Grilled Chicken Teriyaki Skewers Recipe

Chicken breast: The main protein, cut into cubes for even grilling.

Soy sauce: Adds salty, umami flavor to the marinade.

Mirin: A sweet Japanese rice wine that balances the saltiness of the soy sauce.

Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the chicken.

Honey: Enhances the sweetness and adds a sticky texture to the marinade.

Garlic: Provides a pungent, aromatic flavor.

Ginger: Adds a warm, spicy note to the marinade.

Sesame oil: Imparts a nutty, rich flavor to the dish.

When preparing the chicken breast for the teriyaki marinade, ensure that the cubes are cut into uniform sizes. This will promote even cooking on the grill and prevent some pieces from becoming overcooked while others remain undercooked. Additionally, soaking the skewers in water for about 30 minutes before threading the chicken will help prevent them from burning during grilling.

• Chicken breast - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a suitable alternative for grilled skewers.

• Chicken breast - Substitute with tofu: For a vegetarian option, firm tofu can absorb the marinade well and provides a similar texture when grilled.

• Soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that offers a similar umami flavor.

• Soy sauce - Substitute with coconut aminos: Coconut aminos are a soy-free option that provides a slightly sweeter but comparable taste.

• Mirin - Substitute with sake and sugar: Mix sake with a small amount of sugar to mimic the sweetness and acidity of mirin.

• Mirin - Substitute with rice vinegar and sugar: Combine rice vinegar with sugar to achieve a similar sweet and tangy flavor.

• Brown sugar - Substitute with white sugar and molasses: Mix white sugar with a small amount of molasses to replicate the rich flavor of brown sugar.

• Brown sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can provide a similar sweetness and depth of flavor, though it will be slightly more liquid.

• Honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup offers a similar sweetness and viscosity, with a slightly different flavor profile.

• Honey - Substitute with agave nectar: Agave nectar is a good alternative for those looking for a plant-based sweetener with a similar consistency.

• Garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic, though it will be less pungent.

• Garlic - Substitute with shallots: Finely minced shallots can provide a similar aromatic quality, though the flavor will be milder.

• Ginger - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger can be used in place of fresh ginger, though it will be less vibrant in flavor.

• Ginger - Substitute with galangal: Galangal offers a similar spicy and aromatic quality, though it has a slightly different flavor profile.

• Sesame oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a neutral oil, though it lacks the nutty flavor of sesame oil.

• Sesame oil - Substitute with peanut oil: Peanut oil provides a similar nutty flavor and high smoke point, making it a good alternative for grilling.

• Allow the grilled chicken teriyaki skewers to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to soggy textures.
• Place the cooled skewers in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This will help maintain their moisture and flavor.
• Store the container or wrapped skewers in the refrigerator if you plan to consume them within 3-4 days. For longer storage, proceed to freezing.
• To freeze, arrange the skewers in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents them from sticking together.
• Once the skewers are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of their freshness.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the skewers in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps retain the texture and flavor of the chicken.
• Reheat the skewers on a grill or in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) until they are heated through. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes.
• For a quick reheat, you can also use a microwave. Place the skewers on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
• Serve the reheated grilled chicken teriyaki skewers with your favorite side dishes like steamed rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad. Enjoy the flavors as if they were freshly made!

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the grilled chicken teriyaki skewers on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Cover the skewers with another piece of foil to prevent them from drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is warmed through.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of sesame oil or olive oil to the pan. Place the skewers in the skillet and cover with a lid. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is heated through.

• Microwave Method: Place the chicken skewers on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking and turning the skewers halfway through. Continue heating in 30-second intervals until the chicken is hot.

• Grill Method: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the leftover skewers on the grill and cook for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is warmed through and has a slight char.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chicken is hot and slightly crispy.

• Steaming Method: Fill a pot with a small amount of water and bring it to a simmer. Place a steamer basket over the pot and arrange the chicken skewers in the basket. Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through.

• Mixing bowl: Use this to combine the soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil to make the teriyaki marinade.

• Grill: Preheat this to medium-high heat for cooking the skewers.

• Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto these for grilling.

• Tongs: Use these to turn the skewers occasionally while grilling.

• Measuring cups: Use these to measure out the soy sauce, mirin, and other liquid ingredients accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Use these to measure out the brown sugar, honey, and sesame oil.

• Knife: Use this to cut the chicken breast into cubes.

• Cutting board: Use this as a surface to cut the chicken breast.

• Grater: Use this to grate the ginger.

• Garlic press: Use this to mince the garlic cloves.

• Basting brush: Optionally, use this to apply extra marinade to the chicken while grilling.

Prepare the marinade in advance: Mix the soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil the night before to save time.

Use pre-cut chicken: Buy pre-cut chicken breast to skip the cutting step and reduce prep time.

Quick marination: If in a hurry, marinate the chicken in a sealed bag and massage it to speed up the absorption.

Preheat the grill: Start preheating the grill while you thread the chicken onto skewers to save time.

Batch grilling: Grill multiple skewers at once to cook everything faster.