Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

$- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes - 1 cup fresh pineapple, cut into 1-inch cubes - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), cut into 1-inch pieces - 1/2 red onion, cut into wedges The main ingredients for these skewers are simple yet flavorful. Chicken breast is lean and juicy, making it perfect for grilling. Fresh pineapple adds sweetness and tanginess, which pairs well with the savory chicken. Bell pepper, whether red or yellow, brings in a pop of color and crunch. Red onion provides a lovely bite that complements the other ingredients. - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon sesame oil The marinade is where the magic happens. Soy sauce gives a rich umami flavor. Honey balances it with sweetness. Rice vinegar adds a hint of tang, while ginger and garlic bring warmth and depth. Sesame oil adds a nutty finish that rounds out the flavors beautifully. This marinade is key to making the chicken tender and packed with flavor. - Salt and pepper to taste - Skewers (wooden or metal) Don’t forget salt and pepper! They enhance all the flavors in your dish. Choose skewers that suit your grilling method. Wooden skewers need to soak in water to prevent burning. Metal skewers are reusable and save you prep time. Both options work great for this recipe. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, let's make the teriyaki marinade. In a medium bowl, combine the following: - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon sesame oil Whisk these ingredients together until they blend well. Next, add 1 pound of chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes. Make sure each piece is coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For a bolder flavor, you can marinate it for up to 2 hours. While your chicken marinates, it's time to prepare the skewers. If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. This helps prevent burning on the grill. After soaking, take the chicken out of the marinade. Now, it’s time to assemble the skewers. Start threading the chicken onto the skewers, alternating with pieces of fresh pineapple, bell pepper, and red onion. This not only adds flavor but also makes the skewers colorful and fun. Now, let’s get grilling! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, place the skewers on the grill. Cook them for about 10-12 minutes. Turn the skewers occasionally. You want to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). For extra flavor, you can brush some leftover marinade on the skewers during the last few minutes of cooking. After grilling, let the skewers rest for a few minutes before you serve them. - For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let it sit for up to 2 hours. This allows the teriyaki marinade to soak in well. - To boost the flavor, add some crushed red pepper or a splash of lime juice to the marinade. This adds a nice kick and freshness. - Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This helps the chicken cook evenly and get nice grill marks. - To ensure even cooking, turn the skewers every few minutes. This way, all sides get that delicious char. Use a meat thermometer to check. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). - Serve these skewers with jasmine rice or a fresh green salad. Both pair well with the sweet and savory flavors. - For a lovely touch, garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds. This adds some crunch and a nice visual appeal to your dish. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Extra Flavor: If time permits, let the chicken marinate for up to 2 hours to enhance the flavors of the teriyaki sauce. Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh, ripe pineapple and colorful bell peppers for the best taste and presentation. Veggie Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes to your skewers for added texture and flavor. Check Grill Temperature: Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat for the perfect sear and to prevent the skewers from sticking. {{image_2}} You can change the protein in your skewers. Shrimp works well and cooks fast. Just grill shrimp for about 5-7 minutes. Tofu is another great choice. Use firm tofu, and grill it for about 8-10 minutes. Make sure to press the tofu first to remove extra water. This helps it absorb the marinade better. Don't be afraid to mix up the veggies! Try adding zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms. Each adds its own flavor and texture. You can also play with spices. A pinch of cayenne adds heat. If you like sweet, try adding some brown sugar to the marinade. You can even swap the soy sauce for tamari for a gluten-free option. If you don't have a grill, you can bake the skewers. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. Another option is using an air fryer. Set it to 380°F and cook for about 10-12 minutes. This gives you a nice crisp without using much oil. To keep your skewers fresh, use an airtight container. Place the skewers in the container without stacking them too tightly. This helps keep their shape and flavor. Your leftovers will stay good in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Always let them cool to room temperature before sealing them up. To freeze the skewers, wrap them in plastic wrap first. Then, place them in a freezer bag or container. This prevents freezer burn. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat them, take them out and thaw in the fridge overnight. For best results, don't thaw them at room temperature. Reheat the skewers in the oven or on the grill. If using the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes. This keeps them juicy. If you prefer the grill, do it over low heat for around 5 minutes. Avoid using the microwave, as this can dry them out. Adding a little water can help keep them moist. Check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (75°C). Use a food thermometer for accuracy. If you do not have one, cut a piece of chicken in the middle. The meat should no longer be pink. The juices should run clear. These checks help ensure safe eating. Yes, you can prep these skewers in advance. Marinate the chicken up to two hours before cooking. You can also assemble the skewers and store them in the fridge. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap. This makes meal prep easy. Just grill them when you're ready to eat. Yes, you can grill these skewers indoors. Use a grill pan on your stovetop. Preheat the pan over medium-high heat. Add a little oil to prevent sticking. Cook the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning often. This method gives you a nice char without needing an outdoor grill. This blog post showed how to make delicious pineapple teriyaki skewers. We covered main ingredients like chicken, pineapple, and vegetables. The right marinade adds great flavor. I shared tips on marinating, grilling, and serving. You can try different proteins and cooking methods too. In the end, this dish is fun and tasty. Enjoy it with friends and family! Happy grilling!$

Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Delicious grilled skewers featuring marinated chicken, fresh pineapple, and colorful vegetables.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 12

Total Time 42

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 cup fresh pineapple, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 piece bell pepper (red or yellow), cut into 1-inch pieces
0.5 piece red onion, cut into wedges
0.25 cup soy sauce
0.25 cup honey
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon sesame oil
to taste salt and pepper
as needed skewers (wooden or metal)

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil to create the teriyaki marinade.
Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for more flavor).
While the chicken is marinating, soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and thread onto the skewers, alternating with pineapple, bell pepper, and red onion pieces.
Season the skewers with salt and pepper to taste.
Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and has a nice char. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
Optional: Brush some leftover teriyaki marinade on the skewers during the last couple of minutes of grilling for extra flavor.
Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Soak wooden skewers in water to prevent burning.

Keyword chicken, grilling, pineapple, skewers, teriyaki