These Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are juicy and full of flavor! Marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce, they make a perfect treat for grilling. Plus, they’re super easy to make!
Skewering makes them fun to eat! I love serving these at parties or just for a family dinner. Let’s be honest, the sticky sauce is simply irresistible. You’re gonna love it! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: This is the main protein for the skewers. While chicken breast is lean and commonly used, you can also try chicken thighs for more flavor or even tofu for a vegetarian option!
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple adds sweetness and tang. If fresh isn’t available, canned chunks work fine too. You can even substitute with mango for a tropical twist!
Bell Pepper: Green or red bell peppers are great choices for color and crunch. You could swap them with zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or even mushrooms if you prefer different textures.
Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free version, use tamari, or if you’re watching your sodium, low-sodium soy sauce works well without losing flavor.
Brown Sugar: If you’re out of brown sugar, substitute with white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses, or honey can work in a pinch, adding a different flavor profile.
How Do I Get My Marinade Just Right?
The marinade is key to wonderful flavor in these skewers. Start by whisking all the marinade ingredients together thoroughly. This ensures everything combines well. Let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least an hour. This really helps it soak up all those tasty flavors!
- Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil in a bowl.
- Whisk until smooth; taste to adjust sweetness or saltiness if needed.
- Don’t rush the marinating time; longer is usually better for the best flavor.
How Can I Make Sure My Skewers Don’t Stick or Burn on the Grill?
Grilling can be tricky, but with a few techniques, you can avoid sticking. First, make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high. This helps create a sear on the food. If you’re using wooden skewers, soaking them helps prevent burning!
- Once your grill is hot, lightly oil it to create a non-stick surface.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers; leave some space between the pieces for even cooking.
- Turn them occasionally to get nice grill marks and avoid burning—about every 3 minutes or so.
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Skewers?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 bell pepper (green or red), cut into squares
- 1 onion, cut into squares
- Skewers (wooden or metal), soaked in water if wooden
For the Teriyaki Marinade:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and an additional 1 hour for marinating. You’ll spend around 10-12 minutes grilling the skewers. Overall, set aside about 1 hour and 30 minutes to enjoy these delicious Teriyaki Chicken Skewers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Keep mixing until everything is well combined. This marinade is what gives the chicken its amazing flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces into the marinade, making sure they are nicely coated. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge. Let it sit for at least 1 hour, but if you have more time, letting it marinate overnight will give you the best flavor.
3. Prepare the Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to keep them from burning on the grill. While the skewers are soaking, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to cook.
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to put everything on the skewers! Alternate threading the marinated chicken, pineapple chunks, bell pepper squares, and onion squares onto the skewers. Make them colorful and fun!
5. Cook the Skewers:
Place your skewers on the hot grill. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally. You want to see nice grill marks and make sure the chicken is cooked through. It should be juicy and tender!
6. Thicken the Marinade (Optional):
If you’d like a thicker sauce, take any leftover marinade, pour it into a small saucepan, and bring it to a boil. Then stir in the cornstarch mixed with water and keep cooking until it thickens to your liking.
7. Serve:
It’s time to eat! Serve your delicious skewers over a bed of rice and drizzle with the thickened teriyaki sauce. Feel free to add extra pineapple and veggies on the side. Enjoy your tasty Teriyaki Chicken Skewers!
Can I Use Different Proteins for These Skewers?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with beef, shrimp, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the marinating time: tofu can marinate for at least 30 minutes, while shrimp needs about 15-20 minutes since it cooks quickly!
How Do I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can pop them in the microwave for a quick warm-up or briefly grill them again to regain that delicious charred flavor.
What If I Don’t Have Rice Vinegar?
No worries! You can easily substitute rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. If you want to mimic the sweetness and mildness of rice vinegar, add a pinch of sugar to the substitute!
Can I Make a Larger Batch of Marinade?
Yes, you can definitely scale up the marinade recipe if you’re making more skewers! Simply keep the same ratios for each ingredient, and it’s a great idea to marinade in a large zip-top bag for easy mixing and to save space in the fridge.
