Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Skewers are a tropical-inspired delight, combining juicy grilled chicken with sweet pineapple, crisp vegetables, and a glossy homemade teriyaki glaze. These skewers are perfect for summer cookouts, backyard dinners, or any occasion that calls for vibrant flavor and festive presentation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet and savory harmony – the balance of tangy teriyaki and juicy pineapple is irresistible.
- Ideal for grilling season – easy to prepare and even easier to grill.
- Customizable ingredients – substitute proteins or veggies to suit your taste.
- Great for entertaining – colorful skewers that serve well at casual gatherings or parties.
- Healthful and satisfying – lean protein, fresh produce, and a homemade sauce with no added preservatives.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- fresh pineapple chunks
- red bell pepper, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
- red onion, cut into chunks
- wooden or metal skewers
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- low-sodium soy sauce
- honey or maple syrup
- rice vinegar
- sesame oil
- garlic, minced
- fresh ginger, grated
- cornstarch + water (for slurry)
Directions
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue to cook until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency. Allow to cool slightly.
- Thread the chicken, pineapple, bell pepper, and onion alternately onto the skewers.
- Brush the skewers generously with teriyaki sauce. If time allows, let them marinate for 15–30 minutes.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
- Grill the skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with additional teriyaki sauce until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly charred.
- Serve hot with extra sauce on the side. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped scallions if desired.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Marinating Time (optional): 15–30 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 35–60 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian version: Replace chicken with extra-firm tofu or portobello mushroom chunks.
- Spicy twist: Add chili flakes or sriracha to the teriyaki sauce.
- Different fruits: Try mango or peach chunks in place of pineapple.
- Low-carb option: Serve over cauliflower rice or a green salad instead of rice.
- Alternate proteins: Use shrimp or thinly sliced beef for a different take.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the skewers on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes. Alternatively, remove the ingredients from the skewers and reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. The teriyaki sauce can be stored separately in a sealed container for up to 1 week.
FAQs
Can I use bottled teriyaki sauce instead of homemade?
Yes, but homemade gives you more control over flavor and sweetness, and avoids preservatives.
What’s the best chicken cut for skewers?
Boneless, skinless thighs are juicy and flavorful, but chicken breasts work well for a leaner option.
Can I bake these skewers instead of grilling?
Yes. Bake in a 400°F (200°C) oven for about 20–25 minutes, turning once midway through.
Should I peel the pineapple before using?
Yes, use peeled and cored pineapple cut into bite-sized chunks.
Can I make these skewers ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble and marinate the skewers a few hours ahead and store them in the refrigerator until ready to grill.
How do I keep the skewers from burning on the grill?
Soak wooden skewers in water beforehand or use reusable metal skewers.
What can I serve with these skewers?
They pair well with steamed jasmine rice, quinoa, or a side of grilled vegetables.
Can I grill them indoors?
Yes, use a grill pan or electric indoor grill for similar results.
Are these skewers gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make this recipe gluten-free.
How do I tell when the chicken is done?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) and the meat should be white and firm with no pink center.
Conclusion
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Skewers are a colorful and flavor-packed dish that brings a taste of the tropics to your table. With their juicy grilled components and rich, sticky-sweet glaze, these skewers are both easy to prepare and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Serve them hot off the grill for a vibrant meal that’s ideal for summer and beyond.
Print
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Skewers
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Total Time: 32 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Halal
Description
Juicy grilled chicken skewers paired with sweet pineapple, bell pepper, and onion, brushed with a sticky homemade teriyaki glaze for a tropical and savory main dish.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
- 1 red onion, cut into chunks
- Wooden or metal skewers
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for slurry)
Instructions
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes if using.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens. Let cool.
- Thread chicken, pineapple, bell pepper, and onion alternately onto skewers.
- Brush generously with the teriyaki sauce and marinate for 15–30 minutes if time allows.
- Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates.
- Grill skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with extra sauce until chicken is cooked through and lightly charred.
- Serve hot with extra sauce on the side and garnish with sesame seeds or scallions if desired.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier results.
- Can be made ahead and grilled fresh before serving.
- Great served over rice or with a side of grilled vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
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