These Easy Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs are a fun and tasty treat for dinner! Juicy chicken pieces are marinated in sweet teriyaki sauce and threaded onto skewers with colorful veggies.
Grilling these kabobs not only makes the chicken yummy, but it also adds a nice smoky flavor. I love serving them with rice for a complete meal—dinner is ready without much fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for kabobs as they cook evenly. You can use thighs for more juiciness or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Teriyaki Sauce: You can buy teriyaki sauce or easily make your own with soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. If you’re avoiding soy, look for coconut aminos as a great substitute.
Vegetables: Bell peppers and onions add flavor and crunch, but feel free to swap in zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes. Just make sure everything is cut to a similar size for even cooking.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple really brings sweetness, but canned works too. If you want a twist, mango or peaches can also be great alternatives.
Sesame Seeds: These are optional, but I find they add a lovely crunch. For a nutty flavor, feel free to sprinkle some chopped nuts on top as a substitute.
How Can I Ensure My Kabobs Stay Juicy and Flavorful?
Marinading is key for juicy kabobs! It’s best to allow the chicken to soak in teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes, but up to 4 hours gets you even more flavor. Make sure each piece is well-coated.
- Use a resealable plastic bag to make marinating easy and mess-free.
- Don’t forget to soak wooden skewers in water 30 minutes before using them to prevent burning.
Finally, make sure to grill on medium-high heat and cook until the chicken reaches 165°F. You want those beautiful grill marks for flavor and color! Enjoy your kabobs hot for the best taste.
How to Make Easy Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kabobs:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare the ingredients and another 10-15 minutes for grilling. Don’t forget to add in at least 30 minutes for marinating the chicken to really enhance the flavor. So, around an hour in total, but the more you marinate, the better!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Start by taking a bowl and combining the chicken cubes with the teriyaki sauce. Make sure all the chicken pieces are well coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. For extra flavor, you can let it sit longer in the refrigerator, up to 4 hours.
2. Prepare the Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, now’s the time to soak them in water for about 30 minutes. This helps to prevent them from burning on the grill. If you’re using metal skewers, you can skip this step!
3. Assemble the Kabobs:
Once the chicken is marinated, it’s time to assemble your kabobs. Take your skewers and start threading the marinated chicken, bell pepper pieces, onion pieces, and pineapple chunks onto them. Mix it up and alternate the ingredients for a fun, colorful look!
4. Preheat the Grill:
Get your grill ready! Preheat it to medium-high heat, aiming for about 400°F to 450°F. This ensures those lovely grill marks and delicious flavors!
5. Grill the Kabobs:
Now, place your skewers on the grill. Cook them for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure they cook evenly. Keep an eye on the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, so you know it’s safe to eat.
6. Serve:
It’s almost time to enjoy! Remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices settle in. Before serving, sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top for a nice finishing touch!
7. Enjoy:
Serve your delicious teriyaki chicken kabobs hot, alone, or with extra teriyaki sauce for dipping. These kabobs are perfect for summer barbecues and are sure to impress your family and friends!
Can I Use Different Vegetables for the Kabobs?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute vegetables based on your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms work great as alternatives. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking.
What If I Don’t Have Skewers?
No problem! You can cook the marinated ingredients in a grill basket or even on a sheet pan in the oven at 400°F. Just be sure to stir them halfway through cooking for even grilling. If using a grill basket, preheat it to prevent sticking.
How to Store Leftover Kabobs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm them up on a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also add a splash of teriyaki sauce to moisten them!
Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Yes, marinating the chicken overnight is a great way to enhance the flavor! Just be aware that if you use an acidic marinade (like teriyaki), marinating it longer than 12 hours might change the texture of the chicken. 12 hours is a sweet spot for both flavor and tenderness!
