Sweet Savory Chicken Teriyaki Skewers
Recipe Introduction: Sweet & Savory Chicken Teriyaki Skewers
Fancy a bit of Japan without the pricey plane ticket? Ever wondered how to make those amazing grilled chicken skewers you see at festivals? I've got you! These chicken teriyaki skewers are bursting with that sweet and savory flavour we all crave.
Honestly, they're surprisingly easy to make at home.
These yummy Japanese skewers have roots in Japanese street food culture. It’s like sunshine on a stick!. They are quick to make too.
Prep time is about 20 minutes, plus 30 minutes for marinating. Cooking takes another 15- 20 minutes, with a total time of around an hour.
This recipe makes about 4 servings perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together with mates.
Why You'll Love These Chicken Teriyaki Skewers
One of the best things about these skewers is that they're packed with protein. Homemade teriyaki sauce beats anything you can buy in a bottle.
These are amazing for summer barbecues, or even as a quick and easy midweek meal served with rice. They are perfect with chicken skewers with rice .
What makes these so special? The perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a hint of ginger.
Now that the introduction is done, let’s get into the ingredients you'll need to make these easy chicken skewers . You’ll thank me later.
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!
Right then, let's talk about what you'll need to whip up these amazing chicken teriyaki skewers . Don't worry, it's not a shopping list from hell. We're keeping it real, yeah?
Main Players: Chicken & Marinade
- Chicken Thighs: You'll need 1.5 lbs (680g) of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Dice them into about 1 inch cubes. Chicken thighs are juicy and flavourful. Honestly, don't skimp on the quality here; it makes a difference! They’re my go to for chicken yakitori .
- Soy Sauce: A key ingredient! 1/2 cup (120ml) of soy sauce is what you need. Low sodium is best if you're watching your salt.
- Mirin: This sweet rice wine adds that authentic touch. Grab 1/4 cup (60ml) .
- Sake (or Dry Sherry): 1/4 cup (60ml) will do the trick. Sake adds depth, but sherry's a good back up.
- Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons of packed brown sugar gives the sauce a lovely sweetness.
- Rice Vinegar: A crucial tang! You'll need 1 tablespoon .
- Ginger & Garlic: Gotta have that kick! 1 tablespoon grated ginger and 2 cloves minced garlic.
- Sesame Oil: A teaspoon of sesame oil adds a nutty aroma.
- Cornstarch Slurry: 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water for thickening that sauce!
Spice Up Your Life: Seasoning Secrets
Think of soy sauce, mirin, and ginger as the holy trinity. Aromatic garlic and that splash of sesame oil makes this homemade teriyaki sauce a real winner.
Don't be afraid to tweak the brown sugar. The goal is a delicious balance of sweet and savory chicken skewers .
Flavor enhancers: For a bit of heat, throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Tools of the Trade: Equipment Essentials
- Skewers: Wooden or metal. Soak wooden ones in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning. I learnt that the hard way, burning my first grilled chicken skewers !
- Mixing Bowls: You will need a couple for the marinade and the chicken.
- Whisk: For smooth marinade mixing, naturally.
- Grill or Baking Sheet: It all depends on the mood and the weather, if not you can make oven baked teriyaki skewers .
- Pastry Brush (Optional): For glazing the chicken teriyaki skewers . Adds a professional touch.
That's it! Nothing too scary, right? So get your gear together. It is time to cook some awesome easy chicken skewers ! Next up, we're diving into the actual cooking process.
Trust me, it is simple.
Cooking Up a Storm: Sweet & Savory Chicken Teriyaki Skewers
Alright, let's get cracking on these chicken teriyaki skewers ! You know? I’ve made these so many times. It's one of those dishes that's always a winner.
We're aiming for something that's easy, tasty, and sure to impress. Think less Gordon Ramsay in Hell's Kitchen, and more Jamie Oliver in a comfy kitchen.
Prep Like a Pro: The Mise en Place
Before you even think about turning on the grill or oven, let's get organized! This essential mise en place will save you a heap of time.
Cut 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs into 1 inch cubes . Honestly, chicken thighs are the best for this; they stay juicy! Mix your marinade ingredients: 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup mirin, 1/4 cup sake (or dry sherry), 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon grated ginger, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 2 tablespoons cold water .
Remember to soak those wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to stop them burning, okay?
Firing Up the Flavor: step-by-step Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Whisk together all marinade ingredients in a bowl.
- Pop the chicken cubes into a bag. Pour that tasty marinade all over. Make sure every piece is coated. Then let that marinade do its magic for at least 30 minutes in the fridge. You can go up to 4 hours .
- Thread your chicken onto the skewers.
- Mix the cornstarch and cold water in a bowl, until is uniform, and set aside. This will be your Teriyaki Glaze .
- If grilling, preheat your grill to medium heat. Grill for 8- 10 minutes per side , until the internal temperature hits 165° F ( 74° C) . If baking, preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) and bake for 15- 20 minutes , same temperature. Glaze during the last couple of minutes of cooking!
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately!
Expert Tweaks for Grilled Chicken Skewers that Sizzle
Want to take these easy chicken skewers to the next level? Don't overcrowd the skewers! Space them out for even cooking.
Another thing; always use a meat thermometer! Nobody wants undercooked chicken, right? One time, I totally spaced and overcooked them and they became rubbery, honestly, a disaster! Learn from my mistakes! A perfect complement can be chicken skewers with rice .
And hey, if you are feeling adventurous, add some pineapple chunks for a bit of sweet and savory chicken skewers .
So there you have it! Chicken teriyaki skewers , done the easy way. Now get cooking and impress your mates! Toodle-oo for now!
Alright, so you're ready to tackle these chicken teriyaki skewers ? Ace! I've got you covered with a few extra nuggets of wisdom to make sure these sweet and savory chicken skewers are a smashing success.
Recipe Notes for Your Chicken Teriyaki Skewers
Serving Suggestions - Ace Presentation
Think about how you're going to plate these bad boys. Honestly, presentation does matter! Serve your grilled chicken skewers on a bed of fluffy rice.
For a proper Japanese vibe, try some pickled ginger and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. To drink? A nice cold beer or even some chilled sake.
Storage Tips - Sorted!
Got leftovers? No worries, mate! Just pop those easy chicken skewers into an airtight container and into the fridge. They will be good for up to three days.
Freezing is also an option. Just wrap them up well. Then thaw them out properly before reheating. To reheat, either microwave them or stick them back on the grill.
Make sure the internal temperature hits 165° F ( 74° C) before serving.
Variations - Let's Get Creative!
Want to spice things up? Chuck in a bit of chilli flakes to the marinade for a spicy teriyaki chicken skewers .
Or, if you're feeling fruity, add pineapple chunks to the skewers. For the veggies among us, firm tofu works a treat! Simply swap out the chicken with cubed tofu, pressed and marinated, for amazing oven baked teriyaki skewers .
And if you haven't got mirin, don't sweat it use sherry or Marsala wine.
Nutrition Basics - Good For You!
Okay, let's keep it real. These Japanese skewers are tasty and have some good bits! You are looking at roughly 350-400 calories per serving.
You'll get a good hit of protein (around 35-40g). Plus, the ginger and garlic bring some immune boosting magic. Remember though, this is just an estimate!
Give these chicken thigh skewers a go, and honestly, you'll be amazed at how easy and tasty they are. These teriyaki chicken skewers recipe will become a family favourite.
Happy cooking, you legend!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these chicken teriyaki skewers ahead of time? I'm planning a BBQ, and want to be organised!
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken and thread it onto the skewers a day in advance. Just keep them covered tightly in the fridge. On the day, they'll be ready to grill or bake in a jiffy, leaving you more time to enjoy the sunshine and crack open a cold one.
I don't have a grill; can I still make these chicken teriyaki skewers? Are they any good baked?
You bet! While grilling adds a nice smoky flavor, baking the chicken teriyaki skewers works perfectly well. Bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through, on a parchment lined baking sheet.
Brushing with teriyaki sauce during the last few minutes gives them a lovely glaze, just like you'd get from the grill. It's as easy as pie!
What's the best way to store leftover chicken teriyaki skewers, and how long will they last?
Leftover chicken teriyaki skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Ensure they are completely cooled before storing. To reheat, you can microwave them (though they might lose a bit of their crispness), or gently warm them in a pan or oven.
They're great in a quick rice bowl for lunch the next day!
Is there a vegetarian version of these teriyaki skewers? My mate's a veggie!
Of course! Firm or extra firm tofu is a fantastic substitute for chicken in these teriyaki skewers. Press the tofu to remove excess water, cut it into cubes, and marinate it just like you would the chicken. Grill or bake as directed in the recipe, and your vegetarian mate will be well chuffed!
How can I make my chicken teriyaki skewers extra tasty? Any top chef secrets?
Marinating the chicken for longer (up to 4 hours) really intensifies the flavour. Also, don't be shy with the fresh ginger and garlic in the marinade; they add a lovely kick. Lastly, brushing the skewers with extra teriyaki sauce during the last few minutes of cooking gives them a beautiful, sticky glaze that's pure heaven.
Remember, practice makes perfect!
Are chicken teriyaki skewers healthy? What's the nutritional information looking like?
Chicken teriyaki skewers can be part of a balanced diet. The recipe primarily uses lean protein from the chicken. The homemade marinade contains soy sauce that contributes to the sodium levels. Consider using low-sodium soy sauce for a lower sodium content.
Nutritional information varies based on ingredients, typically containing approximately 350-400 calories per serving. Make sure to balance your meal with rice and steamed vegetables to increase its nutritional value.
Sweet Savory Chicken Teriyaki Skewers
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 375 kcal |
|---|---|
| Fat | 17.5g |
| Fiber | 2.5g |
