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+ servings

Perfect Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Juicy grilled teriyaki chicken skewers with a homemade sweet and savory sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or backyard barbecue.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Asian-Inspired, Chicken, Grilling, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Japanese
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

Chicken and Skewers
  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts) cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 8 wooden or metal skewers if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes
Teriyaki Sauce/Marinade
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce use low-sodium if preferred
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1/2 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
Optional Topping
  • sesame seeds toasted, for garnish
  • green onions sliced, for garnish

Method
 

Make the Sauce
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth. Set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, rice vinegar, ginger, honey, sesame oil, and the cornstarch mixture. Stir frequently and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and turns a deep, glossy brown. Remove from heat and let cool completely (you can speed this up by placing the saucepan in the fridge).
Marinate the Chicken
  1. Once the sauce is cool, transfer cubed chicken to a large resealable plastic bag. Pour half of the sauce over the chicken, seal the bag, and gently shake to coat evenly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for deeper flavor). Reserve the remaining sauce for basting.
Grill the Skewers
  1. Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350°F). If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes first. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
  2. Lightly oil the grill grates. Place the skewers on the grill and cook, turning every 3-4 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, about 20-30 minutes. During the last few turns, brush the skewers with the reserved teriyaki sauce for a glossy finish.
Serve
  1. Remove skewers from the grill and let rest for 2 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot over steamed rice or with a side of grilled vegetables.

Nutrition

Calories: 385kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 32gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 4.5gCholesterol: 130mgSodium: 1250mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 22g

Notes

For extra tender chicken, marinate up to 2 hours but not longer, as the acid can break down the meat too much. If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it a minute longer. Reserve extra sauce for dipping; it keeps in the fridge for up to a week. To prevent burning, baste only during the last few minutes of grilling. For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce. These skewers also work well on a stovetop grill pan or under the broiler. Leftover chicken can be shredded and used in salads or wraps.

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