Teriyaki on a stick has been a staple of Japanese street food culture for years, and for good reason. It’s quick, it’s delicious, and it’s easy to eat on the go. Whether you’re strolling through a night market or simply looking for a quick lunch, this great recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.
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This chicken yakitori is basically teriyaki chicken on a stick. Tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, these are the star of the show. Marinated in a mixture of natural flavors from soy sauce, sake, and mirin, the chicken thighs soak up all those delicious flavors before being grilled to perfection. And when you skewer them onto a stick, it just takes things to a whole new level.
But don’t just take our word for it. If you’re a fan of teriyaki chicken on stick, you know that this easy recipe is an absolute must-try. So, next time you’re out and about, keep an eye out for a food stall or Chinese restaurant serving up this delicious Asian food.
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Teriyaki Chicken Marinade Ingredients
- Chicken thighs boneless skinless: You can use chicken breast or bone-in chicken thighs instead.
- Green onions: Scallions or chives can be used instead.
- Garlic: You can use garlic powder or minced garlic from a jar.
- Sake: You can substitute with white wine, Chinese rice wine, or dry sherry.
- Soy sauce: Tamari, Bragg's Liquid Aminos, or coconut aminos are good alternatives for a gluten-free version.
- Oyster sauce: You can use hoisin sauce or soy sauce with a pinch of brown sugar or cane sugar instead.
- Grapeseed oil: Canola, vegetable, or sunflower oil can be used instead.
- Sesame oil: You can use toasted sesame oil or substitute with olive oil.
- White pepper: Black pepper or red pepper flakes can be used instead.
Equipment
- Cast iron grill pan
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Bamboo skewers
How to Make Chicken Teriyaki on a Stick
- Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
- Soak the bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Whisk together the soy sauce, sake, oyster sauce, garlic, sesame oil, avocado oil, and white pepper in a bowl.
- Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
- Cut the green onions into 1-inch pieces.
- Thread the chicken and green onions onto the soaked bamboo skewers.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the fridge.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Brush the grill with oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the chicken skewers on each side for 6-8 minutes or until fully cooked and slightly charred. Baste with honey and soy sauce so more flavor.
- Serve and enjoy!
Is teriyaki chicken healthy?
Yes, absolutely. Making the sauce from scratch makes a huge difference. Buying store-bought teriyaki sauce can be full of preservatives and sugar. Making your marinades or sauces gives you more control over what you are adding to your food.
Top Tips for Success
Here are some top tips on how to make chicken teriyaki at home:
- Marinate the chicken: Marinate it for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the fridge. This will give the chicken time to soak up all the delicious flavors of the homemade teriyaki sauce.
- Use bamboo skewers instead of metal skewers: Soak the bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill. This also helps to ensure that the meat sticks cook evenly.
- Cut the chicken evenly: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces that are about the same size. This will help the chicken cook evenly and ensure that it is cooked through.
- Don't overcook the chicken: Overcooking the chicken can cause it to become tough and dry. Aim to grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until it is fully cooked and slightly charred. The internal temperature should be at least 165 degrees F.
- Brush the grill with oil: Brushing the grill with oil before cooking the chicken will help prevent it from sticking to the grill and make it easier to turn the wooden skewers.
- Add a garnish: Sprinkle some sesame seeds and extra green onions on top of the cooked teriyaki chicken skewers before serving to add some visual appeal and extra flavor.
- Experiment with different sauces: Don’t be afraid to use your favorite dipping sauce or marinade to change up the flavor of the teriyaki chicken. You can use different combinations of soy sauce, mirin, rice vinegar, honey, pineapple juice, and other ingredients to create your own unique teriyaki marinade.
Storage and Reheat
If you have any leftover chicken teriyaki sticks, here’s the best way to store and reheat it:
- Store: Let the chicken cool down to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. You can store the teriyaki chicken in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat: To reheat the chicken, you can either use the oven or the microwave. To reheat in the oven, preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C), place the chicken on a baking sheet, and bake for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. To reheat in the microwave, place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
It's best to consume the leftover teriyaki chicken as soon as possible to maintain its freshness and quality.
What to Serve with Teriyaki Chicken on a Stick
This chicken on a stick recipe is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served with many menu items. Here are some ideas on what to serve with chicken teriyaki:
- Rice: Serve the teriyaki chicken with a side of steamed white rice or brown rice. You can even mix the chicken into the rice for a tasty and filling meal.
- Vegetables: Pair the teriyaki chicken with a side of roasted or grilled vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots.
- Salad: Serve the chicken skewers with a fresh and crisp salad. Try a Japanese-inspired salad with mixed greens, sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, and a ginger dressing.
- Noodles: Teriyaki chicken goes well with noodles such as soba or udon. You can even toss the chicken with the noodles and some stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
- Potatoes: Roasted or mashed potatoes can also make a great side dish for teriyaki chicken on a stick.
- Beverages: For drinks, consider pairing the teriyaki chicken with a cold Japanese beer, a glass of chilled sake, or some green tea.
These are just some of my favorite recipes, feel free to get creative and come up with your own combinations based on your personal taste preferences. Enjoy your chicken teriyaki skewers!
Teriyaki Chicken on a Stick - FAQ
Teriyaki chicken on a stick is a popular dish consisting of small chunks of chicken that have been marinated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce and skewered onto bamboo sticks. The marinade typically includes soy sauce, sake, mirin, sugar, garlic, and ginger, which imparts a rich umami flavor to the chicken.
Yes. Generally, teriyaki chicken on a stick is a good source of protein, which is important for maintaining muscle mass and promoting satiety. However, some teriyaki sauce can be high in sodium and sugar, so make sure to choose recipes without added salt and sugar.
The umami taste of the soy sauce, the sweetness of the honey, and the tanginess of the sake all come together to create a perfect balance of flavors that enhances the taste of the teriyaki chicken. Furthermore, grilling the chicken on a stick gives it a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender, which adds to the overall texture and satisfaction of the dish.
MORE CHICKEN RECIPES FOR YOU TO TRY
Teriyaki Chicken on a Stick
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
- Soak the bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Whisk together the soy sauce, sake, oyster sauce, garlic, sesame oil, avocado oil, and white pepper in a bowl.
- Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
- Cut the green onions into 1-inch pieces.
- Thread the chicken and green onions onto the soaked bamboo skewers.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the fridge.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Brush the grill with oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the chicken skewers on each side for 6-8 minutes or until fully cooked and slightly charred. Baste with honey and soy sauce for more flavor.
- Serve and enjoy!
Chenylyn says
Your marinade is the star, really makes the dish delicous.
Noah says
The overnight marinated chicken I prepared turned out incredibly flavorful and tender. My patience pays off 🤣
CJ says
My bad, the stick I ordered is delayed, so i make it without the stick. I highly recommend this.
Carmen Spillette says
You can make it without it.
Megan says
I used to use this recipe all the time before you modified it. I was foolish to not print off the original recipe and instead would always come back to your page to read it. Well now the recipe is changed so much I don’t know the proper measurements I need for all the old ingredients you used. Please PLEASE post your old recipe or email it to me, I beg. It tasted just like Chinese buffet and was my families favorite.
Carmen Spillette says
I am sorry, I modified it to make it better. I will email you the old recipe. THANK YOU!
Carol theriault says
can I have the old recipe as well
Aaron says
The description lists marinated in soy sauce, sake, and mirin. But there is no Mirin in the recipe….
Justin Booker says
Really good 🙂
Carmen says
thank you