Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Recipe with Sesame

Teriyaki chicken skewers have become a beloved option for gatherings, weeknight dinners, and outdoor cooking sessions.

The sweet and savory combination makes them appealing to both adults and kids, which is why they disappear so fast at parties.

Grilling season or not, skewers offer an easy way to serve up something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

The glaze caramelizes beautifully, creating those irresistible charred edges that everyone loves.

What makes this dish so popular is how it balances bold flavor with simple preparation, fitting perfectly into busy schedules.

Whether hosting friends or feeding the family, skewers always feel like a treat rather than just another meal.

When you need something that looks impressive but comes together quickly, this recipe evokes every single time.

Reasons Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Are a Win

• Easy Weeknight Meal: These teriyaki chicken skewers come together super quickly, making them perfect when your family needs a fast, tasty dinner without complicated steps.
• Crowd-Pleaser Flavor: The sweet and savory teriyaki marinade creates such a delicious coating that everyone at the table will be asking for seconds.
• Grill-Friendly Option: Whether cooking outdoors or using an indoor grill pan, these skewers adapt perfectly and give you those amazing charred edges that make grilled food so good.
• Customize Friendly: You can swap chicken for other proteins like tofu or shrimp, and add whatever vegetables sound good to make this recipe totally your own personal creation.

Ingredient Breakdown of Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (1 lb): Fresh chicken cut into perfect bite-sized pieces that will soak up every bit of delicious teriyaki flavor.

• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce (1/4 cup): Adds deep, salty umami flavor that makes the chicken super tasty.
• Brown Sugar (2 tbsp): Provides a touch of sweetness that helps caramelize the chicken’s surface.
• Rice Vinegar (1 tbsp): Brings a subtle tangy brightness to balance the marinade.

• Fresh Garlic (2 cloves): Minced garlic that infuses the marinade with a classic aromatic punch.
• Sesame Oil (1 tsp): Delivers a rich, nutty undertone that makes the teriyaki sauce complex and authentic.

Tools That Bring Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Together

• Large Mixing Bowl: A spacious container where you’ll whip together the teriyaki marinade and coat your chicken pieces perfectly.
• Wooden or Metal Skewers: Sharp tools for threading your marinated chicken, ensuring even cooking and great presentation. Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise tools to help measure each marinade ingredient accurately for balanced flavor.
• Grill or Grill Pan (12-inch): Your main cooking surface that delivers those delicious charred marks and caramelized teriyaki edges.
• Basting Brush: A handy tool for glazing your skewers with extra teriyaki sauce during grilling, adding extra shine and flavor.
• Tongs (12-inch): Essential for safely turning and moving skewers on the hot grill without piercing the chicken.
• Cutting Board: A clean surface for preparing and cutting chicken before marinating.
• Sharp Knife: For trimming chicken and ensuring uniform piece sizes for even cooking.

How to Grill Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Which Tips Keep Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Juicy

• Let your chicken soak up those teriyaki flavors for at least 30 minutes to ensure every bite is packed with deliciousness.
• Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning on the grill.
• Maintain medium-high heat and turn skewers every few minutes for even charring and juicy chicken.
• Brush extra teriyaki sauce during the last few minutes of grilling to create a glossy, caramelized exterior.
• Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a nutty crunch and beautiful presentation that will impress your friends and family.

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Ways to Change It Up

• Beef Teriyaki Option: Swap chicken with thin-cut beef strips, keeping the same marinade time and grilling technique for a hearty protein change.
• Tofu Vegetarian Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu cubes, pressing out extra moisture and marinating for 45 minutes to help tofu absorb more flavor.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Substitute regular soy sauce with tamari sauce to make the entire recipe safe for gluten-sensitive diners without changing the core marinade profile.
• Oven-Baked Alternative: When grilling isn’t possible, bake skewers on a lined sheet pan at 400°F for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking and caramelization.

Serving Ideas for Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

• Serving Size Suggestion: Prepare two to three skewers per person as a filling main course or protein option.
• Perfect Rice Pairing: Serve these skewers over steamed white or brown rice to catch the delicious teriyaki sauce drippings.
• Fresh Side Selection: Add a simple cucumber salad or crisp green salad to balance the rich, sweet teriyaki flavor and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Garnish Recommendation: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the skewers for extra texture and a pop of color that makes your plate look restaurant-worthy.

Best Ways to Store Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

• Refrigerate leftover skewers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping the chicken moist by storing it with a small piece of damp paper towel.
• Reheat skewers gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat to prevent drying out, adding a splash of extra teriyaki sauce to restore moisture.
• Chop cold skewers into bite-sized pieces for a tasty salad topping or quick protein boost in your lunch wrap.
• Freeze individual portions in sealed freezer bags for future meals, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make thawing easier.

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers FAQs

Glazed Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers bring summer grilling magic straight to your backyard barbecue, with tender marinated chicken chunks glazed in a tangy sweet sauce that sizzles and satisfies your hunger perfectly.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Seasonings and Marinades:

• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 cloves fresh garlic
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

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Instructions

1. Pour ¼ cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp sesame oil into a medium mixing bowl, whisking until sugar dissolves completely.
2. Add 1 lb chicken breast pieces to the marinade, ensuring each chunk gets thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for 30-45 minutes, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply.
3. Soak wooden skewers in water for 15 minutes to prevent burning during grilling. Drain and pat dry with paper towels.
4. Preheat outdoor grill to 375°F, creating a medium-high heat zone for even cooking.
5. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Thread pieces evenly onto prepared skewers, spacing them slightly apart.
6. Place skewers on hot grill grates, cooking for 5-7 minutes per side. Rotate carefully to achieve consistent char marks.
7. During final 2 minutes of grilling, brush reserved marinade over skewers to create a glossy, caramelized exterior.
8. Check internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer. Remove from grill and let rest for 3 minutes before serving.
9. Sprinkle optional sesame seeds across skewers for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
• For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and check that all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Marinate chicken for up to 8 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor, but avoid marinating longer to prevent the meat from becoming mushy.
• If grilling isn’t an option, these skewers work perfectly on a grill pan or under the broiler, cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Chicken
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 190 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 4 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 0.2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg