Teriyaki Chicken Skewers (Sweet & Savory Grilled Chicken)

There’s something undeniably irresistible about tender chicken glazed in a glossy, sweet-savory sauce and grilled to caramelized perfection. These Teriyaki Chicken Skewers capture that exact magic—simple ingredients transformed into a dish that feels vibrant, flavorful, and effortlessly satisfying. Each skewer delivers juicy chicken with a sticky teriyaki glaze that balances sweetness, saltiness, and umami in every bite.

What makes this recipe so appealing is its versatility. It works just as beautifully for weeknight dinners as it does for backyard gatherings, meal prep, or casual entertaining. The chicken cooks quickly, the marinade doubles as a glaze, and the skewers make everything feel a little more special without adding complexity. It’s the kind of recipe that looks impressive on the plate while remaining refreshingly easy to prepare.

These skewers also highlight the power of bold yet familiar flavors. The teriyaki sauce coats the chicken as it cooks, caramelizing slightly over heat and locking in moisture and flavor. The result is tender, juicy chicken with a lightly charred exterior and a rich, glossy finish that’s hard to resist.

As they grill, the aroma alone is enough to draw everyone to the table. These Teriyaki Chicken Skewers aren’t about overcomplicating dinner—they’re about big flavor, simple technique, and a dish that keeps people reaching for just one more skewer. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s reliable, crowd-pleasing, and packed with flavor, this is one you’ll want to keep reading.

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Juicy chicken skewers marinated and glazed with a sweet-savory teriyaki sauce, grilled to caramelized perfection. Easy, flavorful, and perfect for weeknights or gatherings.
Prep Time: 15 minutesMarinate Time: 30 minutes (up to 8 hours)Cook Time: 12 minutesTotal Time: 57 minutes
Course: Main Course, AppetizerCuisine: Japanese-InspiredKeyword: teriyaki chicken skewersServings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken
  • lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1½-inch pieces
  • Teriyaki Marinade & Glaze
  • ½ cup soy sauce low sodium preferred
  • ¼ cup brown sugar or honey
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water for thickening glaze
  • For Cooking
  • Wooden or metal skewers soak wooden skewers 30 minutes
  • Neutral oil for grill
  • Optional Garnish
  • Sesame seeds
  • Sliced green onions

Method
 

  1. In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, brown sugar (or honey), rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
  2. Reserve ½ cup of the marinade for glazing.
  3. Add chicken to remaining marinade, toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate at least 30 minutes (up to 8 hours).
  4. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving space between pieces.
  5. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium heat and lightly oil grates.
  6. Grill skewers 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and lightly charred.
  7. Meanwhile, simmer reserved marinade with cornstarch slurry until thick and glossy.
  8. Brush glaze over skewers during the final minutes of cooking.
  9. Remove from heat, garnish if desired, and serve.


Final Thoughts

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are a perfect example of how simple ingredients can deliver big, memorable flavor. Juicy chicken, a glossy sweet-savory glaze, and light caramelization come together to create a dish that feels comforting, satisfying, and effortlessly impressive.

What truly sets this recipe apart is its versatility. It works for weeknight dinners, weekend grilling, meal prep, and entertaining alike. You can dress it up or keep it simple, and it still delivers consistent, crave-worthy results.

This dish also encourages confidence in the kitchen. The steps are straightforward, the flavors are familiar, and the payoff is immediate. It’s the kind of recipe that builds trust—once you make it, you know it will work every time.

If you’re looking for a reliable, flavorful chicken recipe that feels just a little special without requiring extra effort, these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers deserve a permanent place in your rotation. They’re bold, balanced, and endlessly enjoyable—the kind of meal that disappears fast and gets requested again and again.