Quick Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Name: Quick Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1/2 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup honey; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon grated ginger; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 1 onion, chopped; Skewers (wooden or metal)

Highlighted under: Fast & Easy Recipes

I love making Quick Teriyaki Chicken Skewers for dinner when I need something quick yet delicious. With just a handful of ingredients and about 30 minutes, I can whip up a tantalizing meal that impresses everyone. The combination of sweet and savory flavors in the homemade teriyaki sauce elevates the tender chicken to new heights. Plus, grilling the skewers adds a smoky depth that's irresistible. Trust me, these skewers are a surefire way to delight your tastebuds any night of the week!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-15T14:34:18.916Z

When I first tried my hand at these Quick Teriyaki Chicken Skewers, I was amazed at how simple yet flavorful they were. I marinated the chicken in a homemade teriyaki sauce, infusing it with that unmistakable sweet and savory goodness. Grilling these skewers outdoors made everything feel more festive, and the aroma was simply mouthwatering!

I discovered that ensuring the chicken cubes are uniform in size really allows for even cooking. I also like to add colorful bell peppers and onions to the skewers—they not only look great, but they also add delightful textures and flavors. This recipe has become a favorite for gatherings and busy weeknights alike!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Irresistible blend of sweet and savory flavors
Quick and easy preparation for any weeknight
Perfect for grilling enthusiasts and outdoor gatherings

Unlocking the Umami in Teriyaki

The essence of a great teriyaki chicken skewer lies in its marinade. The soy sauce not only contributes a salty depth but also enhances the umami profile, essential for balancing the sweetness from the honey. When mixing your marinade, aim for a harmonious blend; too much soy sauce can overshadow the other ingredients. To achieve the perfect balance, I recommend tasting your marinade before using it. If it seems too salty, a splash more honey can do wonders to sweeten things up.

Garlic and ginger are crucial components that elevate the flavor profile. When mincing garlic, be careful not to overprocess it, as this can lead to bitterness. I prefer to use freshly grated ginger, which has a vibrant zing that dried ginger lacks. If you’re short on time, consider using store-bought ginger paste as an alternative, but fresh will always give a brighter flavor that shines in every bite.

Essential Grilling Techniques

Grilling is a science that can make or break your teriyaki chicken skewers. Preheating the grill is essential; a medium-high setting (around 375°F to 450°F) will ensure those beautiful char marks and caramelization. Be sure to oil your grill grates lightly before placing the skewers on them—this prevents sticking and gives your skewers a better chance of achieving that golden, crispy exterior. Keep an eye on them, turning every few minutes for even cooking, typically around 10-12 minutes.

If using wooden skewers, soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes prior to grilling is a crucial step. This soaking prevents them from burning on the grill. If you're using metal skewers, ensure they're greased lightly, and consider using skewers that are long enough to handle multiple pieces of chicken and veggies without overcrowding. This not only helps with even cooking but also presentation on the plate.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These teriyaki chicken skewers are incredibly versatile. For a vibrant plate, try serving them with a side of steamed jasmine rice, which pairs beautifully with the sweet and savory notes of the teriyaki. You can also create a colorful vegetable medley for grilling, including zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes to add more flavors and textures. If you're looking for a kick, consider drizzling some sriracha or spicy mayo over the finished skewers for an exciting heat factor.

For meal prep enthusiasts, these skewers can be made ahead. After grilling, let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. I often double the recipe for easy lunches—just reheat on a grill or in a skillet until warmed through. If you want to store them for an extended period, they freeze well. Pack them into individual servings, and they can be defrosted and reheated on the grill straight from the freezer for a quick meal.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to prepare your delicious skewers:

Ingredients for Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

1 pound boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 onion, chopped
Skewers (wooden or metal)

Make sure to soak the wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your teriyaki chicken skewers:

Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir until well combined.

Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Assemble the Skewers

Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, alternating with pieces of bell pepper and onion for added flavor.

Grill the Skewers

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through.

For best results, allow the skewers to rest for a couple of minutes before serving to enhance the juiciness.

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize your skewers by adding other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms. Marinating overnight will intensify the flavors even more!

Tips for Perfect Skewers

If you want to level up your skewer game, consider marinating overnight. This longer marination time allows the chicken to absorb even more flavor, making each bite incredibly juicy and flavorful. Just be cautious not to marinate for more than 24 hours, as the acid from the vinegar can start to break down the meat, resulting in a mushy texture.

Another great tip is to use chicken thighs instead of breasts. Thighs are generally more forgiving when it comes to cooking time, as they contain more fat. This keeps them moist and adds a tender texture that pairs beautifully with the teriyaki sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking to make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. The flavor profile remains intact, ensuring your skewers don’t lose their delicious essence. Honey is great, but for a vegan alternative, agave syrup or maple syrup can provide similar sweetness without compromising taste.

For those who prefer to use a different protein, shrimp or firm tofu make excellent alternatives. If you opt for shrimp, reduce the marinating time to 10 minutes, as they are more delicate. Firm tofu should be pressed to remove excess moisture and can soak in the marinade while your grill heats up. This makes for a satisfying, plant-based option.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find that your chicken is overcooked by the time it gets those appealing grill marks, it might be due to high grill heat or thick cubes of chicken. Aim for uniform pieces around one inch to ensure they cook evenly. Adjust the grill heat as necessary, and always use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F for safe consumption.

Should your skewers end up lacking flavor, it’s often a result of insufficient marinating time. Giving the chicken just a quick dip in the marinade won’t cut it. If you forget to marinate, brushing the skewers with the reserved marinade during grilling can help enhance flavor, but you might miss the depth achieved by proper marination.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other proteins for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or even tofu.

→ What if I don’t have a grill?

You can cook these skewers on a grill pan or in the oven at 425°F for about 15-20 minutes.

→ Is the teriyaki sauce easy to make?

Yes! It only requires a few ingredients and comes together quickly, making it a breeze.

→ Can I prep these skewers in advance?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken the night before for even better flavor. Just grill when ready to serve.