Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are a delightful combination of tender, marinated chicken and a sweet-savory glaze that creates an irresistible dish. They’re perfect for grilling season and add a touch of Japanese flair to any meal. The balance of flavors in the teriyaki sauce – a harmonious blend of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar – makes these skewers incredibly delicious.

They’re not just for special occasions either; they’re easy enough to prepare for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve to guests. If you’re looking for a dish that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare, you’ve come to the right place. Marinated in a rich, flavorful sauce and grilled to perfection, these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers will transport you to a culinary paradise. Not a fan of skewers? You can also enjoy the marinated chicken in a stir-fry or as a main course with your favorite sides.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Grill or grill pan
• Skewers (wooden or metal)
• Basting brush

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup mirin (sweet rice wine)
• 1/4 cup sake (or substitute with additional mirin)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Sliced green onions (for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in the bowl and toss to coat them in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably longer for more flavor.
3. Prepare the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers.
4. Make the Teriyaki Sauce: Pour the remaining marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium heat. In a small bowl, mix the water and cornstarch to create a slurry. Slowly add the slurry to the saucepan, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat.
5. Grill the Skewers: Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the skewers with the thickened teriyaki sauce.
6. Serve: Garnish the Teriyaki Chicken Skewers with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve hot with your favorite sides and enjoy!