If you’re looking to spice up your weeknight dinners or impress guests at your next cookout, these Easy Homemade Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are a must-try. Bursting with bold, sweet-savory flavor and perfectly charred on the grill or in the oven, this simple dish delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Made with pantry staples and ready in under 30 minutes (plus marinating time).
- Better Than Takeout: Healthier, fresher, and more flavorful than restaurant versions.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for weeknight dinners, summer barbecues, or party appetizers.
- Kid-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing: Sweet, sticky, and fun to eat off a skewer—what’s not to love?
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1½-inch pieces
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)
For the Homemade Teriyaki Marinade:
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Reserve ⅓ cup of the marinade to use as a glaze later.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place chicken pieces in a zip-top bag or bowl, pour in the marinade, and mix well to coat. Let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
Step 3: Skewer the Chicken
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a bit of space between each piece to cook evenly.
Step 4: Cook the Skewers
- Grill: Preheat to medium-high heat. Grill skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
- Oven: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake on a foil-lined baking sheet for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 5: Glaze & Garnish
While chicken cooks, simmer the reserved marinade in a small saucepan. If you want a thicker glaze, stir in the cornstarch-water mixture and cook until thickened. Brush over cooked skewers and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Tips for the Best Skewers
- Use chicken thighs for extra juicy results, but chicken breast works great if you prefer a leaner cut.
- Don’t skip the marinade time—even 30 minutes makes a big flavor difference.
- For extra char, finish skewers under the broiler for 2–3 minutes or on a hot grill.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these teriyaki skewers with:
- Steamed jasmine or sticky rice
- Grilled or roasted vegetables
- A fresh cucumber salad
- Pineapple slices for a tropical twist
Final Thoughts
With their sticky, sweet glaze and juicy bite, these Easy Homemade Teriyaki Chicken Skewers will be a hit with everyone at the table. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just want to make dinner more exciting, this recipe brings bold flavor with hardly any fuss.
One bite and you’ll wonder why you ever ordered takeout.
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