These Easy Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs are a tasty treat! Juicy chicken pieces are marinated in a sweet teriyaki sauce and then grilled with colorful veggies.
What I love most is that they cook quickly and are perfect for outdoor fun! Pair them with a side of rice, and you’ve got a meal that feels like a barbecue party in your backyard. 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: This is the star of the dish! Chicken breast is lean and cooks quickly, but you could use thighs for more flavor. If you’re going for a vegetarian option, try using firm tofu or mushrooms instead.
Teriyaki Sauce: Store-bought is convenient, but homemade is so simple! Just mix soy sauce, sugar, ginger, and garlic. For a gluten-free option, tamari can be a great alternative.
Bell Pepper: Any color works! I love using red for its sweetness. If bell peppers aren’t available, zucchini or cherry tomatoes can add a fun twist.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple brings great texture and sweetness, but canned pineapple chunks work too. If you’re looking for a twist, mango can be a delicious substitute!
Sesame Seeds: These add a nice crunch and flavor. If you don’t have sesame seeds, chopped nuts like peanuts or cashews can provide texture too.
How Do I Make Sure My Kabobs Cook Evenly?
The key to perfectly cooked kabobs is to cut everything into uniform pieces. This helps ensure everything cooks at the same rate. Here’s how to do it:
- Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes, same with vegetables and fruit.
- Soak wooden skewers for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Thread ingredients onto skewers with some space between them; this promotes even cooking.
- Keep an eye on the grill temperature, it should be medium-high. Rotate the kabobs to promote even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that your chicken reaches 165°F/75°C.
Following these tips will ensure your kabobs are perfectly grilled and bursting with flavor!
Easy Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken Kabobs:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 bell pepper (red, green, or yellow), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
For Garnishing:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and marinating, plus 10-15 minutes for grilling. Plan for at least 30 minutes of marinating time, so total time is around 1 hour if you include soaking the skewers. Easy and delicious grilled kabobs await!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent them from burning on the grill. If you’re using metal skewers, you can skip this step!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, combine your chicken cubes with ½ cup of the 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 time, letting it sit for up to 2 hours will add even more flavor!
3. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot for perfect grilling!
4. Assemble the Kabobs:
Once your chicken is marinated, it’s time to make those kabobs! Start threading the chicken, bell pepper pieces, onion pieces, and pineapple chunks onto the skewers. Feel free to create a fun pattern or mix everything together—whatever you like!
5. Grill the Kabobs:
Carefully place the assembled kabobs on the preheated grill. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally. You want the chicken to be cooked through (with an internal temperature of 165°F/75°C) and have those beautiful grill marks!
6. Add Extra Flavor:
During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the kabobs with the remaining teriyaki sauce for an extra burst of flavor. Yum!
7. Rest and Garnish:
Once cooked, remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This helps keep them juicy! Then, garnish your kabobs with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for that perfect finishing touch.
8. Enjoy!
Serve your delicious teriyaki chicken kabobs hot and enjoy every bite! They’re perfect for a summer barbecue or a fun dinner option.
## FAQs for Easy Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs
Can I Use Different Vegetables in These Kabobs?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite vegetables. Bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and even asparagus would all work great. Just make sure they’re cut into similar sizes for even cooking!
Can I Make These Kabobs in the Oven?
Yes! If you don’t have access to a grill, you can bake the kabobs in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the kabobs on a baking sheet, and bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through. This will also allow the chicken to cook thoroughly.
How to Store Leftover Kabobs?
Store any leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes or pop them in the microwave, covering them with a damp paper towel to keep them moist.
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe! They tend to be juicier and more flavorful. Just cut them into 1-inch cubes and follow the same marinating and grilling instructions. Be sure to adjust cooking time as needed, aiming for that same internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
