If you’re craving a dish that’s both easy to make and bursting with bold, irresistible flavor, these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are exactly what you need. Juicy pieces of chicken, marinated in a glossy homemade teriyaki sauce, then grilled to perfection—this recipe delivers that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky in every bite.

What makes these skewers truly special is how effortlessly they come together. With simple pantry ingredients and minimal prep, you get a meal that feels restaurant-worthy without the extra work. The teriyaki glaze caramelizes beautifully on the grill, locking in moisture and creating those slightly charred edges that make grilled chicken so satisfying.

These skewers are incredibly versatile. They work just as well for a casual weeknight dinner as they do for summer cookouts, meal prep, or entertaining guests. Serve them with rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad, and you have a complete meal that everyone will love.

If you’re looking for a dependable, flavor-packed recipe that’s easy to prepare and impossible to resist, keep reading—these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are about to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love It

These Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are everything a great grilled recipe should be: flavorful, easy, and incredibly satisfying. They strike the perfect balance between sweet and savory, with tender pieces of chicken that soak up a rich teriyaki marinade and caramelize beautifully when cooked.

One of the biggest reasons to love this recipe is how approachable it is. You don’t need advanced grilling skills or hard-to-find ingredients. Whether you’re using an outdoor grill, a grill pan, or even the oven, these skewers turn out delicious every time.

Another standout feature is the texture. The chicken stays juicy on the inside while developing lightly charred edges on the outside, thanks to the sugars in the teriyaki sauce. That contrast is what makes each bite so crave-worthy.

These skewers are also incredibly versatile. They work as a main dish, an appetizer, or even as part of a larger spread. You can serve them at summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, or casual gatherings, and they always feel like a crowd-pleaser.

Finally, they’re perfect for meal prep. The chicken marinates well, cooks quickly, and reheats beautifully, making this recipe just as practical as it is delicious.

Ingredients + Tips

The ingredients for Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are simple, but each one plays an important role in building flavor.

Chicken
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts both work well. Thighs tend to stay juicier and are more forgiving on the grill, while breasts are leaner and cook quickly. Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces for uniform cooking.

Teriyaki Sauce
A homemade teriyaki sauce gives the best flavor and texture. Soy sauce provides saltiness, sugar or honey adds sweetness, garlic and ginger bring depth, and cornstarch helps create that glossy finish.

Oil
A small amount of oil in the marinade prevents sticking and helps the chicken cook evenly.

Skewers
Wooden or metal skewers both work. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.

Pro Tips

• Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is even better.

• Don’t overcrowd the skewers—leave small gaps for even cooking.

• Reserve some sauce (before marinating) for brushing during cooking.

Steps (Crispy Chicken & Sauce)

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar or honey, garlic, ginger, and a small amount of oil. If thickening the sauce, dissolve cornstarch in a bit of water and mix it in.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss until well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3: Assemble the Skewers
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.

Step 4: Cook the Skewers
Grill over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred on the edges. Brush with reserved sauce during the last few minutes for extra gloss and flavor.

Step 5: Rest & Finish
Remove from heat and let the skewers rest briefly. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the chicken tender.

Variations

These Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are easy to adapt to your taste.

• Spicy Teriyaki: Add chili flakes or sriracha to the marinade.

• Pineapple Teriyaki: Alternate chicken with pineapple chunks.

• Vegetable Skewers: Add bell peppers, onions, or zucchini.

• Oven-Baked: Bake on a lined sheet pan and broil briefly for char.

• Air Fryer: Cook skewers in batches for a quick indoor option.

Each variation keeps the core flavors intact while offering something new.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigeration:
Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing:
Freeze cooked chicken (removed from skewers if desired) for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Reheat gently in a skillet, oven, or air fryer until warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken juicy.

Serving Suggestions

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers pair beautifully with a variety of sides.

• Steamed white or jasmine rice

• Fried rice or noodles

• Grilled vegetables

• Asian-style slaw

• Simple cucumber salad

They also work well as party food served with extra teriyaki sauce on the side.

Final Thoughts

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are the kind of recipe that effortlessly brings people together. There’s something universally appealing about tender, glazed chicken cooked on a skewer—it feels casual yet special at the same time. This recipe captures that balance perfectly, delivering bold flavor without unnecessary complexity.

What makes these skewers truly shine is the teriyaki sauce. As it cooks, it thickens and caramelizes, clinging to the chicken and creating that signature glossy finish. The sweetness balances the savory soy sauce, while garlic and ginger add just enough depth to keep the flavors interesting.

This is also a recipe that adapts beautifully to different occasions. It’s light enough for warm-weather meals but satisfying enough to enjoy year-round. Whether you’re grilling outdoors, cooking indoors, or prepping meals ahead of time, these skewers fit seamlessly into your routine.

Another reason to love this dish is its reliability. With a good marinade and proper heat, the chicken turns out juicy and flavorful every time. It’s a great option for both beginner cooks and experienced home chefs who want a dependable, crowd-pleasing recipe.

Once you try these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers, it’s easy to see why they become a repeat favorite. They’re simple, flexible, and packed with flavor—everything a great recipe should be. Serve them once, and you’ll likely find yourself making them again and again.