These Easy Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs are super tasty and packed with flavor! Juicy chicken chunks are marinated in sweet teriyaki sauce and grilled to perfection with colorful veggies.
Creating kabobs is like playing with your food, and who doesn’t love that? I can’t resist adding extra peppers just for fun. Perfect for a sunny day or quick dinner—they’re always a hit!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe because they cook quickly and stay juicy. If you want a richer flavor, try using chicken thighs instead. They can stand up to grilling really well!
Teriyaki Sauce: Store-bought teriyaki sauce is convenient, but you can make your own by mixing soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic. Low-sodium soy sauce is a great substitute if you want to cut back on salt.
Bell Pepper: Use any color of bell pepper you like! Green, red, yellow, or orange all work well. If you’re out of bell peppers, zucchini or mushrooms can add a nice twist.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple adds a delightful sweetness, but canned pineapple chunks are just fine too. For a different twist, try using peaches or mango instead!
Sesame Seeds: These add a nice crunch. If you don’t have them, you can use chopped nuts or leave them out altogether. You could even toast some breadcrumbs for a crunchy garnish!
How Can I Ensure My Kabobs Are Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling kabobs can be tricky, but a few tips can help you achieve perfectly cooked and juicy chicken every time! Follow these steps:
- Marinade Time: Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably a few hours. This helps to infuse flavor and keeps the meat tender.
- Preheat the Grill: Make sure your grill is hot before adding the kabobs. Medium-high heat works best for even cooking.
- Skewering: Alternate chicken with veggies and fruit on skewers for the best flavor mix and visual appeal.
- Turn Frequently: Grill the kabobs for 10-15 minutes, turning them every few minutes to avoid burning and to ensure even cooking.
- Basting: Add extra teriyaki sauce in the last few minutes of grilling to enhance flavor without burning the sauce.
Letting the kabobs rest after grilling allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite deliciously moist!
Easy Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kabobs:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce, plus more for basting
- 1 bell pepper (any color), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium red onion, cut into wedges
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes before use)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty recipe will take about 30 minutes of prep time for marinating the chicken, plus an additional 10-15 minutes for grilling. For the best flavor, we recommend marinating the chicken for at least 2 hours. Enjoy the delicious aroma as you grill!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Start by placing the cut chicken pieces into a large bowl. Pour 1/2 cup of teriyaki sauce over the chicken and mix well to ensure every piece is covered. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but aiming for 2 hours will bring out even better flavors.
2. Prepare the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes. If you’re using wooden skewers, don’t forget to soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill!
3. Assemble the Kabobs:
Once the chicken is done marinating, it’s time to assemble your kabobs! Take a skewer and thread on a piece of marinated chicken, followed by a chunk of bell pepper, a wedge of red onion, and a pineapple chunk. Keep alternating until the skewer is filled, leaving some space at each end for easy handling. Repeat this process until all chicken and veggies are used up.
4. Grill the Kabobs:
Place the assembled kabobs on the grill. Cook them for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. You want the chicken to be cooked through and the veggies to have a lovely char. To add extra flavor, baste the kabobs with additional teriyaki sauce during the last few minutes of grilling.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the kabobs are beautifully grilled, carefully remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Before serving, garnish with sliced green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds on top. For a special touch, serve extra teriyaki sauce on the side. Enjoy your delicious grilled teriyaki chicken kabobs!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in the Kabobs?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match with your favorite vegetables. Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms would be great alternatives. Just make sure the pieces are roughly the same size for even cooking!
What If I Don’t Have Skewers?
No problem! You can use a grill basket or even just grill the chicken and vegetables directly on the grill. If using a grill basket, keep the pieces small and evenly spaced for better grilling results.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the oven or on the grill to maintain the charm without drying them out.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the teriyaki marinade up to 3 days in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to marinate the chicken. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully!
