These Easy Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs are a fun and tasty meal! Tender chicken is marinated in sweet teriyaki sauce and then grilled with colorful veggies. Yum!
Who doesn’t love food on a stick? It’s like having a party at dinner! I like to serve them with rice to soak up all that yummy sauce. It’s super easy and the kids love it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the best choice here as they stay tender. You can swap for chicken thighs if you prefer juicier meat, or even use firm tofu for a vegetarian option!
Teriyaki Sauce: Store-bought teriyaki sauce is quick and easy, but homemade is tastier! You can make it easily with soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), garlic, and ginger. For a lighter version, try a low-sodium soy sauce.
Veggies: I love using vibrant bell peppers for color and crunch. If you don’t have those, zucchini or mushrooms work great too. Feel free to add cherry tomatoes or use different onions for a twist!
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple gives a great sweet flavor, but canned works in a pinch. Just make sure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
Sesame Seeds: These add a nice crunch and nutty flavor. You can skip them if you need to, or use sunflower seeds as an alternative!
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Kabobs Cook Evenly?
Cooking chicken kabobs evenly can be tricky. Here are some simple tips to make sure everything is perfectly cooked:
- Cut your chicken and veggies into even 1-inch pieces. This ensures all the ingredients cook at the same rate.
- Leave small gaps between the pieces on the skewer. Crowding them slows down cooking and could result in unevenly cooked kabobs.
- Keep an eye on the grill temperature. A good medium-high heat helps achieve that nice char while cooking the chicken through.
- Turn the kabobs regularly. This allows all sides to get some grill time, making for even cooking and great grill marks!
Easy Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kabobs:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 bell pepper (any color), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 10-12 minutes to grill. You’ll want to allow for at least 30 minutes of marinating time, so set aside a total of around 1 hour to enjoy these tasty kabobs!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, mix the chicken cubes with the teriyaki sauce. Make sure all the chicken pieces are well coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you have the time, marinate overnight for even more flavor!
2. Prep the Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, to prevent them from burning on the grill, soak them in water for 30 minutes. If you have metal skewers, you can skip this step since they’re already safe for grilling!
3. Assemble the Kabobs:
Now it’s time to make your kabobs! Take your skewers and start threading on the marinated chicken, followed by bell pepper pieces, red onion pieces, and pineapple chunks. Keep alternating the ingredients and make sure to leave some space between each piece so they cook evenly.
4. Preheat the Grill:
While you’re assembling the kabobs, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, which is about 400°F (200°C). This helps get those nice grill marks on your chicken!
5. Grill the Kabobs:
Place the prepared skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Make sure to turn them occasionally so they cook evenly all around. If you’d like, baste the kabobs with a little more teriyaki sauce during the last few minutes of cooking for extra flavor.
6. Serve:
After grilling, remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Just before serving, sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the top to make them look even more delicious!
7. Enjoy:
Serve your grilled teriyaki chicken kabobs hot, with some extra teriyaki sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your tasty meal!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can add more flavor and juiciness to your kabobs. Just keep in mind that they may take a minute or two longer to cook through. Make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure they’re safe to eat.
What Vegetables Can I Substitute?
You can use a variety of vegetables based on your preferences! Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or even asparagus work great. Just make sure they are cut into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly alongside the chicken.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or pop them in the microwave for a quick meal. Just avoid overcooking to keep everything juicy!
Can I Grill These Kabobs Indoors?
Certainly! If you don’t have an outdoor grill, you can use a grill pan on your stovetop. Make sure to heat the pan properly and cook the kabobs over medium-high heat, turning frequently, as you would on an outdoor grill. Just keep an eye on them to prevent smoking!
