These tasty grilled chicken teriyaki kabobs are a fun and easy way to enjoy dinner! Juicy chicken pieces are marinated in a sweet teriyaki sauce, then grilled to perfection.
It’s like having a little party on a stick! I love serving these with some rice and veggies. It’s the perfect meal for a laid-back family night or a cookout with friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: I prefer using chicken breast for its lean texture. You can substitute with chicken thighs for more flavor, or try tofu for a vegetarian option. Just ensure whatever you choose is cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Teriyaki Sauce: Store-bought is convenient, but homemade can be made with soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic. If you’re watching your sodium, low-sodium soy sauce works well too!
Bell Peppers: Red and green bell peppers add color and crunch. Feel free to replace them with yellow or orange peppers for a sweeter taste, or use zucchini or mushrooms for a different texture.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple gives a juicy sweetness, but canned works just fine too—just be sure to drain it well. You could also swap it with mango chunks for a tropical twist!
Onion: Red onion is sweet and milder when grilled. If you prefer a stronger taste, yellow onion can also work. You can also leave it out if onions aren’t your thing!
How Do I Get My Chicken Kabobs to Cook Evenly?
Cooking kabobs can be tricky if the pieces are uneven. The key here is to cut all your chicken and veggies into uniform 1-inch cubes. This ensures they’ll cook at the same rate. Here’s how:
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- When threading onto skewers, alternate chicken and veggies for even heat distribution.
- Preheat the grill properly; a hot grill will give you tasty grill marks. Cook on medium-high heat.
- Keep turning the kabobs every few minutes to start cooking evenly on all sides.
Following these steps will help ensure that your kabobs are flavorful and properly cooked every time!
Easy Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kabobs:
- 1 pound chicken breast, 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 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1 small red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Skewers (soaked in water if wooden)
For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 30 minutes for marinating the chicken and an additional 15-20 minutes for grilling. So, you’ll spend around 1 hour total to have delicious grilled teriyaki chicken kabobs ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a mixing bowl, combine the cut chicken pieces and teriyaki sauce. Make sure all the chicken is coated well. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, letting it sit for up to 2 hours can enhance the flavor even more!
2. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will give you nice grill marks and ensure the chicken cooks evenly.
3. Assemble the Skewers:
Once the chicken is done marinating, it’s time to prepare the skewers! Thread the marinated chicken, red and green bell peppers, pineapple chunks, and red onion onto the skewers. Alternate the ingredients for a colorful and fun look!
4. Grill the Kabobs:
Place the assembled kabobs on the preheated grill. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken is fully cooked and has lovely grill marks.
5. Add Extra Flavor:
During the last few minutes of cooking, feel free to brush some additional teriyaki sauce on the kabobs for that extra burst of flavor!
6. Let Them Rest:
After removing the kabobs from the grill, let them rest for a couple of minutes. This helps keep all the juicy goodness inside.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle the kabobs with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a delightful garnish. Serve warm with additional teriyaki sauce on the side for dipping if you like. Enjoy your delicious kabobs!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes. Just make sure they are cut to a similar size as the other ingredients for even cooking.
What Kind of Chicken Can I Use?
You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat. They tend to stay juicier during grilling. Just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs can take a bit longer than breasts.
How to Store Leftover Kabobs?
Place any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll keep for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave or on a grill pan over medium heat until warmed through.
Can I Make the Kabobs Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prepare the skewers a few hours in advance; just keep them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill. This will help enhance the flavors!
