Glazed Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Get Your Grill on
Recipe Introduction: Get Skewered on Flavor!
Ever craved something sweet, savory, and smoky? Honestly, who hasn't? Well, get ready because these Teriyaki chicken skewers are about to become your new obsession.
They are like little bites of happiness and are so easy to make!
What's the Big Deal?
These Japanese chicken skewers , or yakitori skewers as they are sometimes known, aren't just some random BBQ creation. They're a Japanese staple! Imagine perfectly grilled chicken skewers glazed with a shiny, homemade sauce.
It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. It's the perfect recipe to impress without stressing, or just have an easy dinner on a busy weeknight.
Why This Recipe Rocks
First off, let’s talk ease. We are talking about easy grilling recipes here. The whole process, including prep and cooking, takes about an hour.
That's including 30 minutes for marinating! This recipe makes four servings and is great for a small family dinner or a BBQ with mates.
These glazed chicken skewers are a hit because of the homemade teriyaki sauce , too. This chicken marinade recipe transforms plain chicken into something utterly divine.
It's a flavour bomb, trust me. Plus, chicken is a great source of protein, so you're winning on the healthy front too.
I have actually made this on a camping stove with only one gas, and it was incredible.
These BBQ chicken skewers are perfect for summer cookouts. But they're just as amazing cooked indoors on a grill pan or even in the oven.
What really makes this recipe special is the balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors all wrapped into one neat little package.
Right, let's talk about what you need to make these banging Teriyaki chicken skewers . Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward, nothing too cheffy.
What You'll Need
The Chicken and its Super Sauce
- Chicken: You want about 1 ½ lbs (680g) of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into cubes. You can use breast, but thighs are more forgiving. Dry chicken skewers are a crime against humanity. Chicken quality matters. Get decent chicken!
- Soy Sauce: Half a cup ( 120ml ). Low sodium is your friend if you're watching the salt intake.
- Sweet Stuff: A quarter cup ( 60ml ) of honey and 2 tablespoons (25g) of packed light brown sugar. It's all about the Homemade teriyaki sauce , isn't it?
- Tangy Bits: 2 tablespoons (30ml) of rice vinegar.
- Oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml) of sesame oil. This adds that nutty aroma.
- Aromatics: 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon (3g) of grated fresh ginger. Fresh ginger is the best!
- Seasoning: Salt and pepper. Don’t be shy!
Seasoning Secrets
Okay, so for these Japanese chicken skewers , the soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger combo is non-negotiable. It's the backbone of the flavour.
If you want to spice things up, chuck in a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a milder flavour, a dash of sesame oil will amplify the nutty notes.
Run out of rice vinegar? Apple cider vinegar works in a pinch. Experiment a bit, see what you like.
Kit You'll Need
- Saucepan: A medium one will do for the Chicken marinade recipe .
- Whisk: For getting that sauce smooth.
- Knife & Board: You know, for chopping.
- Measuring Thingies: Cups and spoons. Obviously.
- Grill: A proper grill is ace for the Grilled chicken skewers , but a grill pan works too. Even your oven broiler can do the job, or an air fryer can be used.
- Skewers: Wooden or metal. If you use wooden ones, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes . Otherwise, you'll have BBQ chicken skewers on fire. No one wants that!.
There it is. Not exactly rocket science, is it? With the right gear and ingredients, those Teriyaki chicken skewers will be a doddle. And remember, cooking is fun!
Cooking Method: Grill Like a Boss for Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Honestly, who doesn't love Teriyaki Chicken Skewers ? They're like a flavour party on a stick, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a proper barbie with mates.
My first attempt? A disaster. The chicken was dry, the sauce was burnt. But hey, we live and learn, right? Here is the key to succulent grilled Teriyaki chicken skewers.
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
Essential mise en place means having everything chopped and ready. Dice your 1 ½ lbs of chicken thighs (or breasts) into 1 inch cubes.
Mince those 2 cloves of garlic and grate 1 teaspoon of ginger. Seriously, get it all prepped before you even think about turning on the grill.
Time saving organization? Pre-soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes. It stops them from catching fire on the grill. No one wants flaming Yakitori skewers .
Safety first! Remember to wash your hands after handling raw chicken. And keep raw chicken away from other food to avoid cross contamination. This is basic but important.
step-by-step Process: Nail It Every Time
- Whisk together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in a saucepan.
- Simmer on medium heat for 1- 2 minutes. Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch and water).
- Season chicken with salt and pepper. Marinate in most of the homemade teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes. Keep some sauce for later!
- Thread the chicken onto skewers.
- Grill over medium high heat for 10- 12 minutes , turning and brushing with the reserved teriyaki glaze.
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165° F ( 74° C) .
- Rest for a few minutes. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Pro Tips: Secrets to Success
- Want that super sticky glaze? Baste the skewers with sauce during the last few minutes of grilling. The caramelization is chef's kiss .
- Don't overcook the chicken, or it'll be dry. Use a meat thermometer. Seriously. The number one rule for succulent glazed chicken skewers .
- Wanna get ahead? Marinate the chicken overnight. It'll be even more flavorful. That's my secret weapon for next level flavour.
So there you have it! Follow these tips, and you'll be grilling the best BBQ chicken skewers in the neighborhood.
These are the best easy grilling recipes , enjoy. Get creative with your chicken marinade recipe . Go on, get your grill on, you legend!.
Recipe Notes: Making Your Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Shine
Right, let's talk about making these Teriyaki chicken skewers even better! I've made these so many times, I've picked up a few tricks along the way.
I've got some serving ideas, storage tips and ways to adapt to your diet.
Serving Ideas
Honestly, presentation can make a big difference. Try arranging your grilled chicken skewers on a platter with some colourful veggies.
I like to sprinkle a little extra sesame seeds and some chopped spring onions over the top. It just makes them look that extra bit fancy, you know? For sides, steamed rice is a classic.
Also, grilled veggies like peppers and courgettes (zucchini) work a treat. Or even a side of noodles. As for drinks, a crisp lager or even a sparkling sake goes down well.
How To Store Your Leftovers
Got leftovers? No worries. Pop the cooked Yakitori skewers into an airtight container and shove them in the fridge. They'll keep for about 3-4 days .
If you want to freeze them, let them cool completely first. Then, wrap them tightly in cling film and place them in a freezer bag.
They'll be good for up to 3 months . Reheating is easy: microwave, oven, or even back on the grill for a few minutes.
Just make sure they're piping hot all the way through! Internal temperature of 165F!
Adaptations and Swaps
Want to mix things up? Easy peasy. If you're avoiding gluten, use tamari instead of soy sauce in your homemade teriyaki sauce .
If you want to go low carb, serve them with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. You can swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts.
For autumn, try adding some roasted butternut squash to your skewers. I have also used pineapple during summer with an amazing result!
Quick Nutritional Info
Okay, so each serving of these glazed chicken skewers has around 350 calories . You get a whopping 35 grams of protein , about 15 grams of fat , and 20 grams of carbs .
Don't forget that protein will help you feel full. The chicken marinade recipe is also relatively low in sodium if you use the low-sodium soy sauce.
Remember, these are just estimates, so take them with a pinch of salt. It will depend on the ingredient quality.
So there you have it. Some little extras to get the most out of your BBQ chicken skewers . Now get grilling and have fun.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these Teriyaki chicken skewers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the skewers ahead of time and keep them in the fridge, raw, for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to keep the marinated chicken in an airtight container. You can also fully cook the skewers, let them cool, and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving; if reheating from a chilled temperature make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165F. They're great for meal prep a real "Bob's your uncle" kind of dish!
My Teriyaki sauce isn't thickening up. What am I doing wrong?
Fear not, it's easily fixed! The cornstarch slurry is what thickens the sauce, so make sure it's properly mixed with cold water before adding it to the simmering sauce. If it's still not thickening, try mixing another teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and adding that to the sauce.
Keep stirring constantly over medium heat until you get that glossy, luscious glaze we're after.
Can I cook these Teriyaki chicken skewers in the oven or air fryer instead of grilling?
You bet! For the oven, preheat your broiler to high. Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil and broil for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly charred, being really careful not to burn them.
For the air fryer, preheat to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through. No worries if the weather is dodgy, right?
What's the best way to prevent my wooden skewers from burning on the grill when making teriyaki chicken skewers?
Soaking the wooden skewers in water is key! Submerge them in water for at least 30 minutes (or even longer) before threading the chicken. This helps them retain moisture and resist burning on the hot grill. Plus, a little char is nice, but nobody wants a skewer that's turned to ash!
Are there any substitutions I can make to the sauce in these teriyaki chicken skewers if I have allergies?
Definitely! If you're avoiding soy, use coconut aminos as a soy sauce alternative, although it will alter the flavour slightly. For a honey alternative, try maple syrup. If you're avoiding garlic or ginger, a pinch of ground spices can be used.
If you're following a gluten-free diet then be sure to buy a teriyaki sauce that is gluten-free, or alternatively use tamari sauce and ensure that the ingredients are gluten-free too. Always double check labels to ensure the ingredients are suitable for your specific allergy.
Glazed Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Get Your
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 0g |
