Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

$- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces - 1 cup fresh pineapple, cut into 1-inch chunks - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), cut into 1-inch pieces - 1 small red onion, cut into wedges - 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon ginger, grated - Salt and pepper to taste - Skewers (soaked in water if wooden) Gather these ingredients to make your pineapple teriyaki chicken skewers. The chicken thighs provide a tender bite. Fresh pineapple adds a sweet touch. The bell pepper and onion give color and crunch. For the marinade, teriyaki sauce brings savory depth. Soy sauce adds saltiness, while honey gives sweetness. Sesame oil adds a nice nutty flavor. Garlic and ginger bring warmth and spice to the mix. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper. Finally, choose your skewers. Wooden skewers need soaking to prevent burning. Now you have everything you need for a tasty meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, mix the marinade in a bowl. Combine 1/2 cup of teriyaki sauce, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of grated ginger. This mix gives the chicken great flavor. Next, add the chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces. Stir well to coat each piece. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For even more flavor, you can marinate it for up to 2 hours. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. This step helps prevent them from burning on the grill. Now, it’s time to assemble the skewers. Take the marinated chicken pieces and thread them onto the soaked skewers. Alternate with 1-inch chunks of fresh pineapple, bell pepper, and red onion. Leave a little space between each piece. This helps them cook evenly. Before grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure the grill is clean and lightly oiled. This will help prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 12 to 15 minutes. Turn them every few minutes. The chicken should be cooked through and have nice grill marks. Check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C). In the last few minutes, brush some leftover teriyaki sauce on the skewers. This adds extra flavor and makes them shine. Once they are done, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. - For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. - You can marinate for up to 2 hours for a richer taste. - Adjust the marinade by adding more honey for sweetness or soy sauce for saltiness. - To prevent sticking, always preheat the grill and use oil. - Lightly brush the grill with oil before placing the skewers. - For perfect grill marks, let the skewers sit on one side for a few minutes. - Garnish the skewers with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. - Serve with jasmine rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal. - Pair with a cold drink like iced tea or lemonade to balance the flavors. Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: The longer you marinate the chicken, the deeper the flavors will penetrate. Aim for at least 2 hours, or overnight if you can plan ahead! Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh pineapple and vegetables not only enhance the taste but also provide better texture. Canned pineapple can be mushy and less flavorful. Keep It Colorful: Adding a variety of colorful vegetables not only makes the skewers visually appealing but also adds different flavors and nutrients. Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. {{image_2}} You can change the chicken thighs if you want. For a leaner option, try chicken breast. It cooks faster and still tastes great. If you're not into chicken, use shrimp or tofu. Both soak up flavors well. For veggies, swap bell peppers with zucchini or mushrooms. They add a different texture. You can also use cherry tomatoes for a fun burst of flavor. To boost flavors, add spices like red pepper flakes or cumin. These spices bring a nice kick. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil also work well in the marinade. They add a fresh taste that brightens the dish. You can change the sauce, too. Try a sweet chili sauce instead of teriyaki for a spicy twist. Or mix in some barbecue sauce for a smoky flavor. Grilling is fun, but baking is an easy option. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet and cook for about 20 minutes. Turn them halfway through to ensure even cooking. An air fryer is another great choice. Set it to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 10 to 12 minutes. This method gives you a lovely crust without extra oil. It’s quick and keeps the chicken juicy. To keep your Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Skewers fresh, store leftovers in the fridge. Use an airtight container. They can last for up to three days. If you want to freeze them, wrap each skewer tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This method helps prevent freezer burn. They can stay good for up to three months. When it's time to eat again, reheat the skewers in the oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 10 to 15 minutes. This keeps them juicy and warm. You can also reheat them on the grill for a few minutes. Just be careful not to overcook and dry them out. For quick meals, prep the chicken and veggies ahead of time. Cut them into pieces and store them in separate containers. This makes it easy to assemble skewers when you are ready to cook. Use clear, stackable containers to save space in your fridge. You can also pre-mix the marinade and keep it in the fridge for up to a week. This way, you can whip up tasty skewers whenever you want! Yes, you can use chicken breast. Chicken breast is leaner than thighs. It may dry out if overcooked. Keep an eye on the grill time. Thighs add more flavor and juiciness, though. Marinating for at least 30 minutes works well. For more flavor, aim for 2 hours. The longer you marinate, the better the taste. Just don’t go over 24 hours. The chicken needs to reach 165°F (75°C) to be safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. This ensures the chicken is fully cooked. It also keeps your meal safe. Yes, you can prep the skewers ahead of time. Assemble them and store in the fridge. Just grill them when you're ready to eat. This saves time during busy days. Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before using. This helps them resist burning on the grill. You can also use metal skewers. They won’t burn and are reusable. In this post, we explored a delicious chicken skewer recipe. We covered main ingredients like chicken thighs, fresh pineapple, and peppers. The marinade adds fantastic flavor with teriyaki and honey. I shared tips for marinating, grilling, and serving to help you succeed. Overall, you can make tasty skewers that impress your guests. Try variations and creativity in cooking methods for even more fun. Enjoy your grilling adventure!$

Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Delicious skewers of marinated chicken, pineapple, and vegetables grilled to perfection.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 35

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup fresh pineapple, cut into 1-inch chunks
1 piece bell pepper (red or yellow), cut into 1-inch pieces
1 small red onion, cut into wedges
0.5 cup teriyaki sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, grated
to taste salt and pepper
as needed skewers (soaked in water if wooden)

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Add the chicken pieces and mix well to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
If using wooden skewers, soak them for 30 minutes in water to prevent burning.
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, alternating with chunks of pineapple, bell pepper, and onion. Leave a little space between each piece for even cooking.
Heat the grill to medium-high heat. Make sure it's clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 12-15 minutes, turning every few minutes until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
In the last few minutes of grilling, brush some leftover teriyaki sauce on the skewers for extra flavor.
Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes.
Serve the skewers on a platter, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken longer if time allows.

Keyword chicken, grilling, skewers, teriyaki