These easy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are marinated in a simple homemade teriyaki sauce before being cooked on the BBQ or in the oven until perfectly caramelised. Serve with rice and your favourite salad for a quick, family-friendly dinner that's sure to become a regular on your menu.
In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, water, garlic, sugar, and olive oil. Simmer for 5 minutes. In a separate bowl, whisk cornstarch with 2 tbsp of water until smooth, then stir it into the saucepan. Simmer for 3–4 more minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.
Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken in a bowl or zip-top bag, add half of the teriyaki sauce, and mix well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator.
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) or fire up the BBQ. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers.
Bake for 10–15 minutes or grill until golden brown and cooked through, turning occasionally.
Drizzle with the remaining teriyaki sauce and serve with your favorite Japanese sides—goma-ae (Japanese spinach salad) is highly recommended!
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Notes
Chicken thighs stay juicier than chicken breast and are my preferred choice for these skewers.If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken on to prevent them from burning.Marinate the chicken overnight if you have time. While 30 minutes works well, a longer marinade gives the chicken even more flavour.Cook over medium-high heat to caramelise the teriyaki glaze without burning it.Leftovers are delicious served over rice or tucked into lettuce wraps, making an easy lunch the next day.