These Easy Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs are packed with tasty chicken and colorful veggies. Marinated in sweet teriyaki sauce, they are a quick and fun meal to make!
Grilling these kabobs is such a delight! They’re perfect for summer barbecues or just a family dinner. I always enjoy them with some rice on the side—so good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Fresh chicken breast is great for this recipe. If you want a leaner option, you could use chicken thighs as they stay moist and flavorful during grilling. Alternatives like firm tofu or tempeh work well for a vegetarian version.
Bell Peppers: Any color bell peppers will do, but I like a mix for a fun look. If you’re out of bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes can also work nicely in these kabobs, adding great flavor and color!
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple is the best choice for a sweet, juicy taste. If you don’t have fresh, canned pineapple works too; just be sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture on the grill.
Teriyaki Sauce: Store-bought is easy, but homemade is super simple! You can make it by combining soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic. If you need a gluten-free option, check for gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
How Do I Perfectly Grill Chicken Kabobs Without Drying Them Out?
Grilling kabobs can be tricky, but keeping the chicken moist is all about marinating and grilling correctly. Here’s how to do it:
- Marinate for flavor and moisture! Keep the chicken in the teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes—longer if possible.
- Pre-soak wooden skewers for 30 minutes to prevent burning. If you’re using metal skewers, no soaking is necessary!
- Grill on medium-high heat; this ensures a nice sear while keeping the insides juicy.
- Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally. Use a meat thermometer if you have one; chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Brush with teriyaki sauce during the last few minutes for an extra layer of flavor.
How to Make Easy Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kabobs:
- 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
- 1 cup bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), diced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes for prep (including marinating the chicken) and around 12 minutes for grilling. If you soak the wooden skewers, that will be an extra 30 minutes. Overall, you can enjoy your tasty kabobs in about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for about 30 minutes. This helps prevent them from burning when they’re on the grill. If you’re using metal skewers, you’re good to go right away!
2. Marinating the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, combine the cubed chicken with 1/4 cup of the teriyaki sauce. Gently mix to ensure all the chicken pieces are well coated. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. You can even let it sit overnight for extra flavor!
3. Prepping the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure a nice sear on your kabobs!
4. Assembling the Kabobs:
Once marinated, take the chicken out of the fridge. Now it’s time to thread your kabobs! Take the skewers and start alternating between the marinated chicken, bell peppers, pineapple chunks, and red onion. Be creative! This not only adds flavor but makes them look colorful and appetizing.
5. Seasoning:
After assembling the skewers, sprinkle some salt and pepper on them to enhance the taste. Just a pinch will do!
6. Grilling the Kabobs:
Carefully place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook them for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally. You’re looking for a nice grill mark and ensuring the chicken is fully cooked.
7. Adding More Flavor:
In the last few minutes of grilling, brush the remaining teriyaki sauce over the kabobs. This adds a nice glaze and more yummy flavor!
8. Finish and Serve:
When they’re done cooking, remove the skewers from the grill. Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top for a fresh garnish.
9. Enjoy!
Serve your delicious Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs right away, and if you like, have some extra teriyaki sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies such as zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly based on the size and type of the vegetables you choose. Make sure they’re cut to similar sizes for even cooking.
How Do I Store Leftover Kabobs?
Store any leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the microwave or on a grill preheated to medium heat for a few minutes, turning occasionally until warmed through.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
What Can I Substitute for Teriyaki Sauce?
If you don’t have teriyaki sauce on hand, you can make a quick substitute by mixing soy sauce with a bit of honey or brown sugar, and adding garlic and ginger to taste. Alternatively, a store-bought Asian stir-fry sauce could work in a pinch, but it might alter the flavor slightly.
