Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Name: Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon grated ginger; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 bell pepper, cut into chunks; 1 small zucchini, sliced; Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes if using)

Highlighted under: Globetrotter Food Guide

Whenever I'm craving a meal that's both savory and satisfying, these Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers never disappoint. I love how easy they are to whip up, especially during warm weekends when grilling gives a fantastic flavor boost. The combination of the tender chicken with the homemade teriyaki sauce creates a delightful sticky glaze that everyone enjoys. I always serve them with a side of grilled vegetables or rice for a complete meal that feels special yet is so simple to prepare.

Created by

Ella

Last updated on 2026-02-12T13:02:18.953Z

My journey with these Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers began during a summer barbecue, where I discovered the magic of homemade teriyaki sauce. I adjusted the traditional recipes slightly, adding a touch of fresh ginger and garlic for a little kick. It was a hit! What's great about this marinade is how the sugars help caramelize the chicken, enhancing its taste while keeping it juicy.

I've also found that marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes really allows the flavors to penetrate the meat. If you're in a hurry, even 15 minutes will give you a flavorful result. Experimenting with different vegetables on the skewers, like bell peppers or zucchini, adds a wonderful color and freshness to the dish!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Lip-smacking teriyaki glaze that sticks beautifully to the chicken
Grilled to perfection, ensuring a juicy and tender bite every time
Quick to prepare and cook, making it perfect for weeknight dinners

Marinade Magic

The marinade used for these Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers is crucial to achieving that glossy, flavorful finish. Each ingredient plays a specific role: the soy sauce provides umami depth, while the brown sugar and honey balance it with sweetness, creating that sticky glaze everyone craves. The ginger and garlic introduce aromatic notes, enhancing the overall flavor profile beautifully. For an even bolder taste, consider adding a splash of pineapple juice to the marinade for a fruity twist that complements the teriyaki flavors.

Marinating the chicken is essential for developing flavor, but timing is key. If you marinate for too long—more than two hours—the chicken can become overly salty and mushy. I recommend sticking to the 30-minute minimum up to the full two-hour maximum for optimal texture. Always prepare the marinade in advance to allow the chicken ample time to soak in all those wonderful flavors while you get your grill ready.

Perfecting the Grill

When grilling skewers, preheating the grill to medium-high heat is critical for proper cooking. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and achieves those coveted grill marks. A good heat range is around 375°F to 450°F. If your grill has a lid, closing it while cooking will help distribute heat more effectively, resulting in juicy chicken throughout. Remember to turn the skewers every few minutes—this not only promotes even cooking but also caramelizes the teriyaki glaze, enhancing the flavors.

Avoid overcrowding the skewers, as this can lead to uneven cooking. Space the chicken and vegetables out slightly to allow heat circulation. If you find the chicken is browning too quickly, simply move it to a cooler part of the grill to finish cooking without burning. Properly grilled skewers should have a golden-brown exterior and a juicy interior, with the chicken reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

These skewers shine when served alongside grilled vegetables like asparagus or eggplant, which beautifully complements their flavor. Basmati rice or a simple cucumber salad with sesame dressing makes for a refreshing side. For an authentic Asian flair, drizzle some extra homemade teriyaki sauce over your dish or garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added crunch and flavor.

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheating can be done on the grill or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, but be cautious not to overcook, as the chicken can dry out. Alternatively, these skewers freeze well; simply ensure they are wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn, and they can be saved for up to three months.

Ingredients

For the Marinade

1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon grated ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon sesame oil

For the Skewers

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 bell pepper, cut into chunks
1 small zucchini, sliced
Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes if using)

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil until sugar is dissolved.

Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for more flavor.

Skewer the Ingredients

Thread the marinated chicken pieces, bell pepper chunks, and zucchini slices onto the soaked wooden skewers.

Grill the Skewers

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.

Serve and Enjoy

Remove skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle with additional teriyaki sauce if desired.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, you can add sesame seeds over the skewers just before serving. Pair them with steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Ingredient Substitutions

While this recipe's ingredient list is fantastic as is, you might find yourself in need of alternatives. For soy sauce, a low-sodium soy or tamari can provide a similar depth of flavor without being overly salty. If you prefer a sweeter marinade, feel free to swap the brown sugar with coconut sugar or even maple syrup for a different but equally delicious twist.

If you're looking for a lighter option, chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts. They remain juicy even if slightly overcooked, thanks to their higher fat content. Alternatively, if you seek a plant-based option, firm tofu can be marinated and skewered in place of chicken, making these skewers delightfully vegetarian.

Variations on the Skewers

There are endless variations to explore beyond the classic chicken and vegetable combination. Try adding pineapple chunks, onion slices, or mushrooms to your skewers for an explosion of flavors and textures. Each will caramelize on the grill, adding juiciness and sweetness that pairs beautifully with the teriyaki sauce.

For a kick of heat, include slices of jalapeño or feel free to marinate the chicken with a bit of Sriracha mixed into the teriyaki sauce for a spicy twist. You could also serve these skewers with a tangy dipping sauce made from yogurt and lime juice, offering a fresh contrast to the savory glory of teriyaki chicken.

Meal Prep Ideas

These Marinated Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are not only perfect for grilling but also for meal prep. To streamline your weeknight dinners, you can marinate the chicken cubes a day in advance and keep them in the fridge. When it’s time to cook, just thread them onto skewers with your choice of vegetables and grill away.

You can also prepare a larger batch and freeze the skewers before cooking. Season the chicken and vegetables, assemble them on skewers, and freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. This method allows you to pull them out as needed and enjoy a quick meal with minimal effort.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Absolutely! These skewers can be made with shrimp, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

→ How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinating for at least 30 minutes is great, but if you have time, letting it sit for up to 2 hours will enhance the flavor even more.

→ Can I make the teriyaki sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ What vegetables work well with these skewers?

Vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, onion, and even mushrooms are delicious additions to your skewers.