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Flavorful Grilled Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

grilled pineapple teriyaki chicken skewers - featured image

Juicy chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and savory teriyaki glaze, grilled alongside caramelized pineapple chunks for a tropical, crowd-pleasing BBQ skewer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 ½-inch cubes
  • ½ cup soy sauce
  • ¼ cup honey (or brown sugar)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1 ½-inch chunks (or 1 can pineapple chunks, drained)
  • Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes before grilling)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and black pepper.
  2. Add cubed chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 1-2 hours.
  3. Prepare pineapple by peeling, coring, and cutting into 1 ½-inch chunks. Drain canned pineapple if using.
  4. Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
  5. Thread chicken cubes and pineapple chunks alternately onto skewers, leaving space between pieces.
  6. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F / 200°C).
  7. Grill skewers for 12-15 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes. Brush with reserved marinade once or twice during cooking.
  8. Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and has golden grill marks.
  9. Let skewers rest for 5 minutes before serving to redistribute juices.

Notes

Soak wooden skewers for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes but no longer than 4 hours to avoid mushy texture. Avoid overcrowding the grill to prevent steaming. Use chicken thighs for juicier results. Watch for flare-ups due to honey in marinade and move skewers if needed.

Nutrition

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