Sweet & Savory Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
When I first crafted these Sweet & Savory Teriyaki Chicken Skewers, I knew they were something special. The perfect balance between the rich umami of soy sauce and the caramelized sweetness of brown sugar immediately created a flavor explosion that had everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue or just want to elevate a weekday dinner, this recipe is a surefire hit.
The first time I served them, it was a warm Saturday evening, and the sizzle from the grill had everyone excited. As the skewers cooked, that unmistakable aroma of ginger, garlic, and honey-filled air had neighbors peeking over the fence. I paired them with a simple cucumber salad and some jasmine rice, and it turned into one of those unforgettable meals that people still talk about.
What I love most is how incredibly versatile this dish is. I’ve made it with chicken thighs, breasts, and even tofu when cooking for vegetarian friends. No matter the choice, the marinade does the heavy lifting, infusing every bite with bold, mouthwatering flavor. And if you’re looking for something similarly comforting and packed with flavor, you might enjoy my Marry Me Chicken Pasta or the cozy Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts.
Why You’ll Love This Sweet & Savory Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Recipe
These skewers are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re tender, juicy, and glazed in a thick, glossy teriyaki sauce that clings beautifully to the charred edges. The ingredients are simple and easy to find, but together they build a restaurant-worthy dish you can pull off at home. Plus, they grill up in minutes, making them ideal for weeknight dinners or quick party prep. Whether served over rice or eaten straight off the skewer, this recipe delivers joy with every bite.
How to Make the Sweet & Savory Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and a splash of rice vinegar. This marinade needs to be well-balanced—salty, sweet, and slightly tangy. Set aside half of it for basting during grilling.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Cut boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts into bite-sized chunks. Toss them in the marinade, ensuring every piece is coated. Let the chicken sit for at least 30 minutes, but overnight in the fridge yields the most flavor.
Step 3: Skewer the Chicken
Thread the marinated chicken onto soaked wooden or metal skewers. Make sure not to pack them too tightly to ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally. Brush with the reserved marinade during the last few minutes to build up a glossy, flavorful glaze.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken is charred and caramelized in spots, remove from the grill. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
If you’re out of chicken or want to change things up, this marinade works beautifully with shrimp, tofu, or even pork tenderloin. For a gluten-free version, substitute tamari for soy sauce. Want it spicier? Add a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
Vegetables like bell peppers, red onions, or pineapple chunks can also be added to the skewers for extra texture and sweetness. And if you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or broiler works just as well—just keep an eye on the caramelization so nothing burns.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These Sweet & Savory Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. I love pairing them with a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up all that glossy teriyaki sauce. For a lighter take, serve them with a crisp cucumber salad or sesame cabbage slaw. They also make a fun appetizer option when served on mini skewers at parties.
For drinks, consider something refreshing like a cucumber mint lemonade or an iced green tea. Their clean flavors balance the rich, sweet marinade beautifully. And for a heartier dinner, adding a side of Cheesy Ranch Oven Roasted Potatoes or Oven Roasted Root Vegetables adds great texture and comfort.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Once cooled, the skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I prefer using the oven or an air fryer at 350°F for about 10 minutes to keep the edges crispy. You can also microwave them, but they may lose some of that delightful char. If you’ve saved extra marinade (that hasn’t touched raw chicken), drizzle it over before serving for a flavor refresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Ideally, marinate for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, refrigerate overnight.
Can I bake these instead of grilling?
Yes, bake them at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through and brushing with the marinade.
What type of chicken works best?
I recommend boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juiciness, but breasts are great for a leaner option.
Is the marinade freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Store extra marinade in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before use.
Can I make these ahead for a party?
Yes! Skewer the marinated chicken up to a day in advance and keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to grill or bake.
Related Recipe You’ll Like
If you’re drawn to the bold, sweet-savory punch of these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers, you won’t want to miss a few other flavorful favorites on my site. For another quick and satisfying dinner idea, check out my Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni—it’s a hearty and comforting dish with a creamy finish. If you’re leaning more toward the lighter side of grilling, my Yummy Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa is refreshing and vibrant.
And if you’re a fan of these skewers, you might also fall for the smoky sweetness of my Bourbon Peach BBQ Chicken, which offers another lip-smacking take on grilled chicken with a fruity kick.
Save and Share This Recipe for Later
Don’t forget to pin these Sweet & Savory Teriyaki Chicken Skewers to your favorite Pinterest board so you can find them fast for your next grilling session! Whether it’s for a family dinner or your next cookout, these skewers are bound to become a go-to favorite.
Love it? Share it! Post your creations on Instagram, tag me, and spread the flavor by sharing the recipe link with friends via text, email, or your favorite social media platform. Let’s keep the deliciousness going!
Sweet & Savory Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
These Sweet & Savory Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are a flavorful fusion of sweet, salty, and umami. Marinated in a homemade teriyaki sauce featuring soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, and fresh aromatics like garlic and ginger, these skewers come out juicy and perfectly caramelized. Grilled to perfection, they're a hit at cookouts and make a delightful weekday meal. This dish is easy to prepare and sure to impress, making it a staple for any recipe collection.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Reserve half the marinade.
- Add chicken chunks to the marinade, mix well, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- Thread chicken onto soaked wooden or metal skewers, spacing pieces for even cooking.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally. Brush with reserved marinade during the last few minutes.
- Remove from grill, rest for a few minutes, and serve hot.
Notes
- Add pineapple, bell peppers, or red onions to skewers for variety.
- Substitute tamari for soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Use an air fryer or oven to reheat for best texture.
