Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers with Shishito Peppers

Thin-skinned shishito peppers char quickly on the grill. We cook them on their own skewers, separate from the chicken. This way you can add them in the last few minutes so they don't get too blistered. These peppers can sometimes be spicy, so if you don't like too much heat, swap in mini bell peppers instead. Serve over rice to round out the meal.

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers with Blistered Shishito Peppers
Photo: Jason Donnelly
Active Time:
45 mins
Total Time:
45 mins
Servings:
4

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup 50%-less-sodium tamari (see Tip) or low-sodium soy sauce

  • ¼ cup mirin

  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil

  • 1 tablespoon light brown sugar

  • 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

  • 2 tablespoons water

  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch

  • 6 ounces shishito peppers

  • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds

  • 1 scallion, thinly sliced

Directions

  1. Preheat grill to medium-high.

  2. Combine tamari (or soy sauce), mirin, sesame oil, brown sugar, ginger and garlic in a medium bowl. Transfer half the mixture to a small saucepan. Add chicken to the bowl and toss to coat. Let marinate, stirring once or twice, for 15 minutes.

  3. Meanwhile, bring the marinade in the pan to a boil. Whisk water and cornstarch in a small bowl; add to the pan. Cook, whisking, until the sauce is bubbling and thickened, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and set aside.

  4. Thread peppers crosswise onto 3 skewers and the chicken onto the remaining 3 skewers. (Discard any remaining marinade.) Oil the grill rack. Grill the chicken, turning occasionally, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part registers 165°F, about 10 minutes. Grill the peppers, turning occasionally, until charred, 2 to 3 minutes.

  5. Brush the chicken and peppers with the reserved sauce. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and scallion.

Tip

Less-sodium tamari, sometimes called tamari "lite," cuts the amount of salt per serving by 50% compared to the regular version—and all without sacrificing flavor (we tried them side by side in a blind taste test). It even has 100 mg less sodium than low-sodium soy sauce. People with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should use soy sauces that are labeled "gluten-free," as soy sauce may contain wheat or other gluten-containing ingredients.

Equipment

Six 11-inch metal skewers

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

303 Calories
14g Fat
10g Carbs
30g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size 3 oz. chicken & 1/2 cup peppers
Calories 303
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 10g 4%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Total Sugars 7g
Protein 30g 60%
Total Fat 14g 18%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Cholesterol 151mg 50%
Vitamin A 434IU 9%
Sodium 562mg 24%
Potassium 431mg 9%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

Related Articles