Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are made with cubes of chicken marinated in a teriyaki sauce and cooked in an air fryer for tender, juicy chicken bursting with flavor. Each bite is filled with a savory, slightly sweet profile, perfect for appetizers, a meal, or topping a salad! You can also make these in the oven or on a grill! I also have Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers you will want to try!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: We tested these chicken skewers with chicken breasts, which we all loved. However, chicken thighs would also be delicious. Use what you like, but the cooking time may need to be adjusted if using chicken thighs. Try to cut the cubes as close to the same size for even cooking.
Soy Sauce: The soy sauce is the base of the sauce, adding depth to the flavor.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds sweetness, complementing the other flavors in the sauce and adding a caramelized note.
Rice Vinegar: Rice vinegar is made from fermented rice. It brings a tangy and slightly acidic element that helps to brighten the overall profile of the sauce. If you don’t have rice vinegar, you could substitute apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. But, using substitutions will change the flavor.
Wooden Skewers vs Metal Skewers
When making these kebabs, you have the option to use either wooden or metal skewers, even if you are using an air fryer. Here’s how to handle each type of skewer:
- Wooden Skewers: If you choose to use wooden skewers, it’s important to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before using. This soaking process helps prevent the skewers from charring excessively during cooking. Once soaked, thread the chicken onto the skewers. If you need to shorten the skewers to fit your air fryer, you can break them in half.
- Metal Skewers: If you opt for metal skewers, make sure they fit comfortably in the basket of your air fryer.
Can I Assemble Chicken Skewers Ahead Of Time?
Sure! Once you get the teriyaki chicken skewers threaded onto the skewers, they can be stored in the refrigerator and covered. They will last up to 1-2 days before they should be cooked. You can also freeze uncooked chicken skewers for up to 3 months. Just be sure they are thoroughly wrapped. When ready to cook, let the skewers thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
How To Store Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Once cooked, teriyaki chicken skewers will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze the skewers for up to 3 months.
Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
- wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ½ cup (116 g) soy sauce
- ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons green onions, finely diced for garnish
Instructions
- Add the cubed chicken to a large resealable plastic bag.
- In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and garlic. Mix together until the sugar is dissolved.
- Pour the marinade into the bag, over the chicken.
- Zip the bag shut, and spread the marinade around until the chicken is fully coated. Transfer the bag to the refrigerator to marinade for 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
- After marinating, thread the chicken cubes onto the soaked wooden skewers, about 4-5 pieces per skewer. Reserve the marinade.
- Place the skewers into the basket of your air fryer in a single layer. (Depending on the size of the air fryer, you may have to work in batches.) Air fry* at 400°F for 11-12 minutes, flipping halfway. Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Boil the reserved marinade for 5-10 minutes.
- Brush the marinade over the cooked chicken skewers. Garnish with green onion and serve immediately.
Video
Notes
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Thread marinated chicken onto the skewers as instructed.
- Place the chicken skewers onto the lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Brush with reserved, boiled marinade.
- Grill the chicken skewers over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Brush chicken with reserved, boiled marinade.
Did you make this recipe?
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What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Elizabeth
I love chicken skewers. And, this recipe gives you multiple ways to prepare the chicken, from the air fryer to the oven to the grill! The teriyaki sauce is super easy to make but packs lots of flavors.
Bella
This is a great chicken skewer recipe. Juicy, tender, and savory chicken. Eat it right off the wooden skewer or with a side of white rice. Plus, it is so simple and quick to prepare for any day!
Selena
Super yummy and easy to throw together. Just a hint of sweet and lots of flavor!
Rachael
This was delicious! Such a quick easy dinner to throw together!
Annabelle
This is a simple but super tasty meal! The flavors all meld to create the perfect balance of sweet and savory!
Autumn
This recipe is the perfect combo of easy and delicious. You'll have dinner on the table in a matter of minutes. I have a picky eater at home and I know that even he would love this one!
Hey there Amanda…I just love your recipes, but I wonder why you are so generous by giving out so many recipes. Does anyone give you money for them or are you just that kind to everyone?
Thank you for the ones I got and have saved so far.