These Easy Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs are a fun and tasty treat! Juicy chicken chunks marinated in sweet teriyaki sauce are grilled with colorful veggies for a delicious meal.
My favorite part is how easy they are to make! I just soak the chicken in the sauce, stick everything on skewers, and let the grill do the work. Perfect for summer BBQs! 🍗🌈
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Fresh chicken breast is best for this recipe as it stays juicy when grilled. If you’re looking for a healthier option, use skinless chicken thighs instead; they tend to be more flavorful and tender.
Teriyaki Sauce: Store-bought is convenient, but making your own with soy sauce, sugar, ginger, and garlic gives a fresh taste. If you need a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Bell Pepper: Any color works well, but I love the sweetness of red peppers! For a different flavor, try zucchini or mushrooms—just cut them into similar-sized pieces.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple adds great sweetness and texture, but canned works too. Just drain it well to avoid excess moisture on the grill.
Sesame Seeds: These add a nice crunch and nutty flavor. If you can’t find them, you could skip them or sprinkle chopped nuts like peanuts for a different twist.
How Do I Marinate Chicken for Best Flavor?
Marinating the chicken is key for infusing flavor. First, mix the cubed chicken with teriyaki sauce in a bowl. The longer you marinate, the better it tastes. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but 4 hours is ideal. This allows the chicken to soak up all that delicious flavor.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge.
- Don’t forget to toss the chicken halfway through for even coating.
Before grilling, shake off excess marinade to avoid flare-ups on the grill. Enjoy the juicy, tasty result!
How to Make Easy Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kabobs:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 bell pepper (red, green, or yellow), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- Olive oil (for grilling)
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare, plus at least 30 minutes for marinating the chicken. Grilling the kabobs will take around 10-12 minutes. Overall, plan for about 50-60 minutes from start to finish to enjoy delicious grilled kabobs!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, mix the cubed chicken breast with the teriyaki sauce. Make sure the chicken is well-coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, marinating for up to 4 hours will give the chicken even more flavor!
2. Prepare the Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, it’s important to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes first. This prevents them from burning on the grill. If using metal skewers, you can skip this step!
3. Assemble the Kabobs:
After marinating, take the chicken out of the fridge. Thread the chicken pieces, bell pepper chunks, wedges of red onion, and pineapple pieces onto the skewers. Alternate the ingredients to make them colorful and appealing!
4. Preheat the Grill:
Get your grill ready by preheating it to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to stop the kabobs from sticking while cooking.
5. Grill the Kabobs:
Place the kabob skewers on the hot grill. Cook them for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally. Make sure the chicken is cooked all the way through (it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F) and the vegetables are tender.
6. Add Extra Glaze:
If you like extra flavor, brush on some additional teriyaki sauce over the kabobs in the last few minutes of grilling. This adds a nice glaze and enhances the taste!
7. Serve:
When finished cooking, carefully remove the kabobs from the grill. Sprinkle them with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a pretty garnish. Serve them hot with some extra teriyaki sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your tasty kabobs!
Can I Use Other Proteins Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary: shrimp will cook faster (about 5-7 minutes), while beef will need a bit longer to reach the desired doneness. Always check that meat is cooked through before serving.
What If I Don’t Have Wooden Skewers?
No problem! Metal skewers work just fine and are reusable. If you don’t have either, you can also grill the kabobs on a grill basket or a piece of aluminum foil with holes poked in it to allow for smoke and heat to circulate.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through, but be cautious not to overcook them to maintain tenderness.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the teriyaki marinade a day in advance. Just keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to use, combine it with the chicken as directed in the recipe. This will save you time and enhance the flavor!
