These Grilled Chicken Teriyaki Kabobs are a tasty treat! Juicy chicken pieces are marinated in sweet teriyaki sauce and grilled on skewers with colorful veggies. Yum!
Nothing beats the smell of these kabobs sizzling on the grill! I love serving them with rice for a perfect meal. It’s like a backyard party on a stick! 🎉
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: This recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken breast, which is lean and cooks quickly. You can also use chicken thighs for a juicier flavor. If you want a vegetarian option, consider using firm tofu or portobello mushrooms instead.
Teriyaki Sauce: Store-bought teriyaki sauce is convenient, but making your own is easy and allows you to control the sweetness and saltiness. You can use soy sauce mixed with honey and a touch of ginger for a simple substitute.
Vegetables: Bell peppers and red onions add color and crunch. Feel free to use other veggies like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms. They can add variety and flavor to your kabobs!
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple gives a nice texture and sweetness, but canned works too. Just be sure to drain it well. For an alternative, you can use diced mango or peach.
Skewers: Metal skewers are reusable and make grilling easier, but if using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
How Do I Get My Kabobs to Cook Evenly on the Grill?
Ensuring your kabobs cook evenly is essential for great flavor. Start with even-sized pieces of chicken and vegetables—1-inch cubes work well. This helps everything cook evenly. Here’s how to do it:
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to infuse flavor.
- Alternate pieces of chicken and veggies when threading onto the skewers. This helps the heat distribute evenly.
- Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high. This gives a nice sear and prevents sticking.
- Turn the skewers every few minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
- Use a meat thermometer to check chicken doneness; it should reach 165°F (75°C).
Letting the kabobs rest for a couple of minutes before serving allows the juices to redistribute, making them even more delicious!
Easy Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kabobs:
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 bell pepper (any color), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
Extras:
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 30 minutes of preparation time plus at least 30 minutes for marinating. The grilling will take around 12-15 minutes, so in total, you’re looking at around 1 hour, including marinating time. Perfect for a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinating the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken cubes in a mixing bowl and pouring the teriyaki sauce over them. Give everything a good stir to ensure the chicken is well-coated. For the best flavor, let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or if you have time, up to 2 hours in the fridge!
2. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will help cook the kabobs quickly and evenly when you’re ready to grill.
3. Assembling the Kabobs:
Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to thread the kabobs! Take your skewers and begin alternating the marinated chicken, bell pepper pieces, onion chunks, and pineapple on each skewer. Aim for a colorful mix that looks great on your plate!
4. Grilling the Kabobs:
Place the assembled skewers on the grill. Grill the kabobs for about 12-15 minutes, turning them occasionally. You want them to be cooked through and have a nice char on the outside. Be sure to keep an eye on them!
5. Adding Extra Flavor:
For an extra burst of flavor, brush some additional teriyaki sauce over the kabobs during the last few minutes of grilling. This will give them a lovely glaze!
6. Finishing Touches:
Once they are nicely grilled, remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This will help keep them juicy.
7. Garnishing and Serving:
Finally, sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the kabobs for a delightful finishing touch. Serve them up and enjoy your delicious teriyaki chicken kabobs!
Can I Use Salmon or Tofu Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with salmon or tofu. If using salmon, cut into 1-inch cubes and marinate similarly for about 30 minutes. For tofu, make sure to use firm or extra-firm tofu, press to remove excess moisture, then cube and marinate. Cook these alternatives for about 10-12 minutes on the grill, turning occasionally until fully cooked or heated through.
Can I Make the Kabobs in the Oven Instead of the Grill?
Yes, you can easily make these kabobs in the oven! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the kabobs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the edges are slightly charred.
What to Do If I Don’t Have Skewers?
No problem! If you don’t have skewers, you can cook the marinated chicken and vegetables in a grill basket instead. Just toss everything in the basket, making sure to stir occasionally while grilling, so all sides get nice and charred. Alternatively, you can grill the ingredients directly on the grill with some aluminum foil, creating a makeshift “pouch.”
How to Store Leftover Kabobs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or place them on a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Enjoy them as a quick snack or add them to a salad for a tasty meal!
