These Easy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are a tasty treat! Juicy chicken pieces are marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, then grilled to perfection on skewers. Yum!
Making these skewers is super fun! I love to pair them with rice or veggies for a complete meal. Plus, everyone enjoys picking their own skewer—it’s like a tasty dinner party on a stick! 🍢
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for skewers as they cook evenly. You can substitute with thighs for extra juiciness or even use tofu for a vegetarian option!
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple adds sweetness and helps tenderize the chicken. Canned pineapple works too if you’re short on time; just drain it well before using.
Bell Pepper: I love using green bell peppers for a touch of crunch. You can swap in red or yellow for a sweeter flavor or even avoid peppers altogether!
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce gives a salty umami flavor, but you can use low-sodium soy sauce to cut back on salt. Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative.
Honey/Brown Sugar: Honey adds a nice glaze, but feel free to substitute with maple syrup or agave for a vegan option.
How Can I Get the Perfect Marinade on My Chicken?
Marinating is key for flavor! Make sure to let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes, but longer (up to a few hours) is even better. This allows the meat to absorb those wonderful flavors.
- Make sure the chicken is evenly coated by tossing it in a resealable bag or bowl.
- Don’t use metal containers as they can react with the soy sauce.
- Keep some marinade aside for the glaze to add extra flavor later!
What’s the Best Way to Grill the Skewers?
Grilling gives a nice char, but managing the heat is important! Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Proper preheating helps create those delicious grill marks.
- Cook the skewers for about 10-15 minutes, turning them every few minutes to prevent burning.
- Baste regularly with the teriyaki glaze to lock in moisture and flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.
These tips will help you make the perfect teriyaki chicken skewers that everyone will love!
Easy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers with Homemade Marinade
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 1 1/2 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (about half a pineapple)
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes prior to use)
For the Marinade and Glaze:
- 3/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 2 tablespoons fresh grated ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
For Serving:
- Cooked white rice
- Optional: sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time, plus at least 30 minutes to marinate the chicken. Cooking on the grill will take about 10-15 minutes. So, total time is around 1 hour, making it a great dish for a weekday dinner or a weekend barbecue!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil until everything is well combined. This is your tasty marinade!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken pieces in a large resealable bag or bowl, then pour half of the marinade over the chicken. Toss the chicken to coat it well. Remember to save the other half of the marinade for later! Seal the bag or cover the bowl and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour.
3. Prepare the Skewers:
Once the chicken has marinated, take the skewers and thread them with alternating pieces of marinated chicken, pineapple chunks, and green bell pepper. This makes for a colorful and yummy presentation!
4. Make the Teriyaki Glaze:
Pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. In another small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry; then add this to the saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens into a glaze (about 3-5 minutes). Once it’s thick, remove it from the heat and set aside.
5. Grill the Skewers:
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes. Turn the skewers occasionally and baste them with the teriyaki glaze until the chicken is cooked through and has beautiful grill marks.
6. Serve:
Once cooked, place the skewers on a bed of warm cooked white rice. Drizzle any leftover teriyaki glaze over the top. If you’d like, sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for that extra touch!
7. Enjoy!
These skewers are perfect on their own or paired with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Dive in and enjoy the delightful flavors!
This recipe yields flavorful, juicy chicken skewers with a delightful balance of sweet pineapple and savory teriyaki glaze. The homemade marinade and glaze bring rich umami notes without complexity, making it an easy crowd-pleaser!
FAQ for Easy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, making them a great substitute. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
How Do I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You can also re-grill them for a few minutes for that fresh-off-the-grill taste!
Can I Make the Marinade in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade ahead of time! Store it in the refrigerator for up to a week in an airtight container. Just shake it well before using as some ingredients may settle.
What Vegetables Can I Add to the Skewers?
You can get creative! Bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and red onions all work well. Just cut them into even pieces to ensure they cook at the same rate as the chicken and pineapple.
