Teriyaki Chicken Skewers with Rice
Summertime is synonymous with grilling, and these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers with Rice are the perfect warm-weather meal. Tender, juicy bites of chicken marinated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce are skewered and grilled to perfection, then served over a bed of fluffy white rice. This easy-to-prepare dish delivers big flavor in minimal time, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or laidback weekend gatherings.
The combination of the charred, caramelized chicken and the sticky-sweet teriyaki glaze is truly irresistible. Plus, with the addition of steamed rice, this meal becomes a complete and satisfying one-dish wonder. Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or simply want a quick and delicious family-friendly meal, these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers with Rice are sure to hit the spot.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
These Teriyaki Chicken Skewers offer the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The tender, juicy chicken contrasts beautifully with the slightly charred, caramelized edges, while the teriyaki sauce provides a delectable sweet-savory glaze. Plus, the addition of fluffy white rice rounds out the dish, making it a complete and satisfying meal.
What sets this recipe apart is its accessibility and versatility. The ingredients are mostly pantry staples, making it easy to whip up on a moment’s notice. And with the option to prepare the skewers in advance and simply grill them right before serving, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just your family, these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers with Rice are sure to be a hit.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Teriyaki Chicken Skewers with Rice ❓
• 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• Wooden or metal skewers
• 2 cups uncooked white rice, cooked according to package instructions
The beauty of this Teriyaki Chicken Skewers with Rice recipe is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, and Asian-inspired spices creates the flavor profile that has made teriyaki-style recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Skewers with Rice Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
• Step 3: Grill the chicken skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the edges are slightly charred.
• Step 4: Serve the grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers immediately over a bed of hot, cooked white rice.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Marinating time: 30 minutes to 4 hours
• Cooking time: 8-10 minutes
• Total time: 53 minutes to 4 hours 25 minutes
Compared to traditional teriyaki chicken dishes that can take up to an hour to prepare, this Teriyaki Chicken Skewers with Rice recipe saves you approximately 30% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
• Protein: 31g
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 881mg
These Teriyaki Chicken Skewers with Rice provide approximately 60% of your daily protein requirements and 15% of your daily carbohydrate needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Serve the Teriyaki Chicken Skewers over a bed of cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of white rice.
• Dairy-free adaptation: This recipe is naturally dairy-free, as it does not contain any dairy ingredients.
• Added protein: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions over the finished dish for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Skewer diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions along with the chicken for added nutrition and flavor.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Teriyaki Chicken Skewers with Rice.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair the Teriyaki Chicken Skewers with fried rice or lo mein noodles for an Asian-inspired feast.
• Complement the dish with a refreshing cucumber salad or miso soup for a well-rounded meal.
• For a family-style dinner, serve the Teriyaki Chicken Skewers alongside roasted sweet potato wedges and a side of edamame.
• Create a backyard barbecue platter with the Teriyaki Chicken Skewers, grilled pineapple slices, and a variety of dipping sauces.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Underskewering the chicken: Make sure to thread the chicken pieces close together on the skewers to prevent them from spinning and falling off during grilling.
• Forgetting to marinate: Don’t skip the marinating step, as it allows the chicken to absorb the delicious teriyaki flavors.
• Flare-ups on the grill: Keep a close eye on the chicken skewers to prevent flare-ups from the sugary marinade, and move the skewers to a cooler part of the grill if necessary.
• Serving cold rice: Be sure to serve the Teriyaki Chicken Skewers over freshly cooked, hot white rice for the best texture and temperature contrast.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Teriyaki Chicken Skewers with Rice retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the chicken skewers as directed, but do not grill them. Instead, place the skewers on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before grilling.
• Freezing baked: Cooked Teriyaki Chicken Skewers can be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow the skewers to cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil. Reheat in a 350°F oven until heated through.
• Reheating: To reheat cooked Teriyaki Chicken Skewers, place them in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also briefly grill or broil them to help restore the crispy, caramelized edges.
❓ FAQs
Can I prepare the Teriyaki Chicken Skewers in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken skewers up to 4 hours in advance. Simply marinate the chicken in the teriyaki sauce mixture, cover, and refrigerate until ready to grill. This makes for a quick and easy assembly on the day of serving.
Can I use a different type of meat besides chicken?
Absolutely! The teriyaki marinade works well with a variety of proteins, such as pork, beef, or even firm tofu. Simply adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the meat is cooked through.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb or keto diet?
To make this recipe more low-carb friendly, you can serve the Teriyaki Chicken Skewers over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional white rice. You can also reduce the amount of brown sugar in the marinade to lower the overall carbohydrate content.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No problem! You can easily cook the Teriyaki Chicken Skewers under the broiler in your oven or in a grill pan on the stovetop. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the chicken is cooked through and the edges are slightly charred.
Can I add any additional ingredients to the skewers?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative by adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, or even pineapple chunks to the skewers. This adds extra flavor and nutrition to the dish.
Conclusion
These Teriyaki Chicken Skewers with Rice represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a quick weeknight dinner or as part of a backyard barbecue spread, they’re sure to impress with their juicy, caramelized chicken and sticky-sweet teriyaki glaze. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Teriyaki Chicken Skewers demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the grilling. So fire up the grill, assemble your skewers, and get ready to enjoy a delicious, flavor-packed meal that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
