Imagine coming home after a long day, craving something delicious but dreading the thought of spending hours in the kitchen. That's where Teriyaki Chicken Skewers come in! These aren't your average weeknight dinner; they're quick to prepare, packed with healthy protein, and bursting with that sweet and savory teriyaki flavor everyone loves. Trust me, even on the busiest nights, you can whip up these skewers and have a satisfying meal in minutes.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
My grandmother, a brilliant home cook, used to make teriyaki chicken every summer. The fragrance alone was intoxicating, and it always meant laughter and family gathering. She adapted the recipe to be quick and easy, knowing how busy her family was. This Teriyaki Chicken Skewers recipe is a homage to hers – same unbeatable flavor, same love, made faster!
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 2 tablespoons sake (rice wine)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
For the Skewers:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch wedges
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning
For Garnish (optional):
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the cubed chicken in a resealable bag or container. Pour the teriyaki marinade over the chicken, ensuring it's well-coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken, bell peppers, and red onion onto the soaked wooden skewers, alternating ingredients for a colorful presentation.
- Grill or Bake the Skewers:
- Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the Teriyaki Chicken Skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve: Serve the Teriyaki Chicken Skewers hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired. Enjoy with a side of rice or a fresh salad.
Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil.1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup mirin (sweet rice wine), 2 tablespoons sake (rice wine), 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon grated ginger, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Place the cubed chicken in a resealable bag or container. Pour the teriyaki marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s well-coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Thread the marinated chicken, bell peppers, and red onion onto the soaked wooden skewers, alternating ingredients for a colorful presentation.1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes, 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces, 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces, 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch wedges, Wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the Teriyaki Chicken Skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve the Teriyaki Chicken Skewers hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired. Enjoy with a side of rice or a fresh salad.Sesame seeds, Chopped green onions