These Easy Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs are a fun and tasty meal, filled with juicy chicken and colorful veggies, all coated in a sweet teriyaki sauce that makes your taste buds dance!
Who doesn’t love food on a stick? It’s a party on your plate! I love grilling these kabobs on sunny days for a quick dinner that feels special and yummy. Perfect for sharing with friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for kabobs since they cook quickly. You can swap them for thighs if you want more flavor and juiciness. In a pinch, tofu or shrimp can be great alternatives for a twist.
Teriyaki Sauce: Whether you use store-bought or homemade, it’s the star of the dish! For a healthier option, try a low-sodium sauce, or make your own by mixing soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger.
Bell Peppers: Red and green bell peppers add great color and sweetness. Feel free to use any so you prefer—yellow or orange peppers work too, or even zucchini for a twist.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple gives a juicy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the chicken. If you don’t have fresh, canned pineapple works, just drain it well.
Skewers: Wooden skewers are fine, but make sure to soak them before grilling. Metal skewers are reusable and won’t burn, plus they help cook the chicken evenly.
How Do You Properly Marinate Chicken for Kabobs?
Marinating chicken is crucial as it infuses flavor and helps tenderize the meat. Always let it sit for at least 30 minutes; longer marinating (up to 2 hours) allows for deeper flavor penetration.
- In a bowl, mix the chicken cubes with teriyaki sauce, ensuring all pieces are coated.
- Cover and refrigerate. The acids in the sauce can also help make the chicken tender, so don’t rush this step!
What’s the Best Way to Thread Ingredients on Skewers?
Threading your kabobs helps them cook evenly and beautifully. Here are some quick tips:
- Alternate the chicken with veggies and pineapple to create a colorful, flavorful mix.
- Push ingredients onto the skewer, making sure to leave a little space between each piece for even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers; this helps ensure everything cooks properly on the grill.
Easy Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Kabobs:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, cut into 1-inch chunks
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
For Garnish (Optional):
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10-15 minutes for prep time and a minimum of 30 minutes to marinate the chicken. Plus, you’ll need around 10-12 minutes for grilling. Overall, expect to spend about 1 hour including prep and marinating.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, combine the chicken cubes and teriyaki sauce. Use a spoon to stir it around, making sure each piece of chicken is well-coated with the sauce. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, pop it in the fridge for up to 2 hours to allow those flavors to soak in even more.
2. Prepare the Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes while the chicken is marinating. This step helps to prevent them from burning on the grill. If you’re using metal skewers, you can skip this step!
3. Get the Grill Ready:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This temperature is perfect for getting that lovely char on the chicken without drying it out.
4. Assemble the Kabobs:
Once the chicken is ready, it’s time to put everything on the skewers! Start by alternating the marinated chicken with the bell peppers, onion pieces, and pineapple chunks. Make it colorful and fun!
5. Grill the Kabobs:
Place the assembled kabobs on the hot grill. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, remembering to turn them occasionally. You want to see some nice grill marks and ensure the chicken is cooked all the way through.
6. Let Them Rest:
Once cooked, carefully remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy!
7. Add the Finishing Touches:
If you’d like, sprinkle the kabobs with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a nice touch before serving. It looks great and adds extra flavor!
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Enjoy your delicious grilled teriyaki chicken kabobs with some extra teriyaki sauce on the side for dipping. Dig in and savor every bite!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the bell peppers and onions with other vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms. Just remember to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking!
What Can I Use Instead of Teriyaki Sauce?
If you don’t have teriyaki sauce, you can use soy sauce mixed with a bit of honey or brown sugar for sweetness. Adding a splash of rice vinegar or sesame oil can enhance the flavor too!
How to Store Leftover Kabobs?
Store any leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through, or use a microwave for a quick option.
Can I Make These Kabobs in the Oven?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the kabobs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through.
