Introduction to Teriyaki Chicken Grilled Skewers
As summer approaches, my taste buds begin to crave the smoky, sweet flavors of grilled food, especially those mouthwatering Teriyaki Chicken Grilled Skewers. There’s something undeniably special about gathering around the grill with family and friends, sharing laughter while enjoying sizzling skewers that are bursting with flavor. This recipe is a perfect solution for busy moms and professionals who want a quick, flavorful meal that everyone will love. With a homemade teriyaki sauce that packs a punch, these grilled skewers are a delightful way to elevate your BBQ gatherings without breaking a sweat.
Why You’ll Love This Teriyaki Chicken Grilled Skewers
These Teriyaki Chicken Grilled Skewers are a total winner in my kitchen. They’re not just easy to whip up; they’re also packed with flavor that everyone will adore. In just 40 minutes, you can transform simple chicken into a delightful dish that’s perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers. Plus, these skewers are a fun way to get everyone involved in the grilling process, making mealtime a little more special.
Ingredients for Teriyaki Chicken Grilled Skewers
Creating delicious Teriyaki Chicken Grilled Skewers starts with the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this flavorful dish to life:
- Chicken thighs or breasts: I love using thighs for added juiciness, but breasts work just as well!
- Skewers: Bamboo or metal skewers are great. If using bamboo, soak them in water to avoid burning.
- Cornstarch: This helps thicken the homemade teriyaki sauce, giving it that perfect glaze.
- Water: Essential for mixing with cornstarch—it’s all about creating that fabulous sauce consistency.
- Brown sugar: This sweet element balances the saltiness of the soy sauce and adds a lovely caramel flavor.
- Low sodium soy sauce: I opt for low sodium to keep things healthier, but regular soy sauce will work fine too.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives a robust flavor, bringing everything together beautifully.
- Rice vinegar: This adds brightness and depth, lifting the other flavors in the marinade.
- Fresh ginger: Minced ginger adds a warm spiciness that’s key in authentic teriyaki.
- Honey: For that touch of natural sweetness, honey harmonizes perfectly with the other ingredients.
- Sesame oil: Just a dash enhances the overall flavor profile, bringing in that nutty essence.
- Sesame seeds (optional): A lovely garnish for visual appeal and crunch, adding a nutty texture.
- Chopped green onion (optional): Fresh and vibrant, these make the dish pop with color and freshness.
You can find the exact measurements for these ingredients at the bottom of the article, ready for printing. Happy cooking!
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Grilled Skewers
Making Teriyaki Chicken Grilled Skewers is simple and rewarding. Let me walk you through the steps to create these tender, flavorful delights that will have your family asking for seconds.
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by making the teriyaki marinade. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and water. This mixture will help thicken your sauce. Now, in a medium saucepan, mix your cornstarch mixture with brown sugar, low sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, minced ginger, honey, and sesame oil. Stir frequently over medium heat until the sauce thickens and gets that rich, dark brown color we all love. It should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, remove it from heat and let it cool. If you’re short on time, you can pop it in the fridge to speed up the cooling process!
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Once your sauce has cooled, it’s time to marinate the chicken. Grab a large ziplock bag and place your chicken cubes inside. Pour half of the cooled teriyaki sauce into the bag, seal it tightly, and give it a gentle shake to ensure every piece of chicken gets coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you can manage longer, do it! The longer the chicken sits, the more flavorful it will become. Remember to save the remaining sauce for basting later.
Step 3: Thread Chicken onto Skewers
After marinating, get your skewers ready. If you’re using bamboo skewers, ensure they’ve been soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Now, take each piece of marinated chicken and thread it onto the skewers. Aim for a snug fit—too loose and they’ll spin on the grill. Depending on the size of your cubes, you might fit 4 to 5 pieces per skewer. Arrange them nicely on a plate while you prepare for grilling!
Step 4: Preheat the Grill
While you’re threading the chicken, preheat your grill to a medium heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. I love using a paper towel dipped in oil and holding it with tongs for this job. It’s quick and keeps your grates looking shiny and new. Getting your grill hot is crucial; it helps to achieve those delicious grill marks and seal in the juices!
Step 5: Grill the Skewers
Now comes the fun part—grilling the skewers! Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook them for about 20 to 30 minutes. Turn them every 3 to 4 minutes to ensure even cooking. It’s important to keep an eye on them! During the last few minutes, drizzle the remaining teriyaki sauce over the skewers for extra flavor. Remember, the chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer if you have one for accuracy!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once grilled to perfection, remove the skewers from the grill. Here’s where you can get a little fancy! Garnish the skewers with sesame seeds and chopped green onions to bring in freshness and a pop of color. Serve them immediately and watch as everyone dives in with glee. These Teriyaki Chicken Grilled Skewers are not just a meal; they’re a delightful experience around the table!
Tips for Success
- Marinate the chicken for at least an hour for deeper flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked to 165°F—no one likes dry chicken!
- Consider adding veggies like bell peppers or onions to the skewers for extra color and flavor.
- Keep the grill lid closed while cooking to maintain consistent heat.
- Serve immediately for the best taste—these skewers are best enjoyed hot off the grill!
Equipment Needed
- Grill: Whether it’s gas or charcoal, choose what you love best.
- Skewers: Bamboo or metal skewers work well—just soak bamboo in water.
- Meat thermometer: Essential for perfect cooking; a simple one does the trick!
- Mixing bowls: Handy for preparing your marinade and marinating chicken.
Variations
- Vegetable Skewers: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes alongside chicken for a vibrant, colorful dish.
- Pineapple Salsa: Pair your skewers with a fresh pineapple salsa. The sweetness of pineapple complements the savory teriyaki perfectly.
- Spicy Teriyaki: For a kick, add red pepper flakes or sriracha to your marinade for a spicy twist that your taste buds will love!
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap low sodium soy sauce for gluten-free tamari to keep this recipe friendly for gluten-sensitive diets.
- Alternative Proteins: Try using shrimp, tofu, or even beef for a different flavor profile while keeping the teriyaki essence intact!
Serving Suggestions
- Rice: Serve your skewers over a bed of fluffy white rice or fragrant jasmine rice for a filling meal.
- Grilled Vegetables: Pair with grilled veggies like asparagus or zucchini for a fresh, vibrant side.
- Cold Beverages: Enjoy with iced tea or a crisp white wine to complement the flavors beautifully.
- Presentation: Arrange skewers on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs for a colorful touch that impresses!
FAQs about Teriyaki Chicken Grilled Skewers
If you’re venturing into the world of Teriyaki Chicken Grilled Skewers for the first time, you might have a few questions. Let me help you out with some common queries I often hear!
Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Absolutely! These skewers are versatile. You can easily swap chicken for shrimp, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. Just adjust the cooking time according to your chosen protein!
How can I ensure my skewers don’t burn on the grill?
Great question! If you’re using bamboo skewers, soaking them in water for about 30 minutes beforehand is crucial. This prevents them from burning while grilling. Also, keep the grill at medium heat for even cooking.
Can I prepare the teriyaki sauce in advance?
You bet! Making the teriyaki sauce ahead of time is a fantastic idea. Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week. This makes your grilling experience quicker and easier—perfect for busy evenings!
What should I serve with my Teriyaki Chicken Grilled Skewers?
These skewers pair wonderfully with fluffy rice and grilled veggies. You could also serve them fresh coleslaw for a crunchy side or a refreshing cucumber salad. The combinations are endless!
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest bet is to use a meat thermometer. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. It’s the secret to juicy, delicious skewers!
Final Thoughts
Making Teriyaki Chicken Grilled Skewers isn’t just about putting food on the table; it’s a delightful experience that brings joy and connection. Each skewer encapsulates flavor, laughter, and the warmth of family. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or enjoying a cozy family dinner, these skewers are sure to impress. The easy preparation and vibrant taste will have everyone craving more. As you grill them up, you’ll not only fill tummies but also create cherished memories. So fire up that grill, gather your loved ones, and savor the delightful moments that come with these delicious skewers!
Print
Teriyaki Chicken Grilled Skewers
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious grilled chicken skewers marinated in homemade teriyaki sauce, perfect for BBQ gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 skewers
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Chopped green onion (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and water.
- In a medium saucepan, mix the cornstarch mixture with brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, rice vinegar, ginger, honey, and sesame oil. Stir frequently over medium heat until the sauce thickens and turns dark brown. Remove from heat and let cool completely, refrigerating if necessary to expedite cooling.
- Once the sauce is cool, place the chicken cubes in a large ziplock bag. Pour half of the sauce into the bag, seal, and gently shake to coat the chicken. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Set aside the remaining sauce for later use.
- Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers.
- Preheat the grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grates. Place the skewers on the grill and cook, turning every 3-4 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, approximately 20-30 minutes. During the last few turns, baste the chicken with the remaining teriyaki sauce.
- Remove the skewers from the grill. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired, and serve.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken for longer than 30 minutes.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier option.
- Use bamboo skewers soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
