Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Name: Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; Bell peppers, cut into squares (optional for skewering); Red onion, cut into squares (optional for skewering); Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Highlighted under: Feel Good Food

I love whipping up these Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers for quick weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. The marinade combines the rich flavors of soy sauce, honey, and ginger, which infuses the chicken with an irresistible sweetness and depth. Grilling gives it a delightful char that perfectly complements the teriyaki glaze. I appreciate how simple and fast this recipe is, allowing me to enjoy a delicious dish without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try these skewers, they’ll become a go-to favorite!

Created by

The Chefrosasrecipes Team

Last updated on 2026-02-12T18:46:20.261Z

After experimenting with various chicken marinades, I discovered the perfect balance in this teriyaki recipe. The combination of soy sauce, garlic, and brown sugar creates a glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill, leaving my guests craving more. And did I mention how easy it is? Just a quick marinate and the chicken is ready to hit the grill!

One of my favorite tips is to soak the skewers in water before use. This prevents them from burning on the grill and ensures that your skewers are perfectly cooked throughout. I often serve these with a side of jasmine rice and steamed veggies for a colorful, satisfying meal.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Savory teriyaki glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
Easy to prepare, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and entertaining.
Juicy chicken with a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors.

Unlocking the Flavors of Teriyaki

The marinade for these Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers melds together some of the most essential flavors in Asian cuisine. Soy sauce is the backbone, providing the umami depth that balances perfectly with the sweetness of honey. Rice vinegar adds a touch of acidity that brightens the mixture, while ginger and garlic infuse aromatic warmth. Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes enhances this flavor even further, as the acids in the marinade tenderize the meat, making each bite succulent and bursting with taste.

If you have time, consider letting the chicken marinate longer, even overnight. This extended soaking in the marinade doesn’t just boost flavor; it also ensures the chicken retains moisture while grilling. For a slight twist, you can substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar, which provides a different yet delightful sweetness. Just ensure that whichever sweetener you choose, it balances with the saltiness of the soy sauce to create that signature teriyaki taste.

Tips for Perfectly Grilled Chicken

Grilling the skewers requires attention to heat management. Preheating the grill to a medium-high temperature (around 375°F to 400°F) is crucial for achieving a char that enhances the flavors. When placing the skewers on the grill, avoid overcrowding to ensure that each piece can cook evenly. You should see grill marks forming after about 5 minutes; this is your cue to turn the skewers. Consistently turning them ensures even cooking and that the glaze caramelizes beautifully without burning.

Another technique I find helpful is to baste the skewers with additional marinade during grilling. This not only enhances the flavor but also creates a glossy finish that looks appetizing. However, be mindful to use only the marinade set aside before adding the raw chicken; using the marinating liquid directly can lead to cross-contamination. These little techniques can elevate your skewers from good to grill-master level.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for a flavorful marinade and juicy chicken skewers:

For the Chicken Marinade

1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
1 tablespoon sesame oil

For the Skewers

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Bell peppers, cut into squares (optional for skewering)
Red onion, cut into squares (optional for skewering)
Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.

Instructions

Here’s how to prepare these delicious skewers:

Prepare the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil until well combined.

Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Assemble the Skewers

Thread the marinated chicken onto the soaked skewers, alternating with pieces of bell pepper and red onion if desired.

Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Ensure the grates are clean and lightly oil them to prevent sticking.

Grill the Skewers

Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.

Serve

Remove from the grill and let rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Enjoy with rice or your favorite sides!

These skewers are fantastic served immediately, but they can also be enjoyed as leftovers in a salad or sandwich.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, you can add sesame seeds or green onions as a garnish when serving.

Serving Suggestions

These Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers pair brilliantly with a variety of sides. For a classic pairing, serve them over a bed of steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up the delicious teriyaki glaze. A crunchy cucumber salad or sautéed bok choy can introduce a nice contrast to the juicy chicken, adding a refreshing element to your meal. If you want to add a touch of elegance, consider garnishing your skewers with sesame seeds or chopped green onions before serving.

If you're hosting a gathering, these skewers can shine as an appetizer. Instead of threading them individually, you might opt for larger skewers to create a platter centerpiece. Accompany the skewers with a small bowl of extra teriyaki sauce for dipping to allow guests to enhance their flavors, creating an interactive dining experience.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

For busy weekdays, these chicken skewers can be made ahead in several ways. You can prepare the marinade in advance and keep it in the fridge for up to a week; just make sure to label it with the date. For even greater convenience, marinate the chicken and assemble the skewers the night before. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge; this not only saves cooking time but also allows the flavors to develop further.

If you have leftover cooked skewers, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to three days. They are great cold in salads or can be reheated in a grill pan on low heat, just until warmed through. You can also freeze unmarinated chicken pieces for up to three months, allowing for a spontaneous teriyaki dinner anytime!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs will work great and will stay even juicier!

→ How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari as a substitute for regular soy sauce.

→ What side dishes pair well with these skewers?

Serve with steamed rice, a fresh salad, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.

→ Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the marinade a day in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to use.