These Easy Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs are a fun and tasty meal! They’re juicy pieces of chicken marinated in sweet teriyaki sauce, skewered with colorful veggies.
Cooking these kabobs is a breeze! I love how they get all that yummy flavor from the grill, making dinner feel like a summer party, even in the winter! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for kabobs since they cook evenly and stay juicy. If you prefer, you can use thighs for a richer flavor or even tofu for a vegetarian option!
Teriyaki Sauce: A classic for this recipe! You can easily make your own using soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. If you’re looking for a lower-sodium option, many brands offer reduced-sodium teriyaki sauce.
Bell Pepper: I love using colorful bell peppers, as they add a nice crunch and sweetness. If you can’t find bell peppers, zucchini or mushrooms can be great substitutes.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple adds a juicy and sweet twist, but canned works just fine too. If you’re avoiding sugar, grilled peaches or mango can also bring a tropical flair!
Skewers: Wooden skewers need soaking to avoid burning, while metal skewers are reusable and won’t catch fire. If you don’t have skewers, you can cook the items in a grill basket instead!
How Can I Get Perfectly Cooked Kabobs?
Getting your kabobs cooked just right can be tricky! Here’s how to ensure they’re delicious and juicy:
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. This makes a big difference!
- Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes. Overnight is even better, as it enhances the flavors.
- Preheat your grill at medium-high. This helps achieve nice grill marks and cooks the chicken evenly.
- Alternate ingredients on the skewers. This not only looks great but ensures flavor in every bite!
- Cook kabobs for 12-15 minutes, turning regularly. This helps them cook through and get that charred flavor.
- Brush with extra teriyaki sauce in the last few minutes. This adds an extra layer of flavor and keeps things juicy!
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll have kabobs that are tender, flavorful, and an absolute hit at your next meal!
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 (plus extra for brushing)
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium onion, cut into chunks
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 2-3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and at least 30 minutes of marinating time. You’ll need around 15 minutes for grilling, making the total time approximately 1 hour. Perfect for a quick meal that packs a ton of flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Soak the Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, first soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This step is important to prevent them from burning while you grill the kabobs. If you’re using metal skewers, you can skip this step!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, combine the chicken cubes with 1 cup of teriyaki sauce. Make sure all the chicken pieces are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you want a richer flavor, you can marinate it overnight for even more deliciousness.
3. Prepare the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures that the kabobs cook evenly and get those nice grill marks!
4. Assemble the Kabobs:
Once marinated, take the chicken out of the fridge. Now it’s time to thread the ingredients onto the skewers! Alternate threading the marinated chicken with pieces of bell pepper, onion, and pineapple. This creates colorful and tasty kabobs!
5. Grill the Kabobs:
Place the assembled skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for about 12-15 minutes, turning them occasionally so they cook evenly. During the last few minutes, brush on some extra teriyaki sauce for extra flavor. Just be careful not to brush too early to avoid burning the sauce!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the chicken is fully cooked and has beautiful grill marks, remove the kabobs from the grill. Garnish them with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve hot and enjoy your tasty grilled teriyaki chicken kabobs!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a juicier, more flavorful element to your kabobs. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized cubes for even cooking. The marinating time can remain the same.
What Can I Substitute for Teriyaki Sauce?
If you don’t have teriyaki sauce, a mix of soy sauce with a touch of honey or brown sugar can work well. For added flavor, include a splash of rice vinegar and a little grated ginger. Adjust to taste based on how sweet or salty you prefer it!
How Do I Know When the Chicken is Fully Cooked?
The best way to ensure your chicken is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have one, ensure that the chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear.
Can I Prepare the Kabobs in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the kabobs a few hours in advance! Just marinate the chicken and assemble the kabobs without grilling. Cover them and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to grill. This not only saves time but allows the flavors to meld even more!
