These Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are based off the authentic way to make teriyaki sauce only without any refined sugar. I use maple syrup here as a natural sweetener and I think you’re going to love how tasty the teriyaki sauce is! You can also use you favorite brand of teriyaki sauce here to speed things up as well. This easy to make dinner is a crowd pleaser that’s gluten free and dairy free as well.
These Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are a balance of salty and sweet, with the piquancy of mirin and the headiness of garlic and ginger thrown in! Mirin is a Japanese cooking wine made from rice. It’s essential for a more authentic teriyaki flavor, but isn’t totally necessary.
I’ve made this sauce many time without it, and it’s still great. But I would definitely encourage you to look for it at your local grocery store or Asian grocery if you’re lucky enough to have one!
Now let’s jump in and make these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers step by step!
It’s easiest to peel ginger with the side of a spoon, the cheaper the spoon the better because they have sharper edges. After you peel the ginger, cut a few thin slices.
Next, cut the thin slices into matchstick pieces and finally, cut across the matchsticks into a fine mince.
For the sauce, simmer all the ingredients together until the sauce becomes slightly thicker and syrupy. The sauce isn’t thick while it’s still hot, but it gets thicker after refrigeration.
For a teriyaki glaze, simply simmer the sauce for a little longer until it gets thick.
I forgot to soak my skewers for the full 24 hours that was recommended. I soaked mine for 2 hours and it helped prevent burning, but I think the full soaking time would’ve been better.
AlI in all I think I’d like to get metal skewers instead because I don’t think I’ll ever remember to soak my skewers ahead of time.
After you turn the skewers, brush the cooked side with teriyaki sauce. This adds a lot of flavor and it gives the skewers a nicely glazed appearance.
Finally serve the chicken skewers with any remaining teriyaki sauce!
We ate these skewers with Stir-Fried Vegetables on the Grill. I’ve been doing all my cooking on the grill lately because we’ve been having gorgeous sunny days here, which calls for daily grilling.
You can also serve these with my Sweet and Sour Asian Cucumber Salad and freshly steamed rice. And if you have any mango around, dice one up the add to the cucumber salad. This has been one of our favorite meals lately!
More Asian recipe inspiration:
- Easy Cashew Chicken
- Banh Mi Burger Bowls
- Mango Chicken Curry
- Paleo Pineapple Fried Rice
- Thai Coconut Lime Chicken
I really hope you enjoy these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers! And if you do get a chance to make them, I hope you’ll leave me a comment/rating below. I always love hearing from you here! Also for all my Asian inspired recipes, head on over to the recipe index.
PrintTeriyaki Chicken Skewers
- Total Time: 10 mins
- Yield: 4 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are based off the authentic way to make teriyaki sauce only without any refined sugar. I use maple syrup here as a natural sweetener and I think you’re going to love how tasty the teriyaki sauce is! You can also use you favorite brand of teriyaki sauce here to speed things up as well. This easy to make dinner is a crowd pleaser that’s gluten free and dairy free as well.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breasts (about 2)
1/4 cup teriyaki sauce, for marinade
1/4 cup teriyaki sauce for brushing while grilling
Homemade Teriyaki Sauce:
1 Tablespoon ginger, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup soy sauce, coconut aminos, or tamari
1/4 cup maple syrup, Grade A
1/4 cup mirin
Instructions
Cut the chicken breasts into thin strips. Place in a bowl and pour the teriyaki sauce over the top. Stir to coat and refrigerate overnight.
Place 15 wooden skewers in a container and cover with water to soak overnight (this helps to prevent burning).
Preheat the grill over high heat. Thread the chicken strips onto the skewers. Place on then grill and immediately lower the temperature to medium. Grill for 3-5 minutes until chicken easily lifts from the grill.
Turn the chicken and brush with the remaining 1/4 cup of teriyaki sauce. Grill for an additional 3-5 minutes until the skewers are totally cooked.
Serve immediately with the remaining teriyaki sauce.
Notes
The homemade teriyaki sauce makes about 2/3 cups.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian