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- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces - 1 cup pineapple chunks, fresh or canned - 1 bell pepper, red or yellow, cut into 1-inch squares - 1 small red onion, cut into wedges - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce - 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - Sesame seeds, toasted, for garnish - Skewers (wooden or metal; soak wooden ones for 30 minutes) {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes. This step helps prevent them from burning on the grill. If you're using metal skewers, you can skip this. Next, it's time to assemble the skewers. Alternate threading the chicken, pineapple chunks, bell pepper squares, and red onion wedges. Aim for 3-4 pieces of chicken per skewer. This not only looks good but also adds flavor. Mix the marinade in a medium bowl. Whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Once mixed, add the chicken pieces. Stir until the chicken is well-coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. For even better taste, refrigerate for up to 2 hours. Now, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to stop the skewers from sticking. Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Brush with any leftover marinade to add flavor and moisture. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. To enjoy perfect Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Skewers, keep these tips in mind: - How to prevent sticking: Lightly oil your grill grates before cooking. This helps keep the skewers from sticking. You can use a paper towel dipped in oil, held with tongs, to coat the grates. - Monitoring for doneness: Cook the skewers for about 5-7 minutes on each side. Check the chicken’s internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C). This ensures it's safe to eat and perfectly juicy. Make your Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Skewers look as good as they taste: - Presentation ideas: Place skewers on a large platter with chopped cilantro or parsley. The green adds a nice pop of color. You can also arrange them in a circle or stack them for a fun look. - Complementary side dishes: Serve these skewers with fluffy steamed rice or a fresh salad. You can also add a side of grilled vegetables for an extra flavor boost. Spice up your skewers with these ideas: - Adjusting sweetness and tang: If you like it sweeter, add more honey or maple syrup. For more tang, increase the rice vinegar. Taste your marinade before adding the chicken to get it just right. - Adding extra spices: Want a kick? Sprinkle some red pepper flakes or add a pinch of smoked paprika to the marinade. This will give your skewers an extra layer of flavor that will impress everyone. Pro Tips Choose Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh pineapple and vibrant bell peppers for the best flavor and presentation. Fresh produce elevates the dish significantly. Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for deeper flavor, marinating for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator is ideal. Watch Your Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the skewers while grilling as cooking times can vary. Aim for a perfect internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for juicy chicken. Add a Spicy Kick: If you enjoy heat, consider adding a splash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy twist to your teriyaki skewers. {{image_4}} You can easily swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. Tofu is a great plant-based choice. If you use shrimp, look for large ones. They will stay juicy on the grill. For tofu, choose firm or extra-firm varieties. Marinate both shrimp and tofu just like the chicken. This step makes sure they are tasty. Feel free to mix in seasonal veggies. Zucchini or cherry tomatoes work great. You can slice zucchini into rounds or half the tomatoes. These add color and flavor to your skewers. Try bell peppers in different colors for a vibrant look. You can also use mushrooms for an earthy taste. The key is to pick fresh, in-season veggies for the best flavor. You can change up the sauce for a new twist. Try teriyaki sauce with a spicy kick by adding chili paste. You can also use a sweet and sour sauce for a different flavor. If you want a smoky taste, add some barbecue sauce. Each sauce gives your skewers a unique taste. Experiment and find your favorite! To keep your Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Skewers fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place the skewers in the fridge as soon as you finish eating. This helps prevent spoilage. Aim to eat leftovers within 3 days. After that, the chicken may lose flavor and texture. When reheating, I recommend using the oven or a skillet. These methods help keep the skewers juicy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes. If using a skillet, heat it over medium. Add a splash of water to keep moisture. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning gently. You can freeze these skewers if you want to save some for later. However, it's best to freeze them uncooked. This keeps the chicken and vegetables fresh. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. For cooked skewers, freeze them in a similar way but use them within 2 months for best taste. You should marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. This gives the chicken time to soak up the flavors. For even better taste, you can marinate it in the fridge for up to 2 hours. The longer you marinate, the richer the flavor. Yes, you can use canned pineapple chunks. However, fresh pineapple gives a better taste and texture. Canned pineapple may be softer and sweeter. If you choose canned, look for those packed in juice, not syrup. This keeps the flavor bright without adding extra sugar. The ideal internal temperature for chicken is 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer to check. Cook the chicken until it reaches this temperature, and you will have juicy, safe, and tasty skewers. This blog post outlined a tasty way to make skewers using chicken, pineapple, and veggies. You can enhance flavors with a simple marinade for delicious results. Remember to soak wooden skewers and monitor grill doneness for the best texture. Feel free to get creative with proteins and seasonal veggies. Proper storage can keep your leftovers fresh for later meals. Enjoy your grilling and share these tips with friends for a fun cookout!

Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Skewers

Delicious skewers featuring marinated chicken, pineapple, bell peppers, and red onion, grilled to perfection.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks
  • 1 whole bell pepper, cut into 1-inch squares
  • 1 small red onion, cut into wedges
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • to taste none toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
  • as needed none skewers (wooden or metal)

Instructions
 

  • Prep the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes.
  • Marinate the Chicken: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Add the chicken pieces and stir until thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours.
  • Assemble the Skewers: Once marinated, alternate threading the chicken pieces, pineapple chunks, bell pepper squares, and red onion wedges onto the skewers.
  • Grill the Skewers: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates. Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side. The chicken should be cooked through and have beautiful grill marks.
  • Serve and Garnish: Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Before serving, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds generously over the skewers.

Notes

For best flavor, use fresh pineapple. Serve with steamed rice or salad.
Keyword chicken, grilled, pineapple, skewers, teriyaki