Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

What is Teriyaki Chicken Skewers?

Teriyaki is a Japanese method of cooking, the word Teri (タレ) means the glaze or shine, Yaki (焼き) means grilling or broiling, so if you put it together, Teriyaki chicken is more like Glazed Grilled Chicken.

Ingredients to Make Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

• Chicken thighs: I have used skinless and boneless chicken thighs. You can also use chicken breasts.

• Sugar: Brown sugar enhances the flavor of the teriyaki sauce, but you can go for honey or white sugar.

• Soy sauce: If available, it’s better to use low-sodium, but if you have regular soy sauce, dilute it by mixing two tablespoons of water with the amount mentioned in the recipe.
• Oyster sauce: Adding oyster sauce enhances the flavor of teriyaki sauce.
• Ginger paste: For sharper, spicier flavor to the sauce and chicken.
• Cornstarch: We need cornstarch to thicken the sauce.

How to Make Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Step 1

Add the ingredients for the Teriyaki sauce: sugar, ginger, soy sauce, oyster sauce, oil, cornstarch, and water. Mix well.

Step 2

Take out 1/3 cup from the sauce and keep aside to use later.

Step 3

Add the skinless and boneless chicken thighs to the previously prepared sauce. Mix well, cover and refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes.

Step 4

Thread the chicken thighs onto the skewers. Discard the marinade; do not use it on the chicken while cooking/grilling. If you use wooden skewers, first soak them in warm water for 30 minutes to prevent them from burning.

Step 5

Pour a tablespoon of oil into the shallow pan, and when the oil is hot, place the chicken skewers on the pan.

Step 6

Flip the chicken and brush with the reserved teriyaki sauce; keep flipping and brushing the chicken until it’s done.

Expert Tips

• Most people buy the regular soy sauce; it is salty and can ruin the dish; however, if you can’t get a low sodium soy sauce, mix the three tablespoons soy sauce mentioned in this recipe with two tablespoons water. Then use it in the recipe.

• Don’t use light soy sauce.

• I found that brown sugar gives the teriyaki sauce an excellent deep flavor, but if you must substitute, use honey.

• If you want to use chicken breast instead of thighs, then cut the breast into medium-sized cubes to help it cook evenly and faster.

• You can use ginger powder, keeping the same measurement, although using fresh ginger gives out more flavor.

• To grill the chicken over a griller, soak the wooden skewers in warm water for 30 minutes before threading the chicken, or else the skewers will burn.

• When placing the chicken skewers over a grill, do not move the skewers until at least three minutes have passed; otherwise, the chicken will stick to the grill.

How to Make Teriyaki Sauce at Home?

To make the teriyaki sauce, double or triple the amount of the sauce ingredients in this recipe.

1. Add all the ingredients to a saucepan and mix well.
2. Turn on the heat to medium and let the mixture come to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for three minutes or until thick.
3. Some add sesame seeds to the sauce, but I think toasted sesame seeds give a better taste when added to the dish and not the sauce.
4. Let the sauce cool completely, then pour in a jar with a preferably airtight lid.
5. Refrigerate the sauce for up to 2 weeks.  
6. You can use the sauce to marinate any meat. You can also use it in stir-fry dishes.

Storing Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Refrigerating:

Place the cool teriyaki chicken sticks in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing:

Wrap each skewer with plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Thawing:

Thaw frozen skewers in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating:

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
• Stovetop: Heat a pan over medium heat. Add a little oil and place the skewers in the pan. Cook for a few minutes on each side.
• Microwave: Place the skewers on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, checking to ensure they are heated through.

More recipes you will enjoy:

• Cashew Chicken Recipe.

• Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe.

• Easy Korean Beef Bowl.

• Orange Chicken.

• Chicken Manchurian.

• Chicken Spring Rolls.

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