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Grilled Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

grilled pineapple teriyaki chicken skewers - featured image

Juicy grilled chicken and caramelized pineapple chunks glazed with a sweet and savory teriyaki sesame sauce, perfect for quick summer BBQs or easy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • Wooden or metal skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes if wooden)
  • ½ cup soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • Sesame seeds, for sprinkling
  • Optional: red pepper flakes or sriracha for heat

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, toasted sesame oil, and rice vinegar until honey dissolves.
  2. Add cubed chicken to the marinade, toss to coat thoroughly, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
  3. Cut fresh pineapple into 1-inch chunks while chicken marinates.
  4. Thread chicken and pineapple pieces alternately onto soaked wooden or metal skewers, leaving space between pieces.
  5. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
  6. Grill skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes to caramelize evenly. Brush skewers with leftover marinade during grilling.
  7. In the last 2 minutes, brush skewers with toasted sesame oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
  8. Remove skewers from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes but no longer than 4 hours to avoid mushiness. Use medium-high heat to avoid burning pineapple. Brush glaze multiple times for a shiny finish. Let skewers rest after grilling to keep chicken juicy. Use a spray bottle to control flare-ups caused by pineapple sugars.

Nutrition

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