Grilled Chicken Teriyaki Skewers with Miso Ranch

If 'teri' means 'shine,' and 'yaki' refers to grilling, then these chicken skewers are the poster children for teriyaki. Marinated in soy sauce, sake, and mirin, the chicken is grilled to sweet, smoky perfection and dipped in a refreshing, herby miso 'ranch' sauce that'll send your summer cookout guests into a frenzy. The only bottles not invited to this party are bottled teriyaki sauces! Garnish with sesame seeds if desired.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 45 mins
• Calories: 280 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• ¼ cup sour cream
• ¾ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ⅓ cup buttermilk
• ½ cup soy sauce
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons minced green onions
• 1 tablespoon minced green onion
• 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs
• 2 teaspoons finely grated ginger
• ½ cup sake
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives
• ⅓ cup mirin (Japanese sweet wine)
• 12 bamboo skewers
• 1 tablespoon white miso paste, or to taste
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh tarragon
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Soak bamboo skewers in water.

Step 2

Cut chicken thighs in half lengthwise along the creases and halve the thicker portions to get 3 or 4 pieces each. Place chicken in a bowl. Pour in soy sauce, sake, mirin, ginger, green onions, brown sugar, and oil. Toss by hand until well combined and brown sugar is dissolved. Cover top in plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for 2 to 6 hours.

Step 3

Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, and miso in a bowl. Add green onion, garlic, tarragon, dill, and chives. Season with black pepper and cayenne. Whisk dressing until thoroughly combined.

Step 4

Thread chicken pieces onto skewers. Strain marinade into a saucepan and bring to a boil to make the glaze.

Step 5

Preheat a grill for medium-high heat. Grill skewers, basting with some of the reserved marinade, until meat firms up and springs back to the touch, 4 to 5 minutes per side.

Step 6

Serve skewers next to the miso ranch dressing and brush with reserved glaze.