Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Why You’ll Love Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Recipe

• The marinade seeps deep into the chicken for a rich, layered flavor rather than just glazing the outside.

• Combining chicken with pineapple and bell pepper creates a delicious balance of savory, sweet, and smoky tastes — the pineapple adds juiciness and a hint of freshness that complements the teriyaki flavor.

• It’s easy to prep ahead — letting the chicken marinate for hours (or overnight) gives the best results, making this recipe ideal for preparing ahead of time for gatherings or busy evenings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
chicken tenderloins (or chicken breast or thighs), cut into ~2‑inch cubes
pineapple (fresh or canned), cut into chunks
bell pepper (any color), cut into chunks
soy sauce
rice vinegar
mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine — optional but adds authentic umami)
brown sugar
sesame oil
garlic, minced
corn starch
cooking oil (for the grill)
green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, mirin, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and corn starch to make the marinade.

2. Place the cubed chicken in a container or bag, pour the marinade over it, and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours — overnight if possible for best flavor.

3. Meanwhile, prepare the pineapple and bell pepper by cutting them into chunks roughly the same size as the chicken (about 2 inches).

4. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning.

5. Thread chicken, pineapple, and bell pepper onto skewers, alternating pieces as you go.

6. Preheat your grill to medium‑high heat and grease the grill grates with cooking oil to prevent sticking.

7. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 3–5 minutes per side, turning to ensure even cooking, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 °F (about 74 °C). Some slight charring is expected (and adds flavor).

8. Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill. Garnish with chopped green onions (and sesame seeds if you like).

9. Serve hot on their own, over rice, with noodles, or wrapped in lettuce for a lighter option.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6 servings
Prep time (excluding marinating): about 20 minutes
Cook time: about 10 minutes grilling
Marinade time: 4 to 24 hours (the longer, the better)
Total time: from 4 hours 30 minutes to overnight plus grilling

Variations

• Swap chicken tenderloins for chicken thighs or breasts — thighs give more moisture and flavor, breasts work if you prefer leaner meat.

• Instead of pineapple and bell pepper, use veggies like red onion, zucchini, mushrooms, or squash — just chop into similar-sized chunks for even cooking.

• For a simplified version, omit mirin (if unavailable) and use a mix of soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic and sesame oil — you’ll still get a tasty teriyaki flavor.

• To add a bit of heat, mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or brush with a spicy chili‑garlic sauce before serving.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover chicken, pineapple, and bell peppers (removed from skewers) in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Avoid reheating on the skewers.

FAQs

What type of chicken is best for these skewers?

Thighs or tenderloins are ideal because they stay juicy and absorb the marinade well. Chicken breasts work too but can dry out more quickly.

Do I have to use fresh pineapple?

Fresh pineapple gives the best texture and flavor, but canned pineapple chunks work too — just drain them well before threading onto skewers.

How long should the chicken marinate for best flavor?

At least 4 hours, but overnight marinating (8–24 hours) gives the deepest, most flavorful result.

Do I need to soak wooden skewers?

Yes — soaking wooden or bamboo skewers for about 30 minutes helps prevent them from burning during grilling.

What temperature should the chicken reach when it’s done?

Cook until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 °F (about 74 °C).

Can I use these skewers in the oven instead of a grill?

Yes — while grilling gives the best smoky flavor, you can bake them in a preheated oven (around 200 °C / 400 °F) until fully cooked, though you may miss some of the charred texture.

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Yes — you can prepare the marinade ahead, but avoid adding corn starch until just before mixing with the chicken to preserve the thickening effect.

What’s a good side dish to serve with these skewers?

Steamed rice, garlic noodles, a fresh cucumber salad, or a simple vegetable stir‑fry all pair beautifully with teriyaki chicken skewers.

Can I double or halve the recipe easily?

Yes — just adjust the amount of chicken, marinade ingredients, and veggies proportionally while keeping the marinade ratios consistent.

Are these skewers kid-friendly?

Yes — the sweet‑savory teriyaki flavor, combined with the juicy pineapple and tender chicken, tends to be popular with kids and adults alike.

Conclusion

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are a go-to recipe when you need something easy, flavorful, and versatile. With a balance of savory, sweet, and smoky notes, this dish is perfect for entertaining or a family meal. Marinate ahead for convenience, grill in minutes, and enjoy a satisfying meal everyone will love.