The savory notes from the marinade with the natural juiciness of the chicken, result in a mouthwatering and summer-easy recipe. These Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are a meal that everyone will enjoy.

As you take a bite into the chicken skewers, you'll be greeted with a delightful charred exterior that adds a subtle smokiness to the dish. The grilling process creates a slightly crispy texture on the edges, perfectly complementing the tender interior. This easy grilling recipe is a great choice for summer BBQ
These Teriyaki Chicken skewers pair well with this spicy Asian cucumber salad.
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Ingredients
- boneless skinless chicken breasts or boneless skinless chicken thighs
- vegetable oil or olive oil
- light brown sugar
- soy sauce
- Fresh garlic or garlic powder
- rice wine vinegar or white wine vinegar
- fresh ginger
- sesame oil
- wooden skewers or metal skewers
- Sesame seeds
- green onion
See recipe card for quantities.
How to make the Teriyaki Chicken skewers - step by step
In a large bowl, combine the vegetable oil, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, fresh ginger, and sesame oil. Whisk these marinade ingredients together.
Place the chicken cubes into the bowl of marinade, ensuring that they are thoroughly coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for an even more taste, let it rest in the refrigerator overnight.
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers with cubed bell peppers and onions if desired, ensuring an even distribution.
Preheat an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium heat, gently place skewers on the grill, allowing them to sear and sizzle. Rotate the skewers occasionally, ensuring that each side is charred. Cook until the chicken is completely cooked or the internal temperature reached 165 ˚Degree.
Sprinkle sesame seeds to add a subtle nuttiness and chopped green onions.
Hint: Soak the skewers in water for about 30 minutes before threading the chicken cubes onto them. This prevents the skewers from burning during grilling.
Variations
Include some grilled vegetables alongside the chicken skewers to add depth and variety to the dish. Grilled bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant make excellent additions, providing a smoky and charred flavor to the ensemble.
Storage
If you have leftover chicken, simply place teriyaki chicken kabobs in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate the chicken skewers for up to 2-3 days. When ready to enjoy the leftovers, you can reheat them in the microwave, oven, or on a stovetop pan until warmed through. You can also freeze the chicken for up to 3 months
Top tips
For tender and juicy chicken, make sure to marinate it for at least 30 minutes, or even better, overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and enhances its tenderness.
Soak the skewers in water for about 30 minutes before threading the chicken cubes onto them. This prevents the skewers from burning during grilling.
If you're grilling the chicken skewers outdoors, preheat the grill to medium-high heat. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and develops a nice charred exterior.
Don't overcrowd the grill or grill pan. Leave enough space between the skewers to allow heat circulation, ensuring even cooking.
FAQ
While the recipe calls for chicken, you can experiment with different meats such as beef, pork, or even shrimp. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure that the meat is cooked through.
Absolutely! In fact, allowing the chicken to marinate for a longer time enhances the flavor. You can prepare the marinade ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator until you're ready to marinate the chicken. Just remember to give it a good whisk before using it.
Serving
Serve the chicken teriyaki skewers on a bed of white rice with summer vegetables for a complete meal.
OR
As an appetizer or party snack: Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto smaller skewers or toothpicks to create bite-sized appetizers.
Summer Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts boneless and skinless cut into 1 inch cubes
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 4 wooden skewers or metal skewers
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onion
- Optional: Red onion bell peppers, red pepper flakes
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the vegetable oil, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, fresh ginger, and sesame oil. Whisk these marinade ingredients together.
- Place the chicken cubes into the bowl of marinade, ensuring that they are thoroughly coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for an even more taste, let it rest in the refrigerator overnight.
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers with cubed bell peppers and onions if desired, ensuring an even distribution.
- Preheat an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium heat, gently place skewers on the grill, allowing them to sear and sizzle. Rotate the skewers occasionally, ensuring that each side is charred. Cook until the chicken is completely cooked or the internal temperature reached 165 ˚Degree.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds to add a subtle nuttiness, and the chopped green onions.
Marisa Franca
This Teriyaki Chicken Skewer recipe was a HUGE hit last night. We had an early July 4th party since the fireworks were going to be the day before the 4th. The chicken was juicy and flavored just right. The ideal combination of salty, sweet, and spicy. We're going to make this again on Saturday.
Sophie
Hey Marisa,
That's wonderful to hear! I'm thrilled to know that the Teriyaki Chicken Skewer recipe was a huge hit at your early July 4th party. It sounds like the chicken turned out perfectly juicy and flavorful. I'm glad you enjoyed it so much that you're planning to make it again on Saturday. It's always a joy when a recipe becomes a go-to favorite.
Sharon
These chicken skewers were loaded with good for us veggies and they were a snap to make.
Sophie
Hey Sharon,
That's fantastic to hear! It's always a win when a recipe not only tastes delicious but also incorporates nutritious vegetables. The fact that these chicken skewers were loaded with good-for-you veggies makes them even more satisfying
Cathleen
I love making skewers during the summer, so this recipe was so perfect!! Thank you so much for sharing 🙂
Sophie
You're very welcome! I'm thrilled to hear that this recipe was perfect for your summer BBQ cooking.
Lauren Michael Harris
I needed a new idea for grilling and these chicken skewers kit the spot! The teriyaki flavor was SO good!
Sophie
Hey Lauren!
I'm thrilled to hear that the chicken skewers hit the spot for you! It's always exciting to discover new grilling ideas, and I'm glad this recipe provided you with just that. The teriyaki flavor can indeed be incredibly delicious
Valen
These chicken skewers were so juicy and delicious. It was easy to make and I had fun making it. Adding it to my list of favorite recipes!
Kristina
This was a great recipe. I left my chicken to marinate in the fridge overnight, and added bell peppers and onions to the skewers. Turned out delicous.
Sophie
Hey Kristina!
I'm thrilled to hear that the recipe turned out great for you! Marinating the chicken overnight definitely helps to infuse it with even more flavor, so that's a fantastic idea.
Maddy
My family loved this recipe and have already asked when we're having it again. Even with ground ginger (all I had) the flavor was incredible.
Sophie
Hi Maddy,
That's the beauty of cooking - you can always make adaptations based on what you have available, and sometimes they turn out even better than expected. Thank you for sharing your positive experience, and I hope you enjoy many more delicious meals together as a family!
Loreto and Nicoletta
We are big fans of skewers. Your description of the char, and thise crispy edges, has our mouths watering. They also look beautiful. Color from the veggies and added diversity amongst the textures! Yummy 😋 ❤️
Sophie
Hi Loreto,
I'm thrilled to hear that you're big fans of skewers! Those caramelized flavors add a delicious dimension to the dish for sure.
Jacqueline Debono
I made mini teriyaki chicken skewers (as you suggested) for a stand up summer garden party. Everybody loved them!
Sophie
Hi!
I'm so glad the mini teriyaki chicken skewers were a hit at your summer garden party. They are perfect finger foods for such occasions, and it's always satisfying when your guests enjoy the food you prepared. Thank you for trying out the recipe and sharing your positive feedback.
Dennis
These skewers were the hit of my party yesterday. So flavorful, tender and juicy!
Sophie
Hey Dennis!
That's fantastic to hear! I'm thrilled that the skewers were a hit at your party and that they turned out flavorful, tender, and juicy.
TAYLER ROSS
I made these chicken skewers for dinner last night and OMG were they delicious! Full of flavor and so easy to make!
Sophie
Hi Tayler!
That's amazing to hear! I'm so glad you found the chicken skewers delicious and full of flavor. It's always a pleasure when a recipe turns out to be both tasty and easy to make. Thank you for trying out the recipe and sharing your positive experience.
Liza
These chicken skewers are so tasty, and the marinade adds so much delicious flavor. Love that sprinkle of sesame seeds at the end!
Sophie
Hey Liza!
Sesame seeds are indeed a wonderful finishing touch, adding both flavor and visual appeal. Thank you for trying out the recipe and sharing your positive feedback.
Julia
Chicken came out perfectly juicy and tender, everyone loved it!!!
Sophie
Achieving that juicy and tender texture in chicken is always a win, and it's great to see your efforts pay off. Thank you for trying out the recipe and sharing your positive feedback.
Anjali
We took these to a picnic this past weekend and they were gone in minutes! Everyone loved how flavorful they were!
Sophie
Hey Anjali!
I'm so glad the skewers were a hit at the picnic and that everyone loved their flavorful taste. It's always satisfying when a dish disappears so quickly because it means it was thoroughly enjoyed.
Irena
Super easy to follow recipe, I love the addition of colorful peppers and onions. We grilled these on the weekend and I wanted to come and say how much we enjoyed them.
Sophie
Hi Irena!
Thank you for trying out the recipe and taking the time to share your positive feedback. I hope you continue to enjoy experimenting with flavors and making delicious meals. Happy grilling! 😊
Anjali
These chicken skewers were so easy to make and the teriyaki sauce added a ton of flavor!! We enjoyed for dinner tonight with a side salad - delicious!
Sophie Viau
Hi Anjali,
I'm thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the chicken skewers with teriyaki sauce! It's fantastic that they were easy to make and packed with delicious flavors. Pairing them with a side salad is a great idea to create a well-balanced and tasty meal
Shadi Hasanzadenemati
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. It's a fantastic option for a quick weeknight dinner, and it's also a crowd-pleasing appetizer for parties and gatherings.
Sophie Viau
Hey Shadi,
Absolutely! The versatility of this recipe is one of its greatest strengths. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a delicious appetizer to impress guests, these chicken skewers have got you covered.
Ned
This recipe has summer written all over it. I had to try and it was soo good, juicy and flavorful! Thank you!
Sophie Viau
Hi Ned,
You're very welcome! I'm thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the recipe and found it perfect for summer. The juicy and flavorful chicken skewers are indeed a delightful treat during the warm months.
Nikki
I marinated overnight and the flavor was amazing! Added bell peppers to the skewers too. So delicious! Thank you for sharing.
Sophie Viau
Hi Nikki,
You're welcome! Marinating the chicken overnight is a great idea to enhance the flavor.