Oh, let me tell you about teriyaki chicken skewers! These little beauties are a flavor explosion and are just so easy to make. I discovered this recipe during a summer barbecue when a friend brought a batch, and I couldn’t believe how simple yet delicious they were! They quickly became my go-to for both appetizers and main dishes. The sweet and savory teriyaki glaze paired with the juicy grilled chicken is just irresistible. Trust me, once you try making these yourself, you’ll be hooked! They’re perfect for any gathering or even just a cozy night in. Yum!
Ingredients for Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delicious teriyaki chicken skewers. I promise, the ingredients are simple and easy to find!
- 1 pound chicken breast, cubed: Make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy eating.
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce: This is where the magic happens—the sweet and savory flavor that makes these skewers so irresistible.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Adds a delightful sweetness that balances the saltiness of the soy sauce.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: A must for that umami kick!
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: It brings a lovely nutty flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: This helps thicken the marinade a bit and gives the chicken a lovely glaze when grilled.
- Skewers: You can use metal or wooden skewers; if you’re using wooden ones, don’t forget to soak them in water first to prevent burning!
How to Prepare Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Getting these teriyaki chicken skewers ready is a breeze! I’ll walk you through the whole process step by step, and I promise, it’ll be fun and straightforward. Just follow along, and you’ll have delicious skewers ready to impress in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s break this down into two main parts: preparing the chicken and grilling the skewers. Trust me, you’ll be a pro in no time!
Preparing the Chicken
First things first, you’ll want to cut your chicken breast into cubes. Aim for around 1-inch pieces; this size is perfect for grilling and makes for easy bites. Once you’ve cubed the chicken, it’s time for the marinade! In a mixing bowl, combine the teriyaki sauce, honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch. This mixture is going to bring out the best flavors! Toss the chicken cubes into the marinade, making sure they’re all well coated. Cover the bowl and let it sit for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial—it allows the chicken to soak up all that delicious flavor!
Grilling the Skewers
Okay, now onto the grilling! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat—this is key to getting those perfect grill marks and juicy chicken. While the grill is heating up, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto your skewers. Make sure to leave a little space between each piece to allow for even cooking. Once your grill is hot, place the skewers on it and grill for about 10-12 minutes. Don’t forget to turn them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken is cooked through and has that lovely golden-brown color. Wow, the smell will be irresistible!
Tips for Success with Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
If you want to take your teriyaki chicken skewers to the next level, I’ve got a few pro tips that will make all the difference! Trust me, these little tricks can help you achieve perfectly flavorful and juicy skewers every time.
- Soak your wooden skewers: This is super important! If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This will prevent them from burning and help keep your chicken intact.
- Adjust the marinade: Don’t hesitate to tweak the marinade to suit your taste! If you like it sweeter, add a bit more honey. For a kick, throw in some red pepper flakes or ginger. Make it your own!
- Marinate longer if you can: If you have a little extra time, let the chicken marinate for an hour or even overnight in the fridge. The longer it sits, the more flavorful it will be!
- Experiment with veggies: For a colorful presentation and added flavor, consider adding bell peppers, onions, or even pineapple to your skewers. Just make sure they’re cut into similar sizes to the chicken for even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the grill: Give your skewers some space on the grill! Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking, so grill in batches if you need to.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to mastering these teriyaki chicken skewers! Enjoy the process and savor every bite!
Nutritional Information for Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Let’s talk nutrition! These teriyaki chicken skewers are not only delicious but also pack a punch when it comes to protein and flavor. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving (that’s one skewer for you!):
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Pretty great, right? These skewers give you a good amount of protein to fuel your day while still being easy on the calories. Plus, with that delightful glaze, you won’t even feel like you’re eating something healthy! Enjoy every flavorful bite without any guilt!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add vegetables to the skewers?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables to your teriyaki chicken skewers is a fantastic way to boost flavor and color. I love tossing in bell peppers, red onions, or even zucchini. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces as the chicken for even cooking. If you’re feeling adventurous, pineapple chunks can add a sweet twist too! Just remember, if you’re using veggies, they might cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on them while grilling!
What can I serve with teriyaki chicken skewers?
Great question! These skewers pair beautifully with a variety of sides. I often serve them with steamed rice or jasmine rice to soak up all that delicious teriyaki sauce. You could also whip up a quick cucumber salad for a refreshing crunch or some stir-fried vegetables to keep that Asian theme going. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, fluffy fried rice or even a simple noodle dish works wonders too. The options are endless!
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare because they’re so tasty!), you’ll want to store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 3 days. When it comes to reheating, I recommend using a skillet over medium heat to warm them up gently. You can add a splash of water or extra teriyaki sauce to keep them moist. Just be careful not to overcook them, or they might dry out. Enjoy those leftovers!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you, there are so many reasons to fall in love with these teriyaki chicken skewers! They’re not just a meal; they’re an experience! Here’s why I think you’ll adore making them:
- Quick preparation: With just a little chopping and marinating time, you can have these skewers ready to grill in no time!
- Delicious flavors: The combination of sweet teriyaki sauce with juicy chicken is simply mouthwatering. Every bite is a burst of flavor!
- Versatile serving options: Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, having a cozy dinner, or looking for a fun appetizer, these skewers fit right in!
- Perfect for meal prep: You can easily marinate and grill a big batch ahead of time for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
- Kid-friendly: Kids love eating food on skewers! Plus, they can help with the assembly—what a fun way to get them involved in the kitchen!
- Customizable: Feel free to mix and match with your favorite veggies or adjust the marinade to suit your taste. Make it your own!
Honestly, these teriyaki chicken skewers are bound to become a staple in your kitchen. They’re easy, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. What’s not to love?
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Teriyaki Chicken Skewers: 5 Irresistible Reasons to Savor
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Teriyaki chicken skewers are flavorful and easy to prepare. They make a great appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Skewers
Instructions
- Cut chicken into cubes.
- In a bowl, mix teriyaki sauce, honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch.
- Add chicken to the marinade and let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread marinated chicken onto skewers.
- Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- You can add vegetables like bell peppers and onions to the skewers.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Adjust marinade ingredients to taste.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: teriyaki chicken skewers, grilled chicken, easy recipe
