The sizzle of skewers on the grill fills the air with the mouthwatering aroma of the island-inspired Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Skewers. This vibrant dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare and is perfect for summer barbecues or a quick weeknight dinner. The combination of sweet pineapple and savory teriyaki flavors creates a delightful contrast that makes this recipe a standout.
This recipe is ideal for anyone looking to impress family or friends with minimal effort. Perfect for gatherings, you can marinate the chicken up to a day in advance for easy preparation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The combination of juicy chicken, crunchy vegetables, and sweet pineapple creates a well-rounded bite.
- Marinating the chicken infuses it with flavor, ensuring each piece is packed with taste.
- Grilling gives the skewers a delicious smoky flavor and attractive char marks.
- It’s a festive, colorful dish that looks great on the table.
What You’ll Need
Gather these ingredients to create your delicious skewers.
For the Chicken and Marinade
- 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili garlic sauce
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
For the Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 red onion, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Skewers
- 3 cups diced pineapple
- Wooden or metal skewers
Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Substitutions & Swaps
- Use chicken breast instead of thighs for a leaner option.
- Replace brown sugar with honey or agave syrup.
- Use fresh pineapple for enhanced flavor.
- Swap chili garlic sauce for sriracha for more heat.
How to Make It
Let’s get cooking with these easy steps!
1. Whisk together
Whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, chili garlic sauce, and sesame oil to create the pineapple teriyaki sauce.
2. Marinate chicken
Reserve half of the sauce for later use. Pour the remaining sauce over the chicken in a bowl, cover, and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or longer for more intense flavors.
3. Prepare skewers
If using wooden skewers, don’t forget to soak them in water for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, toss the bell pepper and onion pieces in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Thread skewers
Thread the marinated chicken, bell pepper, onion, and diced pineapple onto the skewers in an alternating pattern. Make sure to leave a little space between each piece for even cooking.
5. Grill skewers
Preheat your grill to high heat. Grill the skewers for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through. While grilling, brush the skewers with the reserved pineapple teriyaki sauce for extra flavor.
How to Store It
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Yes, up to 3 months in a sealed bag.
Reheat: Microwaving for 1-2 minutes works well.
Tips for Best Results
- For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Ensure even cooking by not overcrowding the skewers.
- Use a meat thermometer to check if chicken reaches 165°F.
- Serve fresh off the grill for maximum flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
- Serve with a side salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Great for summer cookouts or family gatherings.
