serving. This keeps the juices inside the meat.

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Oven and Stovetop Options

If grilling isn’t an option, Teriyaki Chicken Skewers can still be made easily.

Oven Method

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the skewers on a lined baking sheet or a rack set over a sheet pan. Bake for 20–25 minutes, turning once and brushing with sauce near the end.

Stovetop Grill Pan

Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat and lightly oil it. Cook the skewers for about 15–20 minutes, turning frequently and basting toward the end.

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Variations and Customizations

One of the best things about Teriyaki Chicken Skewers is how customizable they are.

• Spicy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce.

• Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Skewers: Alternate chicken with pineapple chunks for a sweet, tropical twist.

• Vegetable Teriyaki Skewers: Add bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or mushrooms.

• Low-Sugar Version: Reduce the brown sugar and honey, or substitute with a sugar-free alternative.

• Alternative Proteins: Try shrimp, salmon, or tofu using the same sauce.

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Storage and Reheating

Storage

Store leftover Teriyaki Chicken Skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating

• Microwave: Reheat gently in short intervals.

• Oven: Warm at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

• Stovetop: Reheat in a covered skillet with a splash of water or sauce.

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Serving Suggestions

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers pair beautifully with a wide range of sides:

• Steamed jasmine or basmati rice

• Fried rice or garlic noodles

• Grilled vegetables

• Asian-style slaw

• Cucumber salad

• Lettuce wraps for a lighter option

They also work well as a meal-prep protein for bowls and wraps throughout the week.

Print

Nutrition (Approximate per Serving)

• Serving Size: 2 skewers

• Calories: 390 kcal

• Protein: 46 g

• Fat: 10 g

• Saturated Fat: 2 g

• Carbohydrates: 28 g

• Sugar: 22 g

• Fiber: 0.3 g

• Sodium: 1291 mg

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Final Thoughts

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are the kind of recipe that effortlessly earns a permanent place in your cooking rotation. They’re simple enough for busy weeknights, impressive enough for entertaining, and flexible enough to adapt to whatever ingredients or cooking methods you have on hand. The combination of tender chicken and glossy homemade teriyaki sauce creates a dish that feels both comforting and exciting, familiar yet special.

What truly sets Teriyaki Chicken Skewers apart is their balance. The sweetness of the sauce never overwhelms, the savory notes from soy sauce and garlic keep everything grounded, and the slight char from grilling adds depth and texture. Each bite delivers a satisfying mix of flavors that appeals to both kids and adults, making this recipe a reliable crowd-pleaser.

Another reason to love Teriyaki Chicken Skewers is how well they fit into different lifestyles. They can be prepped ahead for meal planning, served as a protein-packed dinner, or transformed into a lighter meal with fresh vegetables and rice alternatives. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or simply craving something flavorful and homemade, this recipe rises to the occasion.