The sun sets as the tantalizing aroma of teriyaki chicken skewers fills the air, drawing everyone to the grill. This dish comes together in just about 30 minutes, offering a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors that makes it a crowd-pleaser. The combination of marinated chicken and a thick, glossy sauce elevates the dish, ensuring that each bite bursts with flavor.
This recipe is perfect for families looking for a quick weeknight meal or for weekend gatherings with friends. It’s great for backyard barbecues or casual dinners. You can marinate the chicken the night before to enhance the flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The chicken turns tender and juicy when grilled on skewers.
- Homemade teriyaki sauce is quick and easy to make.
- The recipe can be customized with your favorite vegetables.
- It’s a fun and interactive meal everyone can enjoy.
What You’ll Need
Gather everything you need before you start cooking.
For the Chicken
- 1 pound chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce (or marinade)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce (or marinade)
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (low sodium)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ¼ cup water (or more, if needed)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons water
For Serving
- Sesame seeds
Use chicken breast for a leaner option.
Substitutions & Swaps
- Honey can be replaced with maple syrup.
- Use low sodium soy sauce for less salt.
- Fresh ginger can be substituted with ground ginger.
- Cornstarch can be swapped with arrowroot powder.
How to Make It
Get ready to assemble these delicious skewers in no time!
1. Cut
Cut the chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces.
2. Combine
Combine the chicken pieces with teriyaki sauce, honey, ginger, cornstarch, black pepper, and salt in a mixing bowl, stirring well to coat the chicken thoroughly.
3. Thread
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving small gaps between each piece for even cooking.
4. Grill
Cook the skewers on a grill until fully cooked and lightly charred, about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally.
5. Simmer
Meanwhile, combine teriyaki sauce, honey, soy sauce, and water in a saucepan and simmer on low for about 2 minutes.
6. Thicken
Slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
7. Brush
Once the sauce is boiling, brush each skewer with some of the sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
8. Enjoy
Serve the skewers warm and enjoy the flavorful explosion!
How to Store It
Fridge: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: No, the texture changes when frozen.
Reheat: Microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
Tips for Best Results
- Marinate the chicken for a few hours for even better flavor.
- Make sure the grill is preheated for nice grill marks.
- Adjust the sauce thickness by varying the amount of cornstarch.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with steamed rice for a complete meal.
- Serve alongside grilled vegetables for a colorful platter.
- Enjoy with a light salad to balance the flavors.
