Print

Flavorful Grilled Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

grilled pineapple teriyaki chicken skewers - featured image

These grilled pineapple teriyaki chicken skewers offer a perfect balance of savory and sweet with a sticky, caramelized glaze and juicy pineapple chunks, ideal for summer BBQs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
  • Fresh pineapple, cut into 1.5-inch chunks
  • ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • Green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
  • Toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
  • Wooden or metal skewers (wooden soaked in water 30 minutes before grilling)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade by whisking together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until sugar dissolves (about 5 minutes).
  2. Add cubed chicken to the marinade, toss to coat evenly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes up to 2 hours (do not exceed 4 hours).
  3. Cut fresh pineapple into 1.5-inch chunks and pat dry with paper towels to reduce moisture.
  4. Thread chicken and pineapple chunks alternately onto soaked wooden or metal skewers, leaving space between pieces for even cooking.
  5. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (375-400°F). Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
  6. Grill skewers for 12-15 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes and brushing occasionally with reserved marinade until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and edges are nicely charred.
  7. Transfer skewers to a serving platter and garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot.

Notes

Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. Keep pineapple chunks dry to avoid flare-ups. Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes, ideally 1-2 hours, but no longer than 4 hours to prevent mushiness. Boil leftover marinade before brushing on cooked skewers for extra flavor. Use medium-high heat and turn skewers frequently for even caramelization. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari. Frozen pineapple can be used if thawed and patted dry.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken skewers, teriyaki chicken, pineapple chicken, summer BBQ, easy chicken recipe, grilled pineapple, teriyaki glaze, healthy chicken skewers