Print

Flavorful Grilled Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

grilled pineapple teriyaki chicken skewers - featured image
Print Recipe

Juicy, tender chicken thighs grilled with fresh pineapple chunks and a tangy teriyaki marinade, finished with a nutty sesame glaze. Perfect for summer BBQs and quick weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch chunks
  • Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning)
  • ½ cup soy sauce
  • ¼ cup mirin (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (for glaze)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
  • Optional garnishes: chopped green onions, extra toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade by whisking together soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil until sugar dissolves.
  2. Add cubed chicken to marinade, stir to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes up to 2 hours (1 hour recommended).
  3. Cut pineapple into chunks and soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes if using.
  4. Thread chicken and pineapple chunks alternately onto skewers, leaving space between pieces.
  5. Make the sesame glaze by combining soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and toasted sesame seeds in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat, stir in cornstarch slurry, and cook until thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
  6. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (5-10 minutes).
  7. Grill skewers for 10-15 minutes, about 5-7 minutes per side, brushing generously with sesame glaze while cooking. Ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and pineapple caramelizes but remains firm.
  8. Remove skewers from grill and let rest for 5 minutes.
  9. Garnish with extra sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Use chicken thighs for juicier results. Brush glaze in the last few minutes of grilling to avoid burning sugars. Leave space between pieces on skewers for even cooking. Rest skewers after grilling to redistribute juices.

Nutrition

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

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