Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Recipe with Sweet Garlic Glaze

Teriyaki chicken skewers bring together savory and sweet flavors in one of the most satisfying ways to enjoy grilled food.

When you want something that feels special but comes together without fuss, skewers always deliver that perfect balance of simplicity and wow factor.

There's something about food on a stick that makes any meal feel more fun and interactive, whether served at a backyard gathering or enjoyed as a weeknight dinner.

The glossy glaze that coats every piece creates an appetizing look that makes mouths water before the first bite.

Grilling adds that slightly charred exterior while keeping everything tender inside, creating contrast in both texture and flavor.

Skewers also make portion control effortless and presentation naturally appealing without extra effort.

What makes this recipe so versatile is how well it works for casual meals and occasions when you need something more impressive.

Practical Reasons to Try Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Your friends and family will devour these tender, flavor-packed skewers faster than you can set the table.
• Zero Fuss Prep: Marinating takes minimal effort, and grilling transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish right in your backyard.
• Versatile Meal Option: Perfect for summer barbecues, weeknight dinners, or casual gatherings where everyone craves something delicious and satisfying.
• Healthy Protein Choice: Lean chicken combined with a balanced marinade delivers a nutritious meal that keeps your dinner plate exciting and wholesome.

What Goes Into Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

• Chicken Breast (1 pound): Fresh chicken cubes that form the star of your delicious skewers.

• Teriyaki Sauce (1/2 cup): Provides the primary flavor base for your chicken skewers.
• Honey (2 tablespoons): Adds a gentle sweetness and helps create a beautiful glaze.
• Soy Sauce (2 tablespoons): Brings depth and saltiness to enhance the overall taste.
• Sesame Oil (1 tablespoon): Introduces a rich, nutty undertone to your marinade.

• Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Helps thicken the marinade and create a smooth coating for your chicken.

• Skewers: Essential for transforming your marinated chicken into perfectly grilled, easy-to-eat skewers.

What Tools Grill Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for whisking together marinade ingredients and coating each chicken piece evenly.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface where you’ll slice chicken into neat, uniform cubes.
• Sharp Chef’s Knife: Essential for precise chicken cutting and creating clean, even pieces.
• Wooden or Metal Skewers: Holds chicken chunks securely for easy grilling and beautiful presentation.
• Grill or Grill Pan: Creates those perfect char marks and seals in the teriyaki chicken’s delicious flavors.
• Tongs: Helps you safely flip skewers and manage chicken pieces without piercing the meat.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate marinade ingredient proportions for balanced flavor.
• Measuring Cups: Helps measure liquid ingredients with precision for consistent results.

Grilling Instructions for Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Easy Kitchen Guidance for Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

• Slice chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and perfect sauce absorption.
• Let chicken soak in the teriyaki mixture for at least 30 minutes so your meat gets packed with deep, rich flavor.
• Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning on the grill.
• Check chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe and juicy results every single time.
• Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the finished skewers for an extra burst of freshness and color.

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Glaze And Protein Options

• Tofu Teriyaki Swap: Replace chicken cubes with firm tofu cubes for a vegetarian version, pressing tofu first to remove excess moisture and help it absorb the marinade better.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the entire recipe safe for gluten-sensitive diners.
• Oven Baked Alternative: When grilling isn’t possible, spread skewered chicken on a baking sheet and roast at 425°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.
• Spicy Kick Version: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce directly to the marinade for those who enjoy a bit more heat with their teriyaki flavor.

Simple Serving Ideas for Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

• Perfect Portion Sizing: Thread 3-4 chicken cubes per skewer for an ideal personal serving that looks great and cooks evenly.
• Rice Companion: Serve these skewers over steamed white or brown rice to soak up those delicious teriyaki juices.
• Quick Veggie Sidekick: Grill some bell pepper or zucchini slices alongside the chicken for a fast, colorful vegetable addition.
• Fresh Garnish Finish: Sprinkle chopped green onions or sesame seeds on top for a bright pop of color and extra flavor burst.

How to Store Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

• Wrap leftover skewers tightly in aluminum foil and store them in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Separate cold skewers with parchment paper to prevent sticking when stashing them together in your storage container.
• Freeze uncooked marinated chicken skewers by laying them flat on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid – they’ll stay fresh for about a month.
• Reheat refrigerated skewers gently in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes to keep the chicken tender and prevent drying out.

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers FAQs

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 47 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers bring tender grilled meat marinated in a sweet and savory sauce that makes dinnertime sing with flavor. Perfectly charred and glazed, these skewers deliver a quick meal that brings Japanese-inspired goodness straight to your plate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound chicken breast

Supporting Liquids and Sauces:

• ½ cup teriyaki sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Thickening Agent:

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

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Instructions

1. Transform your chicken breast into uniform 1-inch cubes using a sharp knife, ensuring consistent sizing for even cooking.
2. Whisk together ½ cup teriyaki sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch in a mixing bowl until completely smooth.
3. Submerge chicken cubes in the marinade, coating each piece thoroughly. Allow chicken to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes, absorbing maximum flavor.
4. Prepare your grill to 400°F, creating a medium-high heat zone for optimal searing and caramelization.
5. Carefully slide marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a small space between each cube to promote even heat circulation.
6. Position skewers on the preheated grill, cooking for 5-6 minutes per side. Rotate skewers to achieve beautiful golden-brown char marks and ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.
7. Remove skewers from grill, letting them rest for 3 minutes to redistribute juices and maintain tender texture.

Notes

• Let the chicken marinate longer for deeper flavor, up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for maximum taste absorption.
• Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning on the grill.
• For a gluten-free version, swap traditional soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
• Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh to make this recipe vegetarian-friendly, keeping the same marinade and grilling technique.

• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Chicken
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 247 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 730 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg