Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers: 5 Reasons You’ll Savor Them

Name: Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers: 5 Reasons You'll Savor Them
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken fillet, cut into cubes; 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 teaspoon garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated; 1 bell pepper, cut into squares; 1 onion, cut into squares; Skewers

By:

Christina R. Jones

July 23, 2025

This post may contain affiliate links learn more

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Let me tell you, Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are an absolute game changer for your summer barbecues! I love how easy they are to whip up, and the flavors? Wow, they’re out of this world! The juicy chicken, soaked in a sweet and savory teriyaki marinade, gets beautifully caramelized on the grill. Every bite is a delightful explosion of flavor, with the vibrant bell peppers and onions adding a fresh crunch. These skewers make for a fantastic quick dinner too, perfect for busy weeknights. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your meal rotation! You can even customize them with your favorite veggies or switch to tofu for a vegetarian twist. Let’s fire up that grill and get cooking!

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers - detail 1

Ingredients List

Let’s gather everything you’ll need to make these scrumptious Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers! Here’s the full rundown:

1 lb chicken fillet, cut into cubes: Look for fresh, boneless, skinless chicken fillets. Cut them into bite-sized pieces so they grill evenly and soak up all that delicious marinade.
1/2 cup teriyaki sauce: This is the star of the show! Choose a good-quality teriyaki sauce for the best flavor—homemade or store-bought works!
2 tablespoons olive oil: This helps keep the chicken moist while grilling and adds a hint of richness.
1 tablespoon honey: A touch of sweetness to balance the savory notes of the teriyaki. Trust me, it makes a difference!
1 teaspoon garlic, minced: Freshly minced garlic brings a punch of flavor that elevates the dish.
1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated: Fresh ginger adds warmth and depth—don’t skip this one!
1 bell pepper, cut into squares: Use any color you like! They bring a lovely crunch and sweetness.
1 onion, cut into squares: A sweet onion works best here, but you can use red or yellow depending on your preference.
Skewers: Don’t forget these! If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.

Gather all these ingredients, and you’ll be ready to create something absolutely mouthwatering!

How to Prepare Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Now that we’ve gathered all our ingredients, let’s dive into the delicious process of preparing these Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a mouthwatering meal ready in no time.

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

First things first, let’s get that chicken marinating! In a large bowl, combine the teriyaki sauce, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk it all together until it’s well blended. Then, add those bite-sized chicken cubes and toss them in the marinade, making sure every piece is coated. Now, let it sit for at least 30 minutes—this is crucial! The longer it marinates, the more flavor it absorbs, so if you can let it soak for a couple of hours, even better!

Step 2: Prepare the Grill

While your chicken is soaking up all that amazing flavor, it’s time to get the grill ready. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for cooking the chicken evenly without burning it. A hot grill helps create those beautiful grill marks and caramelizes the marinade, giving you that delicious charred flavor we all love!

Step 3: Assemble the Skewers

Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to assemble your skewers! Grab your soaked wooden skewers or metal ones if you have them. Start by threading a piece of chicken onto the skewer, followed by a square of bell pepper and onion, and repeat until the skewer is full. I love mixing up the colors for a vibrant presentation! Just make sure to leave a little space between each piece so they cook evenly.

Step 4: Grill the Skewers

Time to hit the grill! Place your assembled skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. A little tip: if you have a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Don’t worry if you don’t have one; just make sure there’s no pink inside!

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once your skewers are perfectly grilled, take them off the heat and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This resting time is super important! It allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, keeping it tender and juicy. After that, serve them up with your favorite sides, and get ready for a flavor explosion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are not just a meal; they’re a celebration of flavor and convenience! Here’s why you’ll fall head over heels for this recipe:

Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes of marinating and 15 minutes on the grill, you can have a delicious dinner ready in no time!
Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet teriyaki sauce, savory garlic, and vibrant veggies creates a mouthwatering taste that’s hard to resist.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean chicken, fresh vegetables, and a homemade marinade, these skewers are a wholesome choice for any meal.
Customizable: Feel free to swap out veggies or even use tofu for a vegetarian option, making it perfect for everyone at the table!

Trust me, once you make these, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your household!

Tips for Success

To ensure your Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers turn out perfect every time, here are some pro tips I swear by:

Marinate Longer: If you can, let the chicken marinate for 2-4 hours or even overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply for an even tastier result!
Don’t Crowd the Skewers: Leave a bit of space between the chicken and veggies on the skewers. This allows for even cooking and helps get those lovely char marks!
Adjust the Heat: If you notice the chicken is browning too quickly, lower the grill temperature to avoid burning while ensuring it cooks through.
Veggie Variations: Feel free to experiment with your favorite vegetables—zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms can be fantastic additions!
Gluten-Free Option: If you’re looking for gluten-free teriyaki sauce, there are many great brands available that taste amazing!

With these tips, you’ll be a grilling pro in no time! Enjoy your delicious skewers!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers, which is one skewer:

Calories: 180
Fat: 7g
Protein: 20g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 400mg

Keep in mind these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes. Enjoy your healthy and flavorful skewers!

FAQ Section

Got some questions about making Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear:

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option for skewers. They’re juicier and can stand up to grilling beautifully. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized cubes for even cooking.

Q2: What can I substitute for teriyaki sauce?
If you don’t have teriyaki sauce on hand, you can whip up a quick alternative using soy sauce, brown sugar, and a splash of rice vinegar. It won’t be exactly the same, but it’ll add a delicious flavor to your skewers!

Q3: How can I make these skewers more spicy?
If you love some heat, try adding a teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the marinade. It’ll give your Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers a nice kick!

Q4: Can these skewers be made in advance?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken and assemble the skewers ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to grill. They’ll still be packed with flavor!

Q5: How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way to check is with a meat thermometer; you’re looking for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have one, just cut into a piece to ensure there’s no pink inside.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Got some leftovers from your Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers? No problem! To store them properly, let the skewers cool down to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy them later, you can also freeze them! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They should last about 2-3 months in the freezer.

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, the best way to reheat them is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the skewers on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat them on a grill or stovetop skillet for a few minutes, giving them a little extra char if you like. Enjoy those delicious flavors all over again!