30-Minute Keto Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Tender grilled chicken skewers coated in a rich, umami-packed teriyaki glaze made without sugar. The marinade combines soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil for authentic Japanese flavors, while sugar-free sweetener and xanthan gum create the signature glossy coating. Perfect for weeknight dinners or outdoor grilling, these skewers deliver all the savory-sweet taste of traditional teriyaki while keeping carbs low. The chicken stays juicy from marinating, and the final glaze adds beautiful caramelization.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons sugar-free sweetenererythritol or monk fruit1:1keto
granulated works best
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon sugar-free ketchup
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes(optional)
- 1 teaspoon xanthan gum
Instructions
- 1
Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar-free sweetener, minced garlic, grated ginger, sugar-free ketchup, and chili flakes for marinade
- 2
Place chicken cubes in marinade ensuring full coating, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours
- 3
Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat
- 4
Thread marinated chicken cubes onto skewers
- 5
Grill skewers for 3-4 minutes per side until chicken is cooked through with nice grill marks
- 6
Pour remaining marinade into small saucepan, add xanthan gum and whisk over medium heat until sauce thickens into glaze
- 7
Brush thickened teriyaki glaze over cooked skewers
- 8
Grill additional 1-2 minutes to caramelize glaze slightly, being careful not to burn
Tips
Marinate chicken up to 4 hours for deeper flavor penetration, but 30 minutes minimum works for weeknight meals
Reserve some unmarinated sauce separately if you prefer not to use marinade that touched raw chicken for the final glaze
Watch the final caramelization step closely as sugar-free sweeteners can burn faster than regular sugar
Good to Know
Refrigerate cooked skewers up to 3 days in airtight container. Reheat gently in microwave or low oven.
Marinate chicken up to 4 hours ahead. Skewers can be assembled day before and refrigerated.
Serve hot off the grill with cauliflower rice, grilled vegetables, or Asian cucumber salad.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip marinating time or chicken will lack flavor
Avoid high heat when making glaze to prevent xanthan gum from clumping
Watch final caramelization closely to avoid burning sugar-free sweetener
Substitutions
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
granulated works best
FAQ
Can I make these without xanthan gum?
Yes, but the glaze won't thicken as well. You can simmer the marinade longer to reduce it naturally, though it won't be as glossy.
What if I don't have skewers?
Cut chicken into larger pieces and grill directly on grates, or use a grill basket. Cooking time may need slight adjustment.
How long will these keep in the fridge?
Cooked skewers stay fresh up to 3 days refrigerated. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken.