Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Recipe

Name: Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 2 lbs. chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into 1″ cubes; 2 tbsp cornstarch; 1 cup water; 1/3 cup brown sugar; 1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1/2 tbsp fresh ginger, minced; 1 tbsp honey; 1/2 tsp sesame oil; 8 skewers; Sesame seeds (for garnish); Chopped green onion (for garnish)

Posted on May 11, 2026

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers glazed with sauce and served over white rice

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why make this recipe

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are a delicious and easy dish that brings a taste of Japan to your backyard or kitchen. The sweet and savory teriyaki sauce pairs perfectly with juicy chicken, making it a crowd-pleaser at barbecues, parties, or family dinners. Plus, making skewers allows for easy serving and sharing!

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how to make Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Ingredients:

2 lbs. chicken thighs (or breasts) (cut into 1″ cubes)
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 cup water
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1/2 tbsp fresh ginger (minced)
1 tbsp honey
1/2 tsp sesame oil
8 skewers
Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Chopped green onion (for garnish)

Directions:

First make the sauce: Combine cornstarch and water in a small bowl. In a medium saucepan, add remaining ingredients along with the cornstarch/water mixture. Stirring frequently, bring sauce to a simmer. Cook until the sauce lightly thickens and turns dark brown. Once the sauce has thickened, remove from heat and let cool completely. You can place it in the fridge to speed up the process.
Once the sauce is fully cooled, place the cubed chicken in a large ziplock bag. Pour half of the sauce over the chicken and gently shake to coat the chicken evenly. Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Set aside the remaining sauce for later.
When the chicken is done marinating, thread the chicken onto the skewers and heat the grill to medium heat.
Once the grill is hot, add the skewers to a lightly oiled grill. Turn the skewers every 3-4 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165 degrees), which takes about 20-30 minutes. During the last few turns, baste with the remaining teriyaki sauce.
Remove the skewers from the grill and serve with chopped green onion and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, if desired.

how to serve Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Serve these tasty skewers hot off the grill. They make a great main dish alongside rice or noodles. You can also serve them as an appetizer at parties. Just add a side of extra teriyaki sauce for dipping!

how to store Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

If you have leftovers, store the cooked skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for up to 3 days. To reheat, grill or pan-fry for a few minutes to warm them up and add back some juiciness.

tips to make Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Use chicken thighs for more flavor and juiciness, but chicken breasts work too.
Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
For extra flavor, add vegetables like bell peppers or onions to your skewers.
Allow the chicken to marinate longer than 30 minutes if you have time; overnight works best for maximum flavor.

variation

You can easily make teriyaki skewers with shrimp or tofu for a different twist. The same marinade will work well with these proteins, providing a tasty alternative for seafood or vegetarian options.

These Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for BBQs, quick dinners, meal prep, or easy summer grilling with bold Asian-inspired flavors.

For more fresh recipe inspiration, enjoy this hearty cowboy caviar pasta salad recipe or try this refreshing easy Asian cucumber salad. You can also discover this spicy Oi Muchim Korean cucumber salad for another flavorful side dish.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?
Yes, you can use store-bought teriyaki sauce if you want to save time. Just skip the sauce-making step and marinate the chicken in the store-bought sauce directly.

2. What can I serve with Teriyaki Chicken Skewers?
These skewers go well with steamed rice, fried rice, or a fresh salad. You can also serve them with stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

3. Can I make these skewers in the oven?
Yes, you can bake the skewers in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through. This is a great option if you can’t grill.

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