Teriyaki Sesame Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe

Sink your teeth into juicy Teriyaki Sesame Grilled Chicken Skewers: a sensational blend of smoky char, vibrant veggies, and glossy teriyaki glaze, all finished with a dash of nutty sesame crunch. Each bite is savory and satisfying, making this dish a winning favorite at backyard barbecues and busy weeknights alike. Whether you’re a grilling rookie or seasoned pitmaster, you’ll fall in love with the sweet, savory, and slightly smoky allure these skewers bring to every gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Teriyaki Sesame Grilled Chicken Skewers come together with just a handful of pantry staples and fresh produce. Every ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to maximize flavor, color, and that irresistible texture you crave in grilled skewers.

• Kikkoman® Teriyaki Takumi, Korean BBQ: The backbone of the marinade, this glossy sauce infuses the chicken with deep umami and a touch of sweetness.
• Kikkoman® Sesame Oil: Adds a toasty, nutty note that lingers on each bite and ties the flavors together seamlessly.
• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Tender and juicy when grilled, these are the perfect protein base for soaking up all that flavor.
• Wooden or metal skewers: Essential for easy grilling and that fun, shareable presentation; if using wood, don’t forget to soak to prevent scorching.
• Bell peppers (2 small): They bring crunch, sweetness, and a burst of color that makes the skewers as beautiful as they are tasty.
• Red onion (1 medium): With its mellower bite and bold hue, red onion caramelizes on the grill and pairs beautifully with the teriyaki glaze.
• Sesame seeds: A sprinkle at the end provides a visually striking finish and irresistible crunch in every mouthful.

How to Make Teriyaki Sesame Grilled Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Begin by whisking together the teriyaki sauce and sesame oil in a medium mixing bowl until fully combined. Scoop out 2 tablespoons of the marinade to reserve for basting later. Next, toss the chicken pieces in the mixture to ensure every piece gets totally coated. Cover the bowl and let the chicken soak up all that savory, sweet goodness in the fridge for at least 1 hour—longer if you have the time!

Step 2: Prep Your Skewers and Grill

If you’re using wooden skewers, now’s the time to give them a quick soak in water for at least 30 minutes. This simple step prevents burning and splintering on the grill. While your skewers are soaking, preheat your grill to medium-high. This is the secret to getting that beautiful char without overcooking your chicken.

Step 3: Assemble the Skewers

Now the fun begins! Alternate threading the marinated chicken, bell pepper pieces, and red onion wedges onto your skewers. Not only does this make for a stunning presentation, but it ensures you get bursts of sweet pepper and mellow onion with every bite of chicken. Pack the pieces snugly, but leave a little space between each for even cooking.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Place the skewers on your preheated grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning every few minutes for even charring and doneness. As soon as they start picking up delicious grill marks and are nearly cooked through, brush them generously with the reserved teriyaki-sesame sauce for maximum flavor and shine.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once your Teriyaki Sesame Grilled Chicken Skewers are beautifully charred and cooked to perfection, transfer them to a platter. Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds for that signature nutty finish, and serve them hot for maximum juiciness and wow factor.

How to Serve Teriyaki Sesame Grilled Chicken Skewers

Garnishes

The finishing touches make all the difference! A generous sprinkle of sesame seeds brings a delightful pop of texture and eye-catching flair to the platters. If you want to take the garnish up a notch, toss on some finely chopped scallions or a scatter of freshly chopped cilantro to brighten the flavors even more.

Side Dishes

Pair your Teriyaki Sesame Grilled Chicken Skewers with fluffy steamed jasmine rice or a mound of garlicky fried rice for an ultra-comforting base. For something lighter, try a crisp Asian slaw or grilled corn to round out the meal with crunch and color—these sidekicks guarantee your dinner table will be the star attraction.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re looking to impress, arrange the skewers over a bed of leafy greens with wedges of lime for a build-your-own lettuce wrap. Or, serve them alongside individual dipping bowls of extra teriyaki sauce and a sprinkle of chopped nuts for a playful, interactive meal. These Teriyaki Sesame Grilled Chicken Skewers also shine as the main event at a party platter with chargrilled pineapple slices for a tropical twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If your crowd doesn’t devour every last skewer (good luck with that!), let any leftovers cool completely before removing the chicken and veggies from the skewers. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—the flavors deepen overnight, making them a tasty next-day treat atop salads or in wraps.

Freezing

The good news is that Teriyaki Sesame Grilled Chicken Skewers freeze remarkably well. Simply remove them from the skewers, let the pieces cool, then pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Just keep in mind that the vegetables may soften a bit after thawing, but the taste will still be spot-on.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the chicken and veggies gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or reserved teriyaki sauce to keep things juicy. You can also microwave on medium power, loosely covered, stirring halfway through. This way, your skewers will come back to life with their signature tenderness and flavor intact!

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Both chicken thighs and breasts work well for Teriyaki Sesame Grilled Chicken Skewers. Thighs offer a juicier bite, but breast meat is lean and soaks up the marinade beautifully—just be careful not to overcook if using breast, as it can dry out more quickly.

How do I keep my chicken from sticking to the grill?

Make sure to preheat your grill thoroughly and brush the grates with a little oil right before cooking. Placing the chicken on clean, hot grates and turning only when it releases easily will help prevent sticking and give you those perfect grill marks.

Can I make these skewers in the oven or on a grill pan?

Definitely! If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, cook the skewers under the broiler or on a stovetop grill pan. Just keep an eye on them and flip occasionally for even cooking and browning.

Are there other vegetables I can add to the skewers?

Go ahead and play with your favorites—zucchini rounds, mushrooms, or snap peas work wonderfully alongside the classic bell pepper and onion. The key is to cut all veggies into similar-sized pieces so they cook at the same rate as the chicken.

Can I make Teriyaki Sesame Grilled Chicken Skewers ahead of time?

Marinate the chicken in advance and assemble the skewers a few hours before grilling for easy prep. If you need to cook ahead, grilled skewers are delicious at room temperature and ideal for parties or picnics—just hold off on the sesame seed sprinkle until right before serving for crunch.

Final Thoughts

Ready to treat yourself and your guests to something truly unforgettable? These Teriyaki Sesame Grilled Chicken Skewers are a surefire hit, bursting with bold flavors and an irresistible grill-kissed aroma. Grab your ingredients, fire up the grill, and dig in—this vibrant, fun-to-eat dish will become a go-to favorite you’ll want to share time and again!

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