Ah, teriyaki chicken skewers! Is there anything more mouthwatering than those beautiful, juicy pieces of chicken glazed in a sweet and savory sauce? I remember the first time I ever tried teriyaki chicken at a local hibachi restaurant. The smoky aroma, the sizzling sound as the chicken cooked on the grill, and that gorgeous caramelized color – I was hooked! Ever since, I’ve been perfecting my own version at home, and let me tell you, these Epic Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are a total crowd-pleaser! Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or just craving something tasty, these skewers will make your taste buds dance.
So grab your grilling gear and let’s get cooking! This recipe not only brings the flavors of Japan to your backyard but also gives you the fun, hands-on experience of skewering! And don’t worry; it’s super simple to make. You can even marinate the chicken ahead of time and get your guests involved in skewering their own – what’s better than a little interactive cooking? Let’s dive in!
What’s in Epic Teriyaki Chicken Skewers?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These are my go-to for skewers because they stay juicy and tender as they cook. I like to cut them into 1-inch pieces for even grilling, but feel free to go a bit bigger or smaller if you prefer!
Low-sodium soy sauce: This adds that classic umami flavor without overwhelming saltiness. The low-sodium version is my favorite because it keeps the marinade balanced.
Mirin (or cooking sake): This sweet rice wine adds a beautiful depth and flavor. If you can find mirin, definitely go for it, but if not, cooking sake works just fine!
Brown sugar: The secret ingredient that brings sweetness and that fantastic caramelization as the chicken cooks! You can substitute with honey or maple syrup if you’re feeling adventurous.
Sesame oil: Oh, the aroma of sesame oil is just heavenly! It brings that nutty flavor to the mix and makes everything more aromatic.
Garlic and fresh ginger: The dynamic duo for flavor! These two add a lovely kick and freshness to the marinade that takes this dish to another level.
Cornstarch: This is optional, but if you want a thicker teriyaki sauce, this little trick works wonders!
Sesame seeds and green onions: These are the perfect garnish to elevate your skewers visually and flavor-wise. They add a delightful crunch and freshness!
Skewers: Whether you use wooden or metal skewers is up to you! Just remember: soak the wooden ones if you choose them, so they don’t burn on the grill.
Is Epic Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Good for You?
Absolutely! These teriyaki chicken skewers come packed with flavor while being relatively healthy.
Chicken thighs: While they have a bit more fat than chicken breasts, they also offer more flavor and moisture, making them quite satisfying! Plus, they’re a great source of protein.
Soy sauce: Using low-sodium soy sauce means you get all that delicious flavor without the excess salt, making it a heart-smart choice.
Mirin: This adds sweetness without too many calories, and it can be a nice alternative to other hefty sauces!
Fresh ginger and garlic: Both not only pack flavor but also have health benefits such as anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger is great for digestion and garlic has immune-boosting qualities.
All in all, this recipe’s balance makes for a tasty dish that’s healthier than many takeout options. Just remember to enjoy it in moderation, especially if you’re adding on that sweet, thickened sauce!
Ingredients List
– 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch pieces)
– ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
– ¼ cup mirin (or cooking sake)
– ¼ cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 2 cloves garlic (minced)
– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening sauce)
– 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
– 3 green onions (sliced for garnish)
– Skewers (wooden or metal)
Servings: About 4
How to Make Epic Teriyaki Chicken Skewers?
1. **Marinate the Chicken**: In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Whisk until well combined and the brown sugar is dissolved. Add the chicken pieces, making sure they’re fully coated. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).
2. **Prepare the Skewers**: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to help prevent burning.
3. **Preheat the Grill**: Get your grill or grill pan nice and hot at medium-high heat.
4. **Skewer the Chicken**: Take the marinated chicken and thread them onto your skewers. Make them snug, but make sure the pieces aren’t overcrowding each other.
5. **Cook the Skewers**: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes. Make sure to turn them occasionally so they get that beautiful char all around. For added flavor, brush on some reserved marinade during the last few minutes (just remember to boil it first to ensure safety).
6. **Thicken the Sauce (optional)**: If you love a thicker teriyaki sauce, heat up the remaining marinade in a saucepan. Mix the cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry, then stir it into the sauce until it thickens up nicely.
7. **Serve**: Once cooked, carefully remove the skewers from the grill, then sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve with your thickened teriyaki sauce on the side, and let everyone dive in!
Wow, your kitchen is going to smell incredible!
Flavor Boosters & Tips!
– If you want to spice things up a bit, you can add some crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade for a little kick!
– These skewers pair excellently with grilled veggies, like bell peppers and zucchini. Just add them to the skewers for a colorful, healthy addition!
– If you have leftover skewers (though I doubt you will!), they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or the microwave until warmed through!
I can’t wait for you all to try these Epic Teriyaki Chicken Skewers! They truly embody the spirit of summer grilling and bring people together with their delightful flavors. I hope you’ll have as much fun making them as I do. Please share your experiences or variations in the comments – I love hearing how you made it your own! Happy grilling!
