Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Skewers Recipe – Grilled Perfection

Chicken skewers are a classic summer grill recipe. Marinated chicken threaded onto skewers and cooked over an open flame always makes for a crowd-pleasing dish. This recipe for Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Skewers takes the concept one step further by incorporating sweet, caramelized pineapple and a sticky-sweet teriyaki glaze. The end result is chicken skewers with complex flavors that will have your guests begging for more. Keep reading to learn all about the ingredients and step-by-step method for making these irresistible chicken skewers at home. In this article we talk about Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Skewers Ingredients & Recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 8 ounces pineapple chunks (about 2 cups), patted dry
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 yellow onion, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1⁄2 cup soy sauce
• 1⁄4 cup honey
• 3 tablespoons ketchup
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• For Serving: steamed white rice and sesame seeds

You will also need:

• 10 to 12 (10-inch) wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes prior to grilling

Teriyaki Marinade Ingredients Explained

This chicken skewer recipe calls for just a handful of ingredients to make the quick and easy teriyaki marinade. Here’s what each one contributes:

Soy Sauce: The saltiness of soy sauce enhances flavor and also tenderizes the chicken.

Honey: Honey adds sweetness as well as a slight caramelized flavor when grilled.

Ketchup: Adding a bit of ketchup might seem unorthodox for a teriyaki marinade, but it helps thicken the sauce so it nicely coats the chicken and fruit.

Garlic & Ginger: This aromatic duo adds a punch of flavor and also aids in tenderizing the meat.

Sesame Oil: Nutty sesame oil gives the teriyaki marinade more depth and complexity.

In addition to the chicken, this recipe calls for equal parts pineapple and bell pepper. Their sweet and acidic flavors balance out the sticky-sweet teriyaki sauce. An acidic marinade like teriyaki helps tenderize lean chicken thighs. The natural sugars in the pineapple caramelize beautifully when grilled over high heat. Onions are also added for extra flavor and texture.

The end result is a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors in every bite!

Step-By-Step Method

1. Marinate the Chicken

• In a large bowl or resealable plastic bag, combine the chicken, pineapple, bell pepper, and onion. Set aside while you make the teriyaki sauce.

2. Make the Teriyaki Marinade

• In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the soy sauce, honey, ketchup, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer then remove from heat.
• Pour the hot teriyaki sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Toss until everything is evenly coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes up to 2 hours.

3. Thread the Skewers

• Drain the marinade from the chicken and discard excess. Thread the chicken, pineapple, pepper, and onion chunks tightly onto the soaked wooden skewers, alternating ingredients as you go.
• Place the loaded skewers on a baking sheet or plate. Use a pastry brush to coat the skewers with any remaining marinade left in the bowl.

4. Grill the Skewers

• Preheat grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F to 450°F. Use a grill brush to clean the grates.
• Place skewers perpendicular to the grates. Grill for 12-15 minutes, flipping once halfway through. Chicken is done when it registers 165°F on an instant-read thermometer.
• Transfer skewers to a serving platter. Cover loosely with foil and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

For the perfect summer dinner, pair these sweet and sticky chicken skewers with fluffy white rice. The rice soaks up the excess teriyaki sauce deliciously. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds over the finished skewers adds texture and flavor.

For a more well-rounded meal, add a fresh green salad or grilled vegetables on the side. You could also turn this into a chicken skewer bowl by serving over sushi rice and topping with sliced avocado and green onions.

No matter how you choose to serve them, these Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Skewers always satisfy! The combination of caramelized fruit and tender chicken glazed in an incredible homemade teriyaki sauce is downright addicting. Take these skewers to your next bbq or potluck and be prepared for recipe requests!

Make-Ahead & Storage

Tips Part of what makes these chicken skewers so easy to prepare is that the teriyaki sauce can be made up to 5 days in advance. Cover and store in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it. The chicken and vegetables can also be threaded onto skewers, marinated, and kept refrigerated for several hours ahead of grilling.

To make this recipe even more convenient, the loaded skewers can be grilled then stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently before serving. The teriyaki glaze helps prevent the chicken from drying out.

You can also double or triple this recipe as needed then freeze a batch of skewers for busy weeknights. Thaw overnight in the fridge then reheat on the grill or a hot grill pan.

More Sweet & Savory Chicken Skewer Ideas

If you love these Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Skewers, try switching up the flavor profile with one of these tasty alternatives:

• Orange Chicken Skewers with red bell pepper and orange marmalade glaze
• Apricot Balsamic Chicken Skewers made with dried apricots, red onion and balsamic vinegar
• Honey Soy Chicken & Veggie Skewers with baby corn, water chestnuts and honey soy marinade
• Jerk Chicken Skewers with mango, red onion and spicy jerk seasoning
• Greek Chicken Skewers with artichokes, olives, tomato and lemon herb marinade

The possibilities are endless when it comes to chicken skewers! Choose your favorite fruits, vegetables and sauces to customize them to your liking. No matter what you choose, these grilled chicken skewers always add festive flavors to any summer spread. I sincerely hope you find this “Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Skewers Ingredients & Recipe” article helpful.