These Easy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are bursting with sweet and tasty flavors! Marinated in a delicious teriyaki sauce, the chicken becomes juicy and tender when grilled to perfection.
They’re perfect for a quick barbecue or a fun dinner. I love packing them with colorful veggies for extra crunch—it’s like a party on a stick! 🌈
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal for this recipe. I prefer thighs for their juiciness, but breasts work well too. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use turkey or even firm tofu for a vegetarian version.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple gives a vibrant sweetness. Canned pineapple can be a good substitute if fresh isn’t available. Just drain it well to avoid excess moisture. Grilled peaches or mango also bring a lovely flavor twist!
Green Bell Pepper: This adds color and crunch. Feel free to swap it with red or yellow bell peppers for a sweeter taste, or use zucchini for a low-carb option. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
Soy Sauce: A key flavor component, but for a gluten-free version, opt for tamari. If you’re watching sodium intake, low-sodium soy sauce works just fine.
Honey or Brown Sugar: Either will add sweetness to the marinade. Maple syrup is a delicious alternative, especially if you want a unique flavor.
How Do You Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked on the Skewers?
Grilling can be tricky, but getting your chicken perfectly cooked is all about timing and temperature. First, ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high. You’ll want a good sizzle when you place the skewers on the grill.
- Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning them every few minutes.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—165°F (74°C) means they’re ready!
- Don’t forget to baste with the reserved marinade while they cook for extra flavor.
- Let the skewers rest for a few minutes after cooking to keep them juicy.
Trust me; these simple steps will help you achieve that perfect, juicy chicken every time!
Easy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers with Sweet Marinade
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
For Thickening (Optional):
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Extras:
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Cooked white rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and about 10-12 minutes to cook on the grill. If you have extra time, letting the chicken marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours will enhance the flavor, making the total time around 45 minutes to 2 hours and 15 minutes, depending on your marinating preference!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This step keeps them from burning on the grill, ensuring your chicken stays safe and delicious!
2. Make the Teriyaki Marinade:
In a medium bowl, mix together the soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil. This sweet and savory marinade is what makes your chicken so tasty!
3. Marinate the Chicken:
Reserve about 1/4 cup of the marinade for later. Pour the remaining marinade over the cubed chicken, and toss everything until the chicken is well coated. Cover the bowl and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for the best flavor.
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Once marinated, thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers. Alternate with pineapple chunks and green bell pepper pieces for added flavor and color. It will look like a rainbow on a stick!
5. Preheat the Grill:
Heat up your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If needed, lightly oil the grates to keep things from sticking.
6. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Rotate them occasionally and brush with your reserved marinade. Keep grilling until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. Use a meat thermometer to check; the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. (Optional) Thicken the Sauce:
If you’d like to make a thicker sauce, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Add the cornstarch mixture and stir until it thickens, about 1-2 minutes. Then remove from heat.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the chicken skewers hot over a bed of cooked white rice. Drizzle with the thickened teriyaki sauce if you made it. Enjoy the incredible sweet and savory flavors of your homemade teriyaki chicken skewers!
These skewers are perfect for any meal—easy, tasty, and sure to please everyone at the table!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Vegetables for the Skewers?
Absolutely! You can swap out the green bell pepper for red or yellow bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or even mushrooms. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking!
What If I Don’t Have Honey or Brown Sugar?
No worries! You can use maple syrup or agave nectar as a sweetener instead. They’ll still give you that nice sweetness in the marinade!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the grill until heated through.
Can These Skewers Be Made in the Oven?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the skewers on a baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is fully cooked.
Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions as you prepare your delicious teriyaki chicken skewers! Enjoy!
