Picture a summer evening, where the air’s warm embrace is only rivaled by the tantalizing aroma of sizzling chicken skewers on the grill. These Easy Glazed Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are like a dance of flavors – sweet, savory, with a hint of ginger that lingers just long enough. I swear, if you close your eyes, you might just hear a faint whisper of a sizzling soundtrack, beckoning everyone to gather around, forks at the ready.
Steps
- Begin by preparing the teriyaki sauce. Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then combine with the remaining ingredients in a medium saucepan. Stir frequently and bring the mixture to a simmer until it thickens and turns dark brown. Allow the sauce to cool completely, placing it in the fridge to speed up the process.
- Once the sauce has cooled, place the cubed chicken in a large ziplock bag. Pour half of the cooled sauce over the chicken and gently shake the bag to coat the chicken evenly. Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, reserving the remaining sauce for later use.
- After marinating, thread the chicken onto skewers. Preheat your grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook, turning every 3-4 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F (approximately 20-30 minutes). During the last few minutes of cooking, baste the skewers with the reserved teriyaki sauce.
- Once the chicken skewers are done, remove them from the grill. Serve the skewers with a garnish of chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, if desired.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup water
- ? cup brown sugar
- ? cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- 8 skewers
- Optional toppings: sesame seeds, chopped green onion
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1560kcal | Carbohydrates: 112g | Protein: 184g | Fat: 40g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 0.16g | Cholesterol: 860mg | Sodium: 5164mg | Potassium: 2536mg | Fiber: 1.2g | Sugar: 88g | Vitamin A: 220IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 180mg | Iron: 8mg
FAQ
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this recipe?
- Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer. However, chicken thighs are recommended as they tend to stay juicier when grilled.
- How long should I marinate the chicken in the teriyaki sauce?
- The chicken should be marinated in the teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. For more intense flavor, you can marinate it for a few hours.
- What should I serve with Teriyaki Chicken Skewers?
- These skewers pair well with steamed rice and vegetables. For a complete meal, you might also enjoy sides like fried rice, Hawaiian macaroni salad, or a fresh cucumber salad.
- How do I prevent the wooden skewers from burning on the grill?
- To prevent burning, soak the wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken onto them.
- Can I use a different vinegar if I don’t have rice vinegar?
- Yes, if you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute it with white wine vinegar in the teriyaki sauce.
Tips
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: To ensure the chicken absorbs the delicious teriyaki flavors, let it marinate in the sauce for at least 30 minutes. For even better results, consider marinating it for a few hours in the refrigerator.
- Soak Skewers Before Grilling: Prevent your wooden skewers from burning on the grill by soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken onto them.
- Monitor Grill Temperature: Grill the skewers over medium heat and turn them every 3-4 minutes. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, resulting in juicy and tender meat.
- Baste for Added Flavor: During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the skewers with the remaining teriyaki sauce. This step enhances the flavor and gives the chicken a glossy, appetizing finish.
Equipment
- Skewers – If you don’t already have them at home, you may need to purchase skewers specifically for grilling the chicken.
- Grill/Barbecue – If you don’t have a grill, you might consider purchasing a portable grill or barbecue setup for cooking the skewers.
- Mincer – While you can finely chop garlic by hand, a garlic mincer could be a useful tool to purchase for ease and efficiency.
