Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are made with juicy chicken, fresh pineapple, and vegetables, all marinated in a homemade teriyaki sauce. The combination of sweet, salty, and smoky flavors makes these skewers a perfect choice for grilling season, barbecues, or a casual weeknight dinner. These skewers pair wonderfully with rice or salad, and the tangy pineapple adds an extra burst of flavor.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Teriyaki Marinade:

• ½ cup water

• ½ cup soy sauce (low sodium is a great alternative)

• ¼ cup pineapple juice

• ½ cup brown sugar (honey or agave can be substituted)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ¼ tsp ground ginger

• 2 green onions, finely chopped

• 1 tsp black pepper

For the Chicken Skewers:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 ½-inch cubes

• 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 2 cups fresh pineapple, cut into 1-1½-inch cubes

• ½ red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces

• Wooden or metal skewers (soak wooden skewers if using)

Directions

1. Make the Marinade:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients.

2. Marinate the Chicken:
   Place the chicken cubes in a sealable bag or bowl and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 12 hours for extra flavor.

3. Prepare the Skewers:
   After marinating, remove the chicken from the bag and discard the marinade. Thread the chicken, bell peppers, onions, and pineapple onto the skewers.

4. Grill the Skewers:
   Preheat your grill to medium heat. Grill the skewers for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

5. Serve:
   Remove the skewers from the grill and serve immediately with rice or salad.

Nutrients

• Calories: 282 per serving

• Carbohydrates: 23g

• Protein: 25g

• Fat: 12g

• Saturated Fat: 3g

• Cholesterol: 70mg

• Sodium: 614mg

• Potassium: 448mg

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 14g

• Vitamin A: 74 IU

• Vitamin C: 1mg

• Calcium: 28mg

• Iron: 3mg

Why You’ll Love Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

These skewers are a fantastic option for a variety of occasions. The teriyaki marinade infuses the chicken with bold flavors, while the vegetables and pineapple offer a refreshing contrast. The dish is easy to customize by adjusting the vegetables or even adding extra ingredients like mushrooms or zucchini. The grilling process adds a smoky char, making the meal even more flavorful.

Additionally, the skewers are a great choice for meal prep. Make a big batch, store them in the fridge, and you’ve got an easy lunch or dinner ready to go. They’re also perfect for barbecues or family gatherings, where everyone can grab a skewer and enjoy the juicy, flavorful chicken.

The Ingredients That Make Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Special

• Teriyaki Marinade: A blend of soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, garlic, onion powder, ginger, and green onions creates a deliciously balanced marinade that is both savory and slightly sweet.

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe, providing lean protein that absorbs the marinade and cooks quickly on the grill.

• Pineapple: Fresh pineapple cubes bring a sweet, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory teriyaki sauce.

• Bell Peppers and Onions: Green and red bell peppers, along with red onion, add crunch and color to the skewers, making them not only delicious but visually appealing.

• Skewers: Wooden or metal skewers are used to thread the ingredients together, making them easy to grill. Soaking wooden skewers beforehand helps prevent them from burning on the grill.

How to Make Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Making these grilled chicken skewers is easy and fun. Here’s how you can prepare them:

1. Make the Marinade

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the water, soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, garlic, onion powder, ground ginger, green onions, and black pepper. This creates the perfect blend of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors for marinating the chicken.

2. Marinate the Chicken

• Place the chicken cubes into a sealable bag or bowl, and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 12 hours.

3. Prepare the Skewers

• After marinating, remove the chicken from the bag and discard the marinade.

• Thread the marinated chicken, bell peppers, onions, and pineapple onto the skewers. Be sure to alternate the ingredients for an even distribution of flavors.

4. Grill the Skewers

• Preheat your grill to medium heat. If using a grill pan, heat it over medium heat on the stovetop.

• Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The skewers should be golden and slightly charred on the outside.

5. Serve

• Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.

• Serve the grilled chicken skewers immediately with your choice of rice, a fresh salad, or on their own.

Nutritional Benefits of Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

These Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are not only delicious but also provide a good balance of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. Here’s a breakdown of the key nutrients per serving:

• Calories: Each serving contains 282 calories, making it a moderate-calorie meal that is satisfying without being overly heavy.

• Protein: The chicken provides 25 grams of protein per serving, which helps with muscle repair and provides long-lasting energy.

• Fat: With 12 grams of fat, including 3 grams of saturated fat, the fat content comes from the chicken and a small amount of oil used for grilling.

• Carbohydrates: At 23 grams of carbohydrates, these skewers provide energy from the natural sugars in the pineapple and the vegetables.

• Fiber: Each serving contains 1 gram of fiber, helping with digestion and contributing to feelings of fullness.

• Sugar: With 14 grams of sugar, most of the sweetness comes from the pineapple and brown sugar in the marinade.

• Sodium: These skewers contain 614 mg of sodium per serving, mainly from the soy sauce. You can adjust the sodium content by using low-sodium soy sauce if desired.

• Potassium: The skewers provide 448 mg of potassium, which is essential for maintaining proper muscle and heart function.

• Cholesterol: With 70 mg of cholesterol, the skewers contain a moderate amount, primarily from the chicken.

Serving Suggestions

These Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers can be served in a variety of ways:

• With Rice: Serve the skewers over a bed of jasmine rice, brown rice, or fried rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

• With a Salad: Pair the skewers with a light green salad or a tangy slaw for a fresh and balanced meal.

• As Part of a BBQ Spread: These skewers are a perfect addition to any barbecue. Serve them alongside grilled vegetables, corn on the cob, or even some grilled shrimp.

• With Dipping Sauce: For extra flavor, serve the skewers with a side of extra teriyaki sauce, peanut sauce, or even a spicy mayo dip.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that is perfect for grilling season, weeknight dinners, or casual gatherings. With juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and a homemade teriyaki marinade, these skewers are packed with savory, sweet, and smoky flavors that everyone will enjoy. Quick to prepare, customizable, and full of vibrant flavors, they make an excellent meal or appetizer. Try these skewers today and bring a taste of summer to your kitchen or grill!