These grilled teriyaki chicken skewers are a true family favorite, delivering incredible flavor with minimal fuss.
Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight dinner or firing up the grill for a backyard cookout, these tender chicken pieces, generously coated in a delicious teriyaki marinade, are guaranteed to be a hit. They’re simple to prepare, bursting with savory-sweet goodness, and perfect for serving a crowd or just your immediate family.
Get ready to discover all the details for creating these irresistible skewers. You’ll find that the magic is in the marinade and the ease of grilling, making this recipe a go-to for busy days when you still want a homemade meal that feels special.
Table of Contents
- What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
- Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
- Time Needed From Start To Finish
- How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
- Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
- Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
- How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These grilled teriyaki chicken skewers are a family favorite, offering incredible flavor with minimal fuss. Perfect for weeknight dinners or backyard cookouts, these tender chicken pieces, coated in a delicious teriyaki marinade, are simple to prepare and bursting with savory-sweet goodness. The recipe is quick, easy, and versatile, making it a go-to for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs dry with paper towels. Cut the chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes.
2. Mix the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the prepared teriyaki marinade, sesame oil, grated fresh ginger (if using), and minced garlic (if using). Whisk everything together until well combined.
3. Marinate the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
4. Prepare Your Skewers and Grill: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400-450 F). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
5. Thread the Chicken: Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece to allow for even cooking. Do not overcrowd the skewers.
6. Grill the Skewers: Place the chicken skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165 F.
7. Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken tender and moist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Category: main dish
- Method: grilling
- Cuisine: asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2-3 skewers
Keywords: chicken, teriyaki, skewers, grilled, easy, weeknight, marinade, barbecue, quick, savory
What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
This recipe for grilled teriyaki chicken skewers is a winner for so many reasons, making it an ideal choice for almost any occasion. First and foremost, it’s incredibly flavorful. The teriyaki marinade infuses the chicken with a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami notes that appeal to nearly everyone, including picky eaters. It’s a fantastic way to get kids excited about dinner, as food on a stick always seems more fun!
It’s also remarkably quick and easy to prepare. With just a short marinating time and fast grilling, you can have a delicious, healthy meal on the table in under an hour. This makes it perfect for those hectic weeknights when time is of the essence but you still want to serve something homemade and satisfying. Beyond weeknights, these skewers shine at backyard barbecues, potlucks, or any casual gathering. They’re easy to eat, require minimal cleanup, and are a crowd-pleasing option that always disappears fast. Plus, grilling adds that wonderful smoky char that takes the flavor profile to the next level.
Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
Gathering your ingredients for these teriyaki chicken skewers is straightforward, and many items are likely already in your pantry. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the readily available components that come together to create something truly delicious.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ½ cup prepared teriyaki marinade
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional, but recommended)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
- Wooden or metal skewers
For the chicken, you can use either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs tend to stay a bit juicier on the grill, but breasts work perfectly well, especially if you prefer leaner meat. The prepared teriyaki marinade is the star here; choose your favorite brand for convenience and consistent flavor. For an extra layer of flavor, don’t skip the optional fresh ginger and garlic – they truly elevate the marinade. If you don’t have fresh ginger, a pinch of ground ginger can work in a pinch, though the fresh version offers a brighter taste. As for skewers, wooden ones should be soaked in water for at least 30 minutes before use to prevent burning on the grill. Metal skewers are reusable and don’t require soaking.
Time Needed From Start To Finish
Preparing and cooking these grilled teriyaki chicken skewers is a relatively quick process, making them ideal for busy schedules.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (this includes cutting the chicken and assembling the marinade)
- Marinating Time: 30 minutes (minimum, but up to 4 hours is fine for deeper flavor)
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 55 minutes (including minimum marinating time)
This timing makes it perfectly feasible for a weeknight dinner, allowing you to enjoy a flavorful, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
Creating these delicious grilled teriyaki chicken skewers is a simple process that yields fantastic results every time. Follow these clear steps for perfect doneness and flavor.
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by patting your boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the marinade adhere better. Cut the chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes. Uniform pieces ensure even cooking on the grill.
- Mix the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the prepared teriyaki marinade, sesame oil, grated fresh ginger (if using), and minced garlic (if using). Whisk everything together until well combined. This is your flavor base.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For a more intense flavor, you can marinate for up to 4 hours, but avoid marinating overnight as the acid in some teriyaki sauces can start to break down the chicken’s texture too much.
- Prepare Your Skewers and Grill: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes while the chicken marinates to prevent them from burning. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400-450°F). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Thread the Chicken: Once marinated, thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece to allow for even cooking. Don’t overcrowd the skewers.
- Grill the Skewers: Place the chicken skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F. You’ll see the chicken turn opaque white throughout, with a lovely caramelized, slightly charred exterior.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken tender and moist.
Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
These grilled teriyaki chicken skewers are wonderfully versatile and can be adapted to suit different tastes and occasions. Here are some ideas to make them even more appealing and fit seamlessly into your meal planning.
For a complete meal, serve these skewers over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice. The rice soaks up the delicious extra teriyaki sauce beautifully. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette or some steamed green beans, broccoli, or asparagus makes for a balanced and healthy plate.
To make them even more kid-friendly, you can add some colorful vegetables directly onto the skewers alongside the chicken. Bell peppers (red, yellow, orange), red onion, and pineapple chunks grill up wonderfully and add extra flavor and nutrition. The sweetness of the pineapple complements the teriyaki perfectly. For a fun dipping experience, offer a small bowl of extra teriyaki sauce or a creamy sriracha mayo on the side.
If you’re hosting a party or a buffet, these skewers are fantastic served as appetizers. You can make them slightly smaller by cutting the chicken into ¾-inch cubes. They’re easy for guests to grab and enjoy without needing cutlery. Consider garnishing with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an extra touch of freshness and visual appeal. For a little heat, a dash of red pepper flakes in the marinade or sprinkled on top before serving can add a nice kick.
Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
Even simple recipes can have common pitfalls. Knowing what to watch out for can help ensure your grilled teriyaki chicken skewers turn out perfectly every time.
One frequent mistake is not soaking wooden skewers. If you skip this step, your skewers will likely burn and potentially break on the grill, making it difficult to handle the chicken. Always soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading.
Another common issue is overcrowding the skewers. When chicken pieces are packed too tightly, they steam instead of grill, preventing those delicious char marks and even cooking. Leave a small gap between each piece of chicken on the skewer to allow hot air to circulate.
Overcooking the chicken is also a common slip-up, leading to dry, tough results. Chicken breasts, especially, can dry out quickly. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F. Once it reaches this point, remove it from the grill immediately. Chicken thighs are more forgiving and remain juicy even if slightly overcooked.
Finally, not preheating the grill properly can lead to chicken sticking to the grates and uneven cooking. Always allow your grill to come to temperature (medium-high heat) and lightly oil the grates before placing the skewers on them. This creates a non-stick surface and ensures a good sear.
How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
These grilled teriyaki chicken skewers are best enjoyed fresh off the grill, but they can be stored and even partially made ahead to save time.
To store leftovers, allow the cooked chicken skewers to cool completely. Then, remove the chicken from the skewers and place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Storing the chicken off the skewers makes it easier to reheat and serve.
For reheating, the best method is gently in a microwave or a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can dry out the chicken
FAQs
- Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
- How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
- Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
- Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.
