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To make Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Skewers, gather these ingredients: - 1 pound chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes - 1 cup fresh pineapple, cut into chunks - 1 bell pepper (red or green), cut into 1-inch pieces - 1 red onion, cut into chunks - 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional) - Skewers (wooden or metal) Garnishing adds flair to your dish. Consider these for added flavor and color: - Fresh cilantro - Lime wedges - Extra teriyaki sauce Not every ingredient is a must. Here are some swaps: - Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier bite. - Swap out fresh pineapple for canned, but drain it first. - Red onion can change to white onion or shallots if you prefer. - If you lack teriyaki sauce, mix soy sauce with a bit of honey or brown sugar. These options keep your meal fresh and fun! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your chicken. Cut it into 1-inch cubes. Place the chicken in a large bowl. Add 1/2 cup of teriyaki sauce, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of minced ginger, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sprinkle some salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well to coat the chicken evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. For even more flavor, marinate it for up to 4 hours. Next, let’s prepare the skewers. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. This step helps prevent them from burning on the grill. If you have metal skewers, you can skip this. Soaking keeps your skewers sturdy while grilling. Now, it's time to assemble the skewers. Start by threading the marinated chicken onto the skewers. Alternate with fresh pineapple chunks, bell pepper pieces, and onion chunks. Aim for about 4-5 pieces of chicken per skewer. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to avoid sticking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes. Turn them occasionally. You want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once grilled, remove the skewers from the grill. Let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices in. For a fun presentation, serve the skewers on a large platter. Drizzle with extra teriyaki sauce. You can also add lime wedges and fresh cilantro for color and flavor. To cook chicken well, size matters. Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes. This size cooks evenly. Marinating is key. Let the chicken soak in teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes. For the best taste, marinate for up to 4 hours. This lets the flavors soak in deep. Always check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. Before you grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This helps get nice grill marks and a good sear. Use a paper towel dipped in oil to coat the grill grates. This keeps the skewers from sticking. Don’t crowd the grill. Leave space between the skewers for even cooking. Turn the skewers every few minutes. This helps cook all sides evenly. Want to spice things up? Add fresh ginger and garlic to the marinade. They boost flavor and aroma. You can toss in a splash of lime juice for a fresh zing. Try adding different veggies to the skewers. Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms work great. For an extra touch, drizzle more teriyaki sauce over the skewers after grilling. This adds a rich finish to your dish. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Flavor: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. Aim for at least 4 hours or overnight if possible. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic will enhance the flavor of your skewers significantly, so opt for fresh over pre-minced options. Don't Overcrowd the Skewers: Leave some space between the pieces on the skewer for even cooking and to allow the heat to circulate. Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). {{image_2}} If you want to try different proteins, you can swap the chicken for shrimp or pork. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a sweet flavor. Just be careful not to overcook them. Pork can give a nice twist, too. Use tender cuts like tenderloin for juiciness. Remember to adjust cooking times based on your protein choice. For a tasty vegetarian version, replace chicken with tofu or tempeh. Firm tofu works best here. Press it to remove extra water, then cut it into cubes. Tempeh brings a nutty flavor and a great texture. You can also add more veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes to make it colorful and fun. While teriyaki sauce is a classic choice, you can experiment with other marinades. A mango salsa marinade adds sweetness and a tropical flair. For a spicy kick, try a chili garlic sauce. If you want something tangy, a lemon herb mix can brighten the dish. Just remember, the key is to let your protein soak in those flavors for at least 30 minutes. Store any leftover Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Skewers in an airtight container. Make sure to let them cool first. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. This way, you can enjoy the flavors again soon. To reheat, place the skewers in the microwave. Heat them for about one to two minutes. If you prefer, you can also use a grill or oven. Just heat them until warm. This will help keep the chicken juicy and tasty. If you want to save some skewers for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap each skewer tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. You should marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let it sit for up to 4 hours. This helps the chicken soak up the teriyaki flavor. The longer it marinates, the tastier it gets! Yes, you can make these skewers in the oven! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. You can add many fun items to your skewers! Try zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms. You can also mix in different bell pepper colors for a vibrant look. Let your imagination run wild! Check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. You can also cut a piece in the middle; it should be white with no pink left. Enjoy your perfectly cooked skewers! In this post, we explored the key ingredients for tasty skewers, including optional garnishes and smart substitutions. You learned how to marinate chicken, prepare skewers, and grill them perfectly. I shared tips for achieving great flavor and cooking success. We discussed variations, storage options, and answered common FAQs that help you in the kitchen. Enjoy your skewers and experiment with new flavors to make them your own! Happy cooking!

Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Delicious skewers of chicken, pineapple, and vegetables marinated in teriyaki sauce and grilled to perfection.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 1 hour

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple, cut into chunks
  • 1 piece bell pepper (red or green), cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 piece red onion, cut into chunks
  • 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh cilantro (optional)
  • as needed skewers (wooden or metal)

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine the chicken cubes, teriyaki sauce, olive oil, minced ginger, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Cover and marinate the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
  • If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
  • Once the chicken is marinated, thread the chicken pieces, pineapple chunks, bell pepper pieces, and onion chunks alternately onto the skewers.
  • Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates with a paper towel dipped in oil for a non-stick surface.
  • Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
  • Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours.
Keyword chicken, grilled, pineapple, skewers, teriyaki