These easy grilled teriyaki chicken kabobs are a fun and tasty way to enjoy chicken! They’re full of flavor, thanks to a sweet and sticky teriyaki marinade.
Perfect for summer cookouts, I love how quick they are to make. Just skewer the chicken with some veggies and grill them up. You’ll be the star of the barbecue! 🍗🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts give a tender texture. If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs for more flavor. Turkey is also a good option if you’re looking for a leaner meat.
Teriyaki Sauce: A vital ingredient that brings sweetness and tang. If you’re looking for a lighter option, low-sodium teriyaki sauce is available. You can even make your own using soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic!
Bell Pepper: I love using red bell pepper for its sweetness. However, any color works well. If you’re sensitive to peppers, zucchini or mushrooms can make tasty substitutes.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple gives a punch of flavor, but canned works too! If pineapple isn’t your thing, mango or peaches can add a nice twist.
Skewers: Wooden skewers need soaking to prevent burning. If you’re grilling often, consider investing in metal skewers as they are reusable and don’t require soaking.
How Do I Properly Marinate the Chicken?
Marinating is a crucial step to make your chicken flavorful and juicy. The teriyaki sauce penetrates the meat, but timing is important.
- In a bowl, mix the chicken with teriyaki sauce. Ensure all pieces are evenly coated.
- Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor—up to 2 hours is even better!
- If you have the time, marinating longer in the fridge will help the meat absorb more flavor.
Remember, never marinate raw chicken in the teriyaki sauce for the same time it was marinated; it can cause food safety issues. Always discard any leftover marinade after use!
Easy Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kabobs:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce (plus more for brushing)
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 small onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time, plus at least 30 minutes to marinate the chicken. Including grilling time, the total is around 1 hour. Perfect for a fun and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent them from burning when you grill the kabobs. If you’re using metal skewers, you can skip this step and get ready to cook!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, add your cut chicken pieces and pour in the teriyaki sauce. Stir well to coat all the chicken. Now, let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. You can also refrigerate it for up to 2 hours if you want to make it ahead of time. The longer it marinates, the tastier it will be!
3. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken marinates, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures that your kabobs will cook evenly and get those lovely grill marks!
4. Assemble the Kabobs:
Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to put everything on the skewers! Thread the marinated chicken, bell pepper pieces, onion pieces, and pineapple chunks onto the skewers. Alternate the ingredients for a pretty and colorful kabob presentation. Make sure not to pack them too tightly; leave a little space between each piece for even cooking.
5. Season and Grill:
Now, it’s time to season your skewers with a little salt and pepper. Place them on the preheated grill. Grill the kabobs for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally. Brush them with extra teriyaki sauce as they cook to give them even more flavor. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and has nice grill marks.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once your kabobs are done cooking, carefully remove them from the grill. Garnish with sliced green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds over the top. Serve them warm with extra teriyaki sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious Easy Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs—it’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Different Meats for These Kabobs?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with beef, shrimp, or firm tofu for a vegetarian option. If using beef, choose cuts like sirloin or tenderloin, and adjust the marinating time based on the meat type—for shrimp, 15-30 minutes is sufficient.
What If I Don’t Have Skewers?
No worries! If you don’t have skewers, you can grill the ingredients in a grill basket or a foil packet. Just toss everything together with some teriyaki sauce and grill it in the basket, or wrap it in foil with some holes poked for steam vents.
Can I Make the Marinade in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the teriyaki marinade in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just mix the teriyaki sauce with any additional ingredients you’d like, such as garlic or ginger, and it’s ready to use whenever you need it!
How to Store Leftover Kabobs?
Store any leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also enjoy them cold in salads or wraps!
