why make this recipe
Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are a delicious and easy dish that everyone can enjoy. They combine juicy chicken thighs with crispy bacon and a sweet, tangy teriyaki sauce. It’s a perfect meal for family gatherings, parties, or a simple weeknight dinner. Grilling the skewers adds a smoky flavor that makes them even better. Plus, they are fun to eat and can be served with rice and veggies for a complete meal.
how to make Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Ingredients:
- 4 lbs Chicken Thighs, skinless and boneless
- 1 lbs Bacon Slices
- 1 cup Salt, Pepper, Garlic Seasoning (SPG)
- Sesame Seeds (for garnish)
- Scallions (for garnish)
- 3 cups Soy Sauce
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
- 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar
- 2 Minced Garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon Sesame Seed Oil
- 1.25 cups Water
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- 1 tablespoon Minced Garlic
- 1 teaspoon Red Chili Flakes
- 1 teaspoon Grated Ginger
- 1/4 cup Cornstarch Slurry (1/4 cup water plus 3 teaspoons Cornstarch mixed)
- Salt (to taste)
Directions:
- In a bowl, mix together the ingredients for the marinade. Add the chicken to a food-safe bowl or bag and top with the marinade. Place in the fridge to marinate for 4-12 hours.
- Add all the ingredients for the teriyaki sauce to a pot over medium heat. Bring to a boil and let simmer for about 3-4 minutes. Once thickened, pull off and let cool.
- Pull the chicken out and discard excess marinade. Pound the chicken thighs until about 1/8 inch thick. Add a base layer of chicken about 2.5 feet long and 1 foot wide. Then, add a layer of bacon over the chicken with more chicken on top. Cover in foil and place on a tray into the freezer for at least 1 hour, but ideally for 4 hours.
- Preheat your fire to medium heat (about 325 degrees Fahrenheit). Pull out your meat and slice into 2×2 inch cubes and skewer onto small skewers. Season the outside with SPG.
- Add the skewers to the grill grates to cook slowly, rendering the fat and cooking the bacon. Cook for about 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, basting with the Teriyaki Sauce throughout. Once done, pull off and let rest.
- Serve with rice, veggies, teriyaki sauce, sesame seeds, and scallions. Enjoy!
how to serve Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Serve Teriyaki Chicken Skewers hot off the grill. You can place them on a platter or individual plates. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions for a nice touch. Serve alongside steamed rice and sautéed vegetables to complete the meal. For added flavor, drizzle extra teriyaki sauce over the chicken and rice.
how to store Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
To store leftover Teriyaki Chicken Skewers, let them cool down to room temperature. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the skewers for up to 3 months. When reheating, make sure to cook them until they are heated through.
tips to make Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
- Marination Time: The longer you marinate the chicken, the better the flavor will be. Aim for at least 4 hours or overnight if possible.
- Cut Evenly: Make sure the chicken pieces are cut evenly for consistent cooking.
- Adjust Heat: If grilling, keep an eye on the temperature. Cooking too fast can burn the bacon while the chicken remains undercooked.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will enhance the teriyaki flavor significantly.
variation
You can switch out the chicken for other proteins like shrimp or beef. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or cherry tomatoes to the skewers for added color and nutrition.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they may be drier than thighs. Make sure not to overcook them.
2. What can I serve with these skewers?
These skewers are great with steamed rice, noodles, or a mixed vegetable salad.
3. Can I make the teriyaki sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the teriyaki sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for a few days. Just reheat it before using.
4. Are these skewers suitable for outdoor grilling?
Yes, they are perfect for outdoor grilling and make a wonderful addition to any barbecue. Just keep an eye on them as they cook!
Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, mix together the marinade ingredients. Add the chicken to a food-safe bowl or bag, pour the marinade over, and refrigerate for 4-12 hours.
- In a pot over medium heat, combine all the teriyaki sauce ingredients and bring to a boil. Let simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened, then remove from heat and let cool.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard excess. Pound the chicken thighs to about 1/8 inch thick.
- Layer chicken and bacon in a shape approximately 2.5 feet long and 1 foot wide, with chicken on the bottom, bacon on top, and more chicken over the bacon.
- Cover with foil and place in the freezer for at least 1 hour, ideally for 4 hours.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 325°F). Slice the chilled meat into 2×2 inch cubes and skewer onto small skewers. Season outside with SPG.
- Place skewers on grill grates and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, basting with teriyaki sauce throughout.
- Once cooked, remove from grill and let rest.
- Serve skewers hot off the grill, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped scallions, alongside rice and sautéed vegetables.