How to make Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Ingredients:
2 pounds chicken thighs (or breasts) cut into 1-inch cubes
Teriyaki Sauce/Marinade:
1/2 tablespoon fresh ginger minced
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 cloves garlic minced
1/3 c. soy sauce – low sodium recommended
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 c. water
1/3 c. brown sugar
8 skewers
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
Optional Topping:
chopped green onion
sesame seed
Instructions:
Prepare the sauce first: In a small dish, mix equal parts cornstarch and water.
Combine the cornstarch and water in a medium saucepan, then add the rest of the ingredients.
Bring sauce to a simmer while stirring regularly.
Let the sauce thicken a little bit.
The sauce will be a deep chocolate color.
Take the sauce off the fire as soon as it reaches the desired thickness and let it cool fully. (place in the fridge to hasten the process)
Place the chicken cubes in a big ziplock bag and pour half of the cooled sauce over them.
Smother the chicken in the sauce and shake gently to coat.
Allow the chicken to marinade in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Save the leftover sauce for later use.
When you’re ready to cook the chicken, remove it from the marinade, thread it onto skewers, and fire up the grill.
Insert skewers into hot, lightly greased barbecue grates.
The chicken should be cooked thoroughly (an internal temperature of 165 degrees) after 20-30 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes.
In the last couple of turns, baste the chicken with the leftover teriyaki sauce.
When done, take skewers from the grill and serve with optional chopped green onion and toasted sesame seeds.
Notes:
How To Make it Gluten free
Tamari is a gluten-free soy alternative to soy sauce.
Pure cornstarch is 100% gluten-free. Rice flour is also an option.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1 Serving
Calories: 473 | Sugar: 26.8 g | Sodium: 737.9 mg | Fat: 24.1 g | Carbohydrates: 43.5 g | Protein: 24.3 g | Cholesterol: 70.4 mg
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. Both chicken thighs and breasts work well for this recipe, so feel free to choose the one you prefer or have on hand.
Is there a substitute for rice vinegar in the teriyaki sauce?
If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar as a substitute.
The flavor may vary slightly, but it will still yield a delicious teriyaki sauce.
Can I prepare the teriyaki sauce in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the teriyaki sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. It’s a great time-saving tip for busy meal preparations.
Just make sure to cool the sauce fully before storing it in an airtight container.
Can I cook these chicken skewers in the oven instead of grilling?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a grill or prefer to use the oven, you can bake the chicken skewers at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Can I use wooden skewers instead of metal ones?
Yes, you can use wooden skewers for this recipe. Soak the wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes before threading the chicken on them.
This prevents the skewers from burning on the grill or in the oven.
Can I use a grill pan or stovetop instead of a barbecue grill?
Yes, you can use a grill pan or stovetop griddle to cook the chicken skewers if you don’t have access to a barbecue grill.
Simply preheat the grill pan or griddle over medium-high heat and cook the skewers, turning them every 3-4 minutes, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked (internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit).
Can I use pre-made teriyaki sauce instead of making it from scratch?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time or prefer convenience, you can use store-bought teriyaki sauce instead of making it from scratch.
Just marinate the chicken in the pre-made sauce, or use it as a basting sauce while grilling.
Can I freeze the marinated chicken for later use?
Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken for later use. Place the chicken cubes and the teriyaki sauce in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag.
When you’re ready to cook, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight and proceed with grilling as instructed.
What can I serve with Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers?
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers go well with a variety of side dishes.
Some popular options include steamed white rice, stir-fried vegetables, coleslaw, grilled pineapple slices, or a fresh green salad.
Can I use metal skewers instead of wooden ones?
Absolutely! You can use metal skewers instead of wooden ones.
Metal skewers are reusable and don’t require soaking, making them a convenient alternative for grilling.