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Flavorful Grilled Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs

grilled pineapple teriyaki chicken kabobs - featured image
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These grilled pineapple teriyaki chicken kabobs combine sweet, savory, and smoky flavors for a perfect summer BBQ dish that’s quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
  • 1 fresh pineapple, peeled and cut into chunks (or about 2 cups canned pineapple chunks, drained)
  • ½ cup soy sauce
  • ¼ cup pineapple juice
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Bamboo or metal skewers, soaked if bamboo
  • Optional garnishes: chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade by whisking together soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, vinegar, sesame oil, and black pepper until sugar dissolves.
  2. Add the cubed chicken thighs to the marinade, coat well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 1-2 hours.
  3. Cut fresh pineapple into chunks roughly the same size as the chicken; if using canned, drain well.
  4. Thread marinated chicken pieces and pineapple chunks alternately onto soaked bamboo or metal skewers, aiming for 4-5 pieces of chicken and 3-4 pineapple chunks per skewer.
  5. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Clean and oil grates to prevent sticking.
  6. Grill kabobs for 4-5 minutes per side, turning carefully with tongs until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature and has grill marks.
  7. Optionally brush kabobs once or twice with reserved marinade during grilling, avoiding raw chicken marinade unless boiled first.
  8. Remove kabobs from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

Soak bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Marinate chicken for 1-2 hours for best flavor but minimum 30 minutes works. Use tongs to turn kabobs gently to avoid sliding pieces. Watch for flare-ups due to sugary marinade and move kabobs to cooler grill areas if needed. Let kabobs rest 5 minutes after grilling to redistribute juices.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken kabobs, pineapple chicken, teriyaki chicken, summer BBQ, easy chicken recipe, grilled pineapple, backyard grilling

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/flavorful-grilled-pineapple-teriyaki-chicken-kabobs-easy-recipe-for-perfect-summer-bbq/