Grilled Chicken Teriyaki Skewers Recipe with Savory Glaze

Chicken teriyaki skewers are a crowd-pleasing favorite that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, backyard gatherings, and everything in between.

The glossy glaze and smoky char combine to deliver bold, satisfying flavors that appeal to adults and kids.

Whether you need something quick for a casual meal or want to impress at a party, this dish serves up every time.

The balance of sweet and savory notes makes it universally loved across different palates and occasions.

Preparation is straightforward enough for beginners, yet the results look and taste impressive.

Serving options range from informal family-style plates to elegant entertaining spreads.

Give this recipe a go and watch how quickly everyone gathers around.

What Makes Chicken Teriyaki Skewers a Go-To Dinner

• Quick Meal Magic: These teriyaki skewers are perfect when your schedule is packed, and dinner needs to happen fast without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.
• Crowd-Pleaser Potential: Everyone from kids to adults will appreciate the sweet-savory taste and fun handheld format that makes mealtime more interactive and enjoyable.
• Grill-Friendly Option: This recipe transforms ordinary chicken into something special, giving your backyard barbecue or casual weekend cookout an instant upgrade with minimal kitchen effort.
• Customize with Ease: Your creativity can shine by switching up vegetables or trying different marinades, making this recipe adaptable to whatever ingredients are in your refrigerator.

Ingredient Lineup for Chicken Teriyaki Skewers

• Chicken Breast (500 grams): Lean meat that soaks up teriyaki sauce beautifully and creates tender, flavorful bites for your skewers.

• Teriyaki Sauce (1 cup): The star ingredient that adds sweet and savory flavor to your chicken, creating a rich marinade that makes every bite delicious.
• Sesame Seeds (2 tablespoons): Toasted seeds that provide a nutty crunch and enhance the visual appeal of your skewers.

• Bell Peppers (1 cup): Colorful and crisp vegetables that add brightness and texture to your skewers.
• Onion (1 medium): Chunks that bring a sharp, sweet flavor and complement the chicken perfectly.
• Green Onions (2): Fresh garnish that adds a light, zesty finish to your dish.

• Pineapple Chunks: Sweet element that can add tropical brightness.
• Zucchini Slices: Extra vegetable option for more variety.
• Honey or Brown Sugar: Additional sweetener to enhance the teriyaki glaze.

• Skewers (8-10): Essential for grilling and creating a beautiful presentation of your teriyaki chicken.

Skewer Tools for Chicken Teriyaki

• Grill or Barbecue: Your go-to spot for getting those perfect char marks and cooking the skewers to golden-brown deliciousness.
• Wooden Skewers (12-inch): Essential for threading chicken and veggies, making sure to soak them in water beforehand to prevent burning.
• Sharp Chef’s Knife: Great for cutting chicken into uniform cubes and chopping vegetables precisely.
• Cutting Board: A sturdy surface for safely preparing your ingredients without damaging countertops.
• Mixing Bowl: Perfect for marinating chicken and ensuring each piece gets coated with teriyaki sauce.
• Basting Brush: Helps spread extra teriyaki sauce during grilling for maximum flavor.
• Tongs: Your best friend for safely turning skewers and managing heat while grilling.
• Meat Thermometer: Crucial for checking that chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 75C (165F).
• Serving Platter: A nice plate to present your delicious teriyaki skewers with style.

Chicken Teriyaki Skewers Cooking Instructions

Smart Tips for Chicken Teriyaki Skewers

• Let the chicken soak up that teriyaki magic by marinating for at least 30 minutes, but two hours makes the flavor even more amazing.
• Prevent wooden skewers from burning by soaking them in water before threading your chicken and veggies.
• Create gorgeous skewers by alternating chicken and vegetables for a beautiful and balanced presentation that tastes incredible.
• Keep an eye on the grill and rotate skewers every few minutes to ensure your chicken cooks evenly and gets those perfect char marks.
• Finish with a final brush of teriyaki sauce during the last few minutes of grilling to lock in extra flavor and create a glossy, delicious coating.

Which Chicken Teriyaki Skewers Variations Can You Try

• Beef Teriyaki Option: Swap chicken for sliced beef sirloin, keeping the same marinade time and grilling technique for a rich, meaty alternative that pairs perfectly with the teriyaki sauce.
• Tofu Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with firm tofu cubes, pressing out excess moisture before marinating and grilling to create a protein-packed plant-based skewer that absorbs the teriyaki flavors beautifully.
• Oven-Baked Alternative: When grilling isn’t possible, bake your skewers at 200C (400F) for 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway through to ensure even cooking and crispy edges on your teriyaki creation.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce in the teriyaki marinade, checking that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to make this dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

How Should You Serve Chicken Teriyaki Skewers?

• Serve with Steamed Rice: Pile fluffy white rice beside your skewers to soak up those delicious teriyaki drippings and create a complete meal.
• Pair with Crisp Salad: Toss together a simple cucumber and lettuce salad with a light sesame dressing to balance the rich chicken flavors.
• Prep Ahead for Easy Entertaining: Assemble skewers earlier in the day and store covered in the refrigerator, making dinner prep a breeze when guests arrive.
• Sauce Dipping Station: Set out small bowls with extra teriyaki sauce and sweet chili sauce so everyone can customize their dipping experience.

How to Store Chicken Teriyaki Skewers

• Refrigerate leftover skewers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping the chicken and veggies separate if possible to maintain texture.
• Reheat skewers gently in the oven at 150C (300F) wrapped in foil to prevent drying out, which helps keep your chicken tender and juicy.
• For quick lunch options, slice cold skewers and toss into salads or grain bowls for an instant protein boost that preserves the teriyaki flavor.
• Freeze individual skewers in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers, which lets your future self enjoy a fast meal by thawing overnight in the refrigerator.

Chicken Teriyaki Skewers Frequently Asked Questions

Chicken Teriyaki Skewers Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 3 to 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Chicken teriyaki skewers bring sweet-savory glaze and juicy grilled bites straight to your grill or stovetop. Pair them with rice and veggies for an instant win.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 500 grams chicken breast

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion
• 1 cup bell peppers
• 2 green onions
• Optional pineapple chunks
• Optional zucchini slices

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 1 cup teriyaki sauce
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• Optional honey
• Optional brown sugar

Cooking Tools:

• 8–10 skewers

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Immerse 500 grams of chicken breast chunks in 1 cup teriyaki sauce. Refrigerate for 30-120 minutes, allowing deep flavor penetration.
2. Soak wooden skewers in cold water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Chop 1 cup bell peppers and 1 medium onion into uniform bite-sized pieces.
3. Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, alternating with pepper and onion chunks. Space ingredients evenly for consistent cooking.
4. Preheat outdoor grill to 400°F. Arrange skewers across medium-high heat zone, ensuring direct flame contact.
5. Grill skewers for 12-15 minutes, rotating every 4 minutes to achieve golden-brown exterior. Confirm chicken internal temperature reaches 165°F using meat thermometer.
6. During final 2 minutes of grilling, baste skewers with reserved teriyaki sauce for enhanced caramelization.
7. Remove skewers from grill. Let rest 3-4 minutes to redistribute internal juices and prevent dryness.
8. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions over skewers. Serve immediately with additional teriyaki sauce.

Notes

• Wooden skewers need to soak in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
• Marinating chicken for two hours maximizes flavor absorption and ensures tender, juicy meat.
• For gluten-free adaptation, use tamari sauce instead of traditional teriyaki sauce.
• Cut chicken and vegetables into uniform sizes to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture on your skewers.

• Prep Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Chicken
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3 to 4
• Calories: 230 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg