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- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs: I love using these because they stay juicy. - 1 cup fresh pineapple: Sweet and tangy, it adds a nice twist. - 1 red bell pepper: This gives a pop of color and flavor. - 1 green bell pepper: It balances the sweetness of the pineapple. - ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce: This is key for our tasty marinade. - ¼ cup honey: It adds sweetness and helps with caramelization. - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: This gives a nice acidity to the dish. - 2 tablespoons sesame oil: It brings a rich, nutty flavor to the skewers. - 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic boosts the flavor. - 1 teaspoon ginger, minced: This adds warmth and zest to the marinade. - 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Use this if you want a thicker sauce. - Garnish ideas: I suggest sesame seeds and green onions for a lovely finish. Every ingredient plays a role in making these skewers a flavorful delight. The sweet pineapple pairs perfectly with the savory chicken. The vibrant bell peppers add crunch and color. Don't forget the optional ingredients; they elevate the dish further! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, we need to prepare the marinade. In a medium bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and ginger. This mix brings out the sweet and savory flavors. It’s key for the chicken. Reserve a few tablespoons of marinade for basting later. Next, add the chicken cubes to the marinade. Make sure each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let it marinate for up to 2 hours. The longer it sits, the more flavor it picks up. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. This step helps prevent them from burning on the grill. If you have metal skewers, you can skip this part. Once the chicken is done marinating, it’s time to assemble the skewers. Thread the marinated chicken, fresh pineapple, and bell pepper pieces alternately onto the skewers. Packing them tightly looks great and helps them cook evenly. For cooking, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10 to 15 minutes. Turn them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly. Baste them with the reserved marinade as they cook. This helps keep them juicy and adds extra flavor. If you want a thicker glaze, you can mix cornstarch with a little water. Add this to the reserved marinade in the last few minutes of cooking. This step makes the sauce stick nicely to the skewers. Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill. Let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Enjoy the rich flavors of pineapple teriyaki chicken skewers! To get the best flavor, let the chicken soak in the marinade. I recommend marinating for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, go for 2 hours. This helps the chicken absorb all the tasty flavors. Alternative marinating ingredients: You can mix things up. Try adding fresh lime juice or orange juice for a citrus twist. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can add a nice touch too. Ensure even cooking by turning the skewers often. This helps all sides cook the same. You want nice grill marks, which add great taste and looks. Use medium-high heat for the best results. For those perfect marks, place the skewers on the grill and do not move them for a couple of minutes. Then, turn them to get nice lines. Pair these skewers with rice or a fresh salad. They make a great meal when served with jasmine or coconut rice. You can also serve them with a tangy slaw for crunch. Presentation ideas: Arrange the skewers on a large platter. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for color. This makes the dish pop and look inviting. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Flavor: Allowing the chicken to marinate for up to 2 hours will enhance the flavor, making it more succulent and delicious. Choose Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh pineapple and vibrant bell peppers not only boosts the flavor but also adds a colorful presentation to your skewers. Monitor Grill Temperature: Keep an eye on grill temperature to prevent burning; medium-high heat is ideal for achieving a nice char while cooking the chicken through. Experiment with Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or cherry tomatoes to your skewers for added variety and nutrition. {{image_2}} You can swap out the chicken for other proteins. Tofu works well for a vegetarian dish. It absorbs flavors nicely. Shrimp is another great choice. It cooks quickly and adds a nice texture. Feel free to change the vegetables too. Try using zucchini or mushrooms. They add a different taste and look lovely on the skewers. You can also add cherry tomatoes for a pop of color. Want to give your skewers a tropical twist? Add mango chunks or coconut flakes. These fruits enhance the sweet and savory flavor. You could also try adding lime juice for some zing. If you like heat, add hot sauce to the marinade. A dash of sriracha or chili flakes can spice things up. This adds a new layer of flavor and makes each bite exciting. You don’t have to grill your skewers. You can bake them in the oven too. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the skewers on a baking sheet and cook for 20 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even cooking. Another method is using an air fryer. Set it to 380°F and cook for about 12 minutes. This method gives you a nice crispy finish. Plus, it’s quick and easy, perfect for busy nights! To store leftovers, place the skewers in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Leftovers stay good for up to three days in the fridge. After that, they might lose taste and texture. You can freeze pre-cooked skewers for later use. Make sure they are cool before you freeze them. Wrap each skewer in foil or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When it's time to eat, thaw the skewers in the fridge overnight. Reheat them on a grill or in the oven until they are hot. This way, you keep all the flavors intact. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs? Yes, you can use chicken breast. Chicken thighs add more flavor and stay juicy. If you prefer chicken breast, cut it into 1-inch cubes. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as breasts cook faster. What can I substitute for soy sauce? You can replace soy sauce with coconut aminos or tamari. Both options give a similar taste. Coconut aminos is great if you want a soy-free choice. How long do I need to marinate the chicken? Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, let it sit for up to 2 hours. This helps the chicken soak up all the tasty marinade. What’s the best temperature for grilling? Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F. This temperature gives nice grill marks and cooks the chicken evenly. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. Is this recipe healthy? Yes, this recipe can be healthy. It has lean protein and fresh veggies. The pineapple adds natural sweetness without too much added sugar. How to lower the sugar content? To lower sugar, use less honey or substitute it with a sugar-free sweetener. You can also skip the honey entirely for a lower-sugar option. You now have a tasty recipe for chicken skewers with various flavors. Remember to choose fresh ingredients like boneless chicken thighs and ripe pineapple. Marinate the chicken for the best flavor, and don't forget about optional garnishes like green onions. You can swap in different proteins or veggies for fun twists. Whether you grill, bake, or air-fry, enjoy your skewers hot off the grill. With the right storage, you can enjoy these delicious meals longer. Happy cooking!

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers with a Pineapple Twist

Delicious chicken skewers marinated in teriyaki sauce, paired with fresh pineapple and bell peppers.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 piece red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 piece green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker sauce)
  • to taste Skewers (soaked in water if wooden)

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and ginger. Reserve a few tablespoons for basting later. Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring they're well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
  • If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. If using metal skewers, you can skip this step.
  • After marinating, thread the chicken, pineapple, and bell pepper pieces alternately onto the skewers, packing them in tightly for an appealing presentation.
  • Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with reserved marinade until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. If you like a thicker glaze, you can dissolve cornstarch in a little water and add it to the reserved marinade in the last few minutes of cooking.
  • Once cooked, remove skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Serve warm, with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish if desired.

Notes

For a thicker sauce, dissolve cornstarch in water and add to the marinade during the last few minutes of cooking.
Keyword chicken, grilling, pineapple, skewers, teriyaki