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- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed - 1 cup fresh pineapple, cubed - 1 bell pepper, diced - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water) - Salt and pepper to taste - Skewers (wooden or metal) - Grill or grill pan Gathering these ingredients is the first step to making teriyaki chicken pineapple skewers. You want fresh chicken and juicy pineapple for the best taste. Chicken breast is easy to work with. I like to cut it into even cubes. This helps it cook evenly on the grill. The pineapple should be ripe and sweet. It adds a nice contrast to the savory chicken. For the sauce, you will need soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic. These flavors blend well together. The sesame oil adds a rich taste. The cornstarch thickens the sauce, making it stick to the chicken and veggies. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Don't forget about your skewers! If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water first. This keeps them from burning on the grill. Metal skewers are a great alternative and can be reused. Now you have everything you need to create these tasty skewers. Let's get cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} Soaking wooden skewers is key. This helps prevent burning on the grill. Soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before using. If you prefer metal skewers, you can skip this step. Metal skewers are reusable and heat up quickly. To make the teriyaki sauce, combine soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil in a saucepan. Heat this mixture over medium heat until it simmers. Then, thicken the sauce by stirring in the cornstarch mixed with water. Cook for one more minute to get a glossy finish. Remove from heat and allow it to cool. For the best flavor, marinate the chicken. Place cubed chicken in a bowl and add half of the teriyaki sauce. Toss well to coat the chicken. Cover the bowl and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For even better taste, marinate for up to 2 hours. When ready, thread the marinated chicken, pineapple, bell pepper, and red onion onto the skewers. Alternate each ingredient. This ensures even cooking and a pretty presentation. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for about 10 to 15 minutes. Turn them every few minutes for even cooking. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The vegetables should be slightly charred and tender. In the last few minutes of grilling, brush the skewers with the remaining teriyaki sauce. This adds a nice glaze and extra flavor. Once grilled, let the skewers rest for a few minutes. Serve them on a platter, topped with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Pair with steamed rice and extra teriyaki sauce for dipping. Enjoy the tasty flavors! To ensure your chicken is cooked through, check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. If you're using a gas grill, preheat it for 10-15 minutes. For charcoal grills, wait until the coals are glowing red. Cooking times may differ based on grill type. Generally, cook skewers for about 10-15 minutes, turning them often. For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. You can let it sit for up to 2 hours for even better taste. If you want to switch things up, try other sauces like teriyaki with a spicy kick. Sweet chili sauce works great too! When securing ingredients on skewers, alternate between chicken and vegetables. This helps them cook evenly. To make your skewers more colorful, try using zucchini or cherry tomatoes. You can also swap chicken for shrimp or tofu to cater to different tastes. Always soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling. This prevents burning and keeps your food safe. Pro Tips Soak Wooden Skewers: Soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prevents them from burning on the grill, ensuring your skewers cook evenly and safely. Marinate Longer: For a deeper flavor, consider marinating the chicken for up to 2 hours. This allows the teriyaki sauce to penetrate the meat, enhancing its taste. Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat. Serve with Extras: Enhance your presentation by serving the skewers with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions, along with a side of extra teriyaki sauce for dipping. {{image_2}} You can switch up the chicken for other proteins. Tofu works great for a vegetarian option. It soaks up the teriyaki flavor well. Shrimp is another tasty choice. It cooks fast and adds a sweet taste. You can also change the fruits and veggies. Instead of pineapple, try mango or peaches. Zucchini and cherry tomatoes can add color and flavor. Get creative with what you have on hand! Want more kick? Add spices like chili flakes or black pepper. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can brighten the dish. You can mix in a little sriracha for a spicy teriyaki sauce. You can also make a sweet and spicy teriyaki sauce. Add a bit of brown sugar and some hot sauce. This gives a nice balance of sweet and heat that everyone will love. These skewers pair well with many side dishes. Steamed rice is a classic option. You can also serve them with a fresh salad. A simple cucumber salad adds a nice crunch. You can also get creative and mix the skewers into wraps. Use lettuce leaves or tortillas. Add some extra teriyaki sauce for flavor. This makes for a fun and tasty meal! To store leftovers, place skewers in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and safe. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap for extra protection. The recommended shelf life in the fridge is about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to check for any signs of spoilage before eating. To freeze skewers, first, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each skewer tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. For best quality, use them within 2 to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge. The best methods for reheating skewers are in the oven or on the grill. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place skewers on a baking sheet and cover with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. If grilling, heat on low for a few minutes. To avoid dryness, brush a little teriyaki sauce on them while reheating. Enjoy your flavorful dish without losing its taste! You should marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes. This time helps the chicken soak up the flavor. For the best taste, marinate for up to 2 hours. The longer the chicken sits, the more intense the flavor becomes. Just don’t exceed 2 hours, as too much time can make the chicken mushy. Yes, making teriyaki sauce at home is easy! Combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon grated ginger, and 2 minced garlic cloves in a saucepan. Add 1 tablespoon sesame oil. Heat it on medium until it simmers. Mix in 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water to thicken. Let it cook for a minute until glossy. Both gas and charcoal grills work well. Gas grills heat up quickly and offer easy control. Charcoal grills give a great smoky flavor but take longer to heat. If you want a nice char, both types can do the job. Choose based on your taste and what you have on hand. Absolutely! You can add many veggies. Try zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes. Bell peppers and onions work well too. Mix and match to your taste. Just make sure to cut them to similar sizes for even cooking. Check the chicken's internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. If you don't have a thermometer, cut into a piece; the meat should be white, not pink, and juices should run clear. Always ensure proper cooking for safety. Grilling teriyaki skewers is easy and fun. You learned about key ingredients, like chicken, pineapple, and teriyaki sauce. I shared step-by-step tips for prep, grilling, and serving. Plus, you got ideas for variations and storage. Now, you can impress friends and family with tasty skewers. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and ingredients. Happy grilling!

Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Skewers

Delicious skewers of marinated chicken, fresh pineapple, and colorful vegetables, grilled to perfection.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple, cubed
  • 1 whole bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
  • 1 small red onion, chopped into chunks
  • 0.25 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water)
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • as needed skewers (wooden or metal)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
  • Make Teriyaki Sauce: In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then stir in the cornstarch mixture to thicken. Let it cook for an additional minute until it’s glossy and slightly thickened. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
  • Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, add the cubed chicken and half of the teriyaki sauce. Toss to coat the chicken well. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for better flavor.
  • Assemble Skewers: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken, pineapple, bell pepper, and red onion onto the skewers in an alternating pattern. Leave a little space between each piece for even cooking.
  • Grill Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C) and the vegetables are slightly charred.
  • Glaze with Sauce: During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the skewers with the remaining teriyaki sauce for a nice glaze.
  • Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve with steamed rice and extra teriyaki sauce for dipping.
Keyword chicken, grilling, skewers, teriyaki