Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
These succulent Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are grilled to perfection and glazed with a sweet and tangy homemade teriyaki sauce, making them a perfect dish for gatherings and casual dinners.
Ingredients
For the Teriyaki Sauce
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/2 tbsp fresh ginger (minced)
- 1 tbsp honey can be substituted with agave syrup or a sugar alternative
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
For the Skewers
- 2 lbs chicken thighs (or breasts, cut into 1" cubes)
- 8 pieces skewers wooden skewers should be soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning
- sesame seeds for garnish
- chopped green onion for garnish
Instructions
Preparation of Sauce
- Combine cornstarch and water in a small bowl.
- In a medium saucepan, add remaining ingredients along with the cornstarch/water mixture.
- Stirring frequently, bring sauce to a simmer and cook until it lightly thickens. The sauce will turn dark brown.
- Remove from heat and let cool completely; refrigerate to speed up the process.
Marination
- Place cubed chicken in a large ziplock bag.
- Pour half of the cooled sauce over the chicken and gently shake to coat.
- Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- Place the remaining sauce aside for later use.
Grilling
- After marination, thread the chicken onto skewers.
- Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- Once hot, place skewers on a lightly oiled grill.
- Turn the skewers every 3-4 minutes until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F), about 20-30 minutes.
- During the last few turns, baste with the remaining teriyaki sauce.
Serving
- Remove skewers from the grill and serve with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Notes
For a tropical twist, consider adding pineapple chunks to your skewers. You can also substitute different proteins like beef or shrimp and adjust cooking times accordingly. Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling keeps it moist.