Chicken Teriyaki Skewers
Isn’t it fascinating how a simple skewer can elevate a meal from ordinary to extraordinary? When you consider the balance of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and that rich teriyaki glaze, it’s clear why chicken teriyaki skewers have become a favorite for so many. You might be wondering how to achieve that perfect marinade or which vegetables complement the dish best. Each skewer holds not just flavor but also the promise of a delightful culinary experience waiting to be explored.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
When you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal, chicken teriyaki skewers are hard to beat.
They’re not only easy to prepare, taking just 15 minutes of your time, but they also grill quickly, making them perfect for busy days. You can even marinate and assemble them in advance, which is great for BBQs and parties. Each skewer packs a protein punch, offering 76% protein, while being low in fat and calories. Additionally, each serving contains approximately 309 kcal which makes them a healthy choice.
These skewers are tasty, especially with homemade teriyaki sauce, and they pair well with fresh veggies. Plus, you can customize them using chicken thighs or breasts, and top them with sesame seeds or green onions for extra flavor.
Enjoy these versatile skewers anytime!
History
Teriyaki’s rich history dates back to Japan’s Edo period (1603-1868), where it originated primarily as a method for preparing fish. The marinade, made from soy sauce, sake, and sugar, not only enhanced flavor but also acted as a natural preservative, allowing fish to be stored longer.
During the Meiji era (1868-1912), Western influences led to teriyaki evolving to include chicken and beef. Japanese immigrants then brought teriyaki to the United States, adapting it to local tastes, with Seattle’s role playing a significant part in its popularity during the 1970s.
Today, teriyaki has global appeal, reflecting various culinary traditions and interpretations, making it a beloved dish in many cultures around the world.
Recipe
Chicken Teriyaki Skewers
Chicken teriyaki skewers are a delightful dish that combines tender, marinated chicken with sweet and savory flavors. Perfect for grilling, baking, or air frying, these skewers are versatile and can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or even a topping for salads.
The marinade, which consists of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and sesame oil, infuses the chicken with a delicious flavor that caramelizes beautifully during cooking. To ensure even cooking, it’s important to cut the chicken into uniform cube sizes. To make your skewers even more colorful and tasty, consider adding vegetables such as bell peppers and onions alongside the chicken. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a crunchy texture to each bite. Follow this simple recipe to create a dish that will impress family and friends alike!
Ingredients
- 1-2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-2 inch cubes
- Soy sauce, approximately ½ cup to 1 ⅓ cup
- Brown sugar, approximately ½ cup to ⅓ cup
- Rice vinegar, approximately 1-2 teaspoons
- Garlic, minced or powdered, approximately 1-2 cloves
- Sesame oil, approximately 1-3 tablespoons
- Vegetables (like onions and bell peppers), cut into chunks
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water
Cooking Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and sesame oil to make the marinade. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved. Reserve half of this marinade for glazing later.
- Add the chicken cubes to the remaining marinade and guarantee they’re well-coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for better flavor absorption.
- Preheat your grill or air fryer. If using an oven, preheat to 350°F. If grilling, prepare the grill for medium heat.
- While the cooking appliance is heating, thread the marinated chicken and pieces of vegetables onto the soaked wooden skewers, alternating between the chicken and vegetables.
- Once the grill or air fryer is ready, cook the skewers for about 12 minutes in the air fryer or 15 minutes in the oven. If grilling, turn the skewers every 3-4 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Brush the reserved marinade over the skewers during the last few minutes of cooking to create a delicious glaze.
For the best results, remember to soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
When marinating the chicken, longer is usually better, so if you have time, marinate it for a few hours. Additionally, don’t hesitate to experiment with different vegetables or even add pineapple for a tropical twist. Enjoy your delicious chicken teriyaki skewers!
Final Thoughts
As you savor the deliciousness of chicken teriyaki skewers, it’s clear that this dish not only pleases the palate but also offers a nutritious option for any meal.
Packed with protein, each skewer delivers about 24 grams, making it suitable for anyone looking to maintain or build muscle. While they’re generally low in fat, be mindful of the sodium content, especially if you’re on a low-sodium diet. The high protein content of these skewers supports muscle growth and repair, making them an excellent choice for fitness enthusiasts.
The mix of chicken and vegetables, like bell peppers and onions, adds vitamins and minerals to your plate. Whether you grill them fresh or save leftovers for later, these skewers are versatile and easy to prepare.
Enjoying them can be a tasty way to support a balanced diet.
FAQ
Curious about how to make the perfect chicken teriyaki skewers? Start by choosing boneless skinless chicken thighs for tenderness, or use cut chicken breasts.
You’ll need about 2 lbs, cut uniformly for even cooking. Marinate your chicken in a ziplock bag with teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes. Incorporating a marinade for enhanced flavor can elevate the taste of your skewers significantly.
When cooking, you can grill or pan-sear the skewers, cooking them for 10-15 minutes until they reach 165°F. For a nice glaze, broil them briefly.
Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions and serve with steamed rice or mac and cheese. Don’t forget to use fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor! Enjoy your delicious skewers!
Chicken Teriyaki Skewers
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- 1-2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs cut into 1-2 inch cubes
- Soy sauce approximately ½ cup to 1 ⅓ cup
- Brown sugar approximately ½ cup to ⅓ cup
- Rice vinegar approximately 1-2 teaspoons
- Garlic minced or powdered, approximately 1-2 cloves
- Sesame oil approximately 1-3 tablespoons
- Vegetables like onions and bell peppers, cut into chunks
- Wooden skewers soaked in water
Instructions
- Cooking Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and sesame oil to make the marinade. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved. Reserve half of this marinade for glazing later.
- Add the chicken cubes to the remaining marinade and guarantee they're well-coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for better flavor absorption.
- Preheat your grill or air fryer. If using an oven, preheat to 350°F. If grilling, prepare the grill for medium heat.
- While the cooking appliance is heating, thread the marinated chicken and pieces of vegetables onto the soaked wooden skewers, alternating between the chicken and vegetables.
- Once the grill or air fryer is ready, cook the skewers for about 12 minutes in the air fryer or 15 minutes in the oven. If grilling, turn the skewers every 3-4 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Brush the reserved marinade over the skewers during the last few minutes of cooking to create a delicious glaze.
- For the best results, remember to soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
- When marinating the chicken, longer is usually better, so if you have time, marinate it for a few hours. Additionally, don't hesitate to experiment with different vegetables or even add pineapple for a tropical twist. Enjoy your delicious chicken teriyaki skewers!