Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Name: Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds; 1 bell pepper, cut into chunks; 1 onion, cut into wedges; Skewers (wooden or metal)

Highlighted under: International Dish

I absolutely love making Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers for summer barbecues! The sweet and savory flavors of the teriyaki sauce combined with juicy, grilled chicken are simply irresistible. Each bite brings a burst of flavor that pairs beautifully with fresh veggies. This recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare, but it's perfect for impressing family and friends. I always find myself coming back to this recipe during warm weather gatherings, as it never fails to delight everyone at the table.

Created by

The Chefsamuelbakes Team

Last updated on 2026-02-12T20:02:18.583Z

When I first tried making grilled teriyaki chicken skewers, I was astounded by how easily they became a family favorite. I marinated the chicken overnight, allowing the soy sauce and ginger to infuse deeply. It really made a difference in flavor! My kids love helping with threading the chicken onto skewers, making it a fun family activity while waiting for dinner.

The key to perfectly grilled skewers is not to overcrowd them. This allows the chicken to cook evenly and develop those beautiful char marks. I’ve found that serving them with grilled veggies adds an extra layer of flavor and colors to the plate!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Tender chicken infused with a deliciously sweet teriyaki glaze
Perfectly grilled with a slight char and smoky flavor
Quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or gatherings

Choosing the Right Chicken

Selecting the right chicken is crucial for achieving tender and juicy skewers. I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their mild flavor and fast cooking time. If you want a more robust taste, consider using thighs, which are slightly fattier and stay moist during grilling. Whichever cut you choose, make sure to cut the chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces, around 1 to 1.5 inches, to ensure even cooking and prevent any uncooked centers.

Marination is key to infusing flavor into the chicken. The teriyaki sauce not only adds sweetness and umami but also helps break down the protein, resulting in a more tender bite. While the recipe suggests a minimum of 15 minutes for marinating, I recommend refrigerating it for several hours, or even overnight, to develop deeper flavor profiles. Just be cautious not to marinate too long, as the acidity can make the meat mushy.

Perfecting the Grill Technique

To achieve perfectly grilled teriyaki chicken skewers, preheating your grill is essential. Aim for a medium-high heat, around 400°F to 450°F, depending on your grill. A properly heated grill ensures a nice sear on the chicken, creating a slight char that enhances the flavor. I always keep an eye out for those grill marks, as they indicate both doneness and flavor development. Lightly oiling the grate beforehand will further help to prevent sticking and ensure easy flipping.

While grilling, it’s important to turn the skewers occasionally to promote even cooking. You’ll know they’re ready when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is opaque throughout. The vegetables should be slightly tender but still crisp. If you find the chicken browning too quickly, move the skewers to a cooler part of the grill; this will allow them to cook through without burning.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you begin:

For the Chicken Skewers

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1 bell pepper, cut into chunks
1 onion, cut into wedges
Skewers (wooden or metal)

Make sure to soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your skewers:

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with teriyaki sauce and vegetable oil. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.

Prepare Skewers

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. Then, thread the marinated chicken pieces, bell pepper, and onion onto the skewers, alternating between the chicken and vegetables.

Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grate to prevent sticking.

Grill the Skewers

Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.

Serve and Enjoy

Remove skewers from the grill, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and serve hot with additional teriyaki sauce on the side for dipping.

For a nice presentation, serve the skewers over a bed of rice or with a side salad.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, you can grill pineapple chunks alongside your skewers. It provides a sweet contrast that pairs beautifully with the teriyaki chicken.

Flavor Variations

One of the advantages of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily add other vegetables to the skewers, such as zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes, to suit your tastes. These additions not only enhance the flavor but also add a colorful presentation to your dish. Just be sure to cut the vegetables into similar sizes for even cooking.

Additionally, feel free to experiment with the teriyaki marinade. You might try a homemade version by combining soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger for a fresher taste. Alternatively, consider adding a splash of pineapple juice for an extra zing or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Each variation can significantly change the dish’s profile.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you've made a batch of grilled teriyaki chicken skewers, you'll be pleased to know they store well. Allow the skewers to cool down to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to three days, making them a great option for meal prep or leftovers.

When reheating, I recommend using the oven to retain the flavor and moisture. Preheat your oven to 350°F, place the skewers on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can pop them back on the grill for a few minutes to restore the charred flavor; just keep a close eye to prevent them from overcooking.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use bone-in chicken instead?

Yes, but cooking time will be longer. Make sure to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

→ How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Substitute regular teriyaki sauce with a gluten-free version made with tamari.

→ Can I prepare the skewers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken and assemble the skewers a few hours in advance.

→ What other vegetables can I use?

Feel free to get creative! Zucchini, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes are excellent options.