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This savory recipe for Teriyaki Chicken Kebabs captures all the flavors of summer grilling with just a handful of fresh, easy-to-find ingredients. The combination of juicy chicken marinated in a sweet and savory homemade teriyaki sauce with bursts of fresh pineapple and the bite of green bell pepper makes these skewers impossible to resist. Every bite features smoky notes from the grill and just the right balance of textures.
My family’s eyes light up when these hit the table. I first tried making them for a block party and now they are always requested whenever the grill comes out at home.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast: Delivers tender juicy meat and easily soaks up marinade flavor When choosing chicken look for firm flesh and minimal liquid in the packaging
- Green bell pepper: Adds crunch and a hint of bitterness against the sweet sauce Choose peppers that are glossy and firm for best bite
- Pineapple: Brings natural sweetness and helps tenderize the chicken Select ripe pineapples that are fragrant at the base and have a slight give when pressed
- Soy sauce: Supplies salty umami Choose low sodium if you prefer less salt
- Fresh ginger and garlic: Give fresh spicy and aromatic notes Look for plump garlic cloves and firm ginger roots
- Brown sugar or honey: Balances the saltiness with warmth and moisture Use dark brown sugar for deeper notes
- Rice vinegar: Offers acidity to brighten the marinade Always use unseasoned rice vinegar for pure tang
- Sesame oil: Adds rich nutty undertones Get toasted sesame oil for best flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Teriyaki Marinade:
- Whisk together soy sauce brown sugar minced garlic grated ginger rice vinegar and sesame oil in a bowl until the sugar dissolves and the mixture smells fragrant This creates the main flavor base that soaks into the chicken
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Cut the chicken breast into evenly sized cubes Place the chicken into a sealable bag with the teriyaki marinade Toss to coat thoroughly Squeeze out air and seal Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator This tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor
- Prepare the Skewers:
- Cut green bell pepper and fresh pineapple into bite sized chunks Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning on the grill
- Assemble Kebabs:
- Alternate threading marinated chicken pineapple and green pepper onto the skewers Leave a small gap between each piece for even cooking and to avoid crowding which may cause steaming instead of charring
- Grill the Kebabs:
- Preheat the grill to medium high oil the grates for sticking prevention Place skewers directly over heat Grill each side for 3 to 4 minutes turning to get even grill marks Continue cooking until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender crisp The surface should be caramelized for extra flavor
- Rest and Serve:
- Let kebabs rest for a couple of minutes before serving This keeps the juices in the chicken Serve hot for the best flavor and texture
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Pineapple is my absolute favorite in this dish with its juicy sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on the grill It always takes me back to the first summer we tried these kebabs outside at dusk laughing while everyone reached for seconds
Storage Tips
Store any leftover kebabs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days Gently reheat on the grill or in a skillet to maintain a bit of the grilled flavor Avoid microwaving too long to keep the chicken from drying out
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap chicken breast for boneless thigh for extra juiciness Tofu or tempeh work as vegetarian options Red yellow or orange bell peppers provide a sweeter taste and splash of color
Serving Suggestions
Serve the kebabs over steamed rice or with a cool cucumber salad For a more substantial meal pair with grilled corn or a side of edamame They also work great as a party appetizer if you cut everything smaller and use short skewers
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Cultural Historical Context
Teriyaki is a Japanese technique that means glaze and grill The American version often includes pineapple and a slightly sweeter sauce This recipe blends that East meets West flavor tradition especially popular at summer cookouts
Commonly Asked Questions
- → How long should the chicken marinate?
Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but for deeper flavor, leave it for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- → Can I use other vegetables on the skewers?
Absolutely! Try adding sliced red onion, or more colorful bell peppers like yellow and orange for added variety.
- → What’s the best way to grill if I don’t have an outdoor grill?
Use a grill pan on the stovetop, cooking the skewers until the chicken reaches 160°F internally and the edges are slightly charred.
- → How do I keep the chicken moist?
Proper marinating and not overcooking on the grill are key. Grill just until the chicken is cooked through and juicy.
- → How should leftovers be stored, and for how long?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days for best freshness.