Juicy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers have become my absolute go-to for summer gatherings! I remember the first time I made these for a backyard barbecue; the sweet, smoky aroma filled the air, and everyone practically inhaled them. The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and sweet pineapple glazed with that irresistible teriyaki sauce is pure magic. They’re so simple to prepare, making them the perfect easy teriyaki chicken skewers for any occasion. Seriously, the way the glaze caramelizes on the grill is a sight (and smell!) to behold. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Juicy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Recipe
This recipe is a winner for so many reasons:
- Incredible Taste: Get ready for a burst of sweet and savory flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Quick Prep: Despite the amazing flavor, these are surprisingly fast to put together, making them ideal for busy weeknights.
- Healthy Choice: Packed with lean protein from the chicken and fresh fruit, these skewers offer a guilt-free indulgence.
- Budget-Friendly: Using chicken thighs and simple ingredients makes this a cost-effective meal option.
- Family Approved: Kids and adults alike adore the fun-to-eat skewers and the delicious taste of tender teriyaki chicken skewers.
- Perfectly Balanced: The combination of crispy bacon, juicy chicken, and sweet pineapple creates a truly delightful sweet and savory chicken skewers experience.
- Grilling Perfection: They’re designed for the grill, offering that irresistible smoky char.
Ingredients for Juicy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these flavorful chicken skewers:
- 1 fresh pineapple, cut into chunks – Adds a delightful tropical sweetness and moisture.
- 8 oz regular bacon strips (avoid thick cuts) – Regular bacon crisps up perfectly around the chicken without overpowering it.
- 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless – Thighs stay incredibly tender and juicy when grilled, making them ideal for these skewers.
- 3/4 cup homemade teriyaki sauce – This is the star! A good homemade teriyaki sauce provides that perfect balance of sweet and savory that makes these skewers so irresistible. You’ll use most of it for marinating and reserve some for basting.
How to Make Juicy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Follow these simple steps to create incredibly flavorful and tender teriyaki chicken skewers that are perfect for any occasion. This recipe makes learning how to make teriyaki chicken skewers a breeze!
- Step 1: Prepare the chicken and bacon. Slice the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized chunks, about 1 to 2 inches each. Gently stretch the bacon strips along their length. Cut regular bacon strips in half, or thicker strips into thirds. This ensures they cook evenly with the chicken.
- Step 2: Assemble the skewers. This is where the magic starts! Wrap a piece of bacon around a chicken chunk. Slide the bacon-wrapped chicken onto a skewer, followed by a chunk of fresh pineapple. Repeat this pattern: two bacon-wrapped chicken pieces, then a pineapple chunk, until the skewer is full, leaving space at the ends for handling. This creates beautiful, delicious marinated teriyaki chicken on a stick.
- Step 3: Marinate for maximum flavor. Place the assembled skewers in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour about 1/2 cup of the homemade teriyaki sauce over the skewers, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the sauce for brushing later. Cover the baking dish tightly and refrigerate the skewers to marinate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight for the deepest flavor.
- Step 4: Preheat your grill. When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium heat, aiming for a temperature between 350°F and 400°F. This temperature is ideal for getting that lovely char without burning the teriyaki glaze too quickly.
- Step 5: Grill to perfection. Carefully place the marinated skewers on the preheated grill grates. Brush some of the reserved teriyaki sauce over the skewers. Grill for about 7 minutes, watching for any flare-ups.
- Step 6: Flip and finish. Flip the skewers over. Baste again with the remaining reserved sauce and continue grilling for another 7 minutes, or until the bacon is wonderfully crispy and the chicken is cooked through and tender. The smell of the caramelizing sauce and smoky bacon is incredible! These are truly fantastic teriyaki chicken skewers for grilling.
Assembling the Skewers
The assembly process is simple and crucial for flavor. Wrap each chicken piece generously with a strip of bacon, ensuring it’s snug. Then, thread the bacon-wrapped chicken onto the skewer, alternating with chunks of fresh pineapple. This creates that perfect bite of marinated teriyaki chicken on a stick, balancing sweet, savory, and smoky notes.
Grilling the Skewers
Once assembled and marinated, these skewers hit the grill at medium heat (350-400°F). The key is to cook them long enough to render the bacon crispy and cook the chicken through, while basting with the reserved sauce. You’re aiming for a beautiful glaze and perfectly cooked chicken and bacon.
Pro Tips for the Best Juicy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Elevate your grilling game with these expert tips for perfect skewers every time:
- Bacon Choice is Key: Always opt for regular-cut bacon. Thick-cut bacon won’t crisp up properly by the time the chicken is cooked, leaving you with chewy strips instead of delightfully crispy ones.
- Soak Those Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, give them a good soak in water for at least 30 minutes before threading. This prevents them from burning to a crisp on the hot grill. For more on grilling safety, check out grilling safety tips.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Give your skewers a little breathing room on the grill grates. This allows for even heat circulation and ensures that beautiful char develops on all sides.
What’s the secret to perfect Juicy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers?
The secret lies in the combination of quality ingredients and proper marinating. Using the best teriyaki chicken skewers marinade, like a flavorful homemade sauce, and letting the chicken and bacon soak in it overnight truly transforms the flavor and tenderness. For more on food safety and handling, you can refer to the GDPR guidelines.
Can I make Juicy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the skewers up to 24 hours in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator. The longer they marinate, the more flavorful they become. Just bring them to room temperature for about 15 minutes before grilling. If you have any questions about our recipes, feel free to contact us.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Juicy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers?
Avoid using thick-cut bacon, as it won’t get crispy. Also, be sure to soak your wooden skewers to prevent burning. Lastly, don’t overcook them; watch for the bacon to crisp and the chicken to be cooked through to maintain that tender texture. For more information on our terms, please review our terms of use.
Best Ways to Serve Juicy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
These flavorful skewers are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of sides. For a classic meal, serve your juicy teriyaki chicken skewers alongside fluffy steamed rice or fragrant jasmine rice to soak up any extra glaze. They are also fantastic with a side of stir-fried vegetables, like broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas, making for a complete and colorful meal. Don’t forget the delicious chunks of pineapple already on the skewers; they add a burst of tropical sweetness that complements the savory chicken perfectly. For a lighter option, try serving them with a crisp Asian-inspired slaw or a refreshing cucumber salad. These teriyaki chicken skewers with pineapple and teriyaki chicken skewers with vegetables make for a well-rounded and satisfying dining experience. You can find more recipes on our site.
Nutrition Facts for Juicy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Here’s a look at the estimated nutritional breakdown for these delicious skewers, per serving (which includes 2 skewers):
- Calories: 360
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. For more information on privacy, please see our privacy policy.
How to Store and Reheat Juicy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Properly storing your delicious juicy teriyaki chicken skewers ensures they stay flavorful and safe to eat. After grilling, let the skewers cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, these skewers freeze beautifully! Wrap individual skewers tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, the best way to reheat is in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them gently on the stovetop in a skillet. Enjoying these flavorful teriyaki chicken skewers later is easy with these simple storage methods!
Frequently Asked Questions About Juicy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
What are teriyaki chicken skewers?
Teriyaki chicken skewers are skewers made with bite-sized pieces of chicken marinated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, then grilled or broiled. My recipe takes it a step further by wrapping the chicken in bacon and adding pineapple for extra flavor and juiciness. They’re a fantastic appetizer or main course.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
You can, but I highly recommend chicken thighs for the best results. Thighs are naturally more forgiving on the grill and stay incredibly tender and juicy, even with the bacon. Chicken breasts can dry out more easily, so you’d need to be extra careful with cooking times for your easy grilled chicken skewers teriyaki.
How do I prevent the pineapple from burning?
The pineapple cooks relatively quickly, and its sugars can caramelize fast. To prevent burning, keep an eye on the skewers while grilling. If the pineapple pieces start to char too much before the chicken and bacon are done, you can lightly tent that section of the skewer with foil for a few minutes.
What can I serve with these skewers?
These skewers are wonderfully versatile! They pair perfectly with steamed rice, a fresh green salad, or grilled vegetables like bell peppers and onions. The sweet and savory flavors make them a hit at any gathering, and they’re great as a standalone appetizer too.
Variations of Juicy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers You Can Try
While this recipe is fantastic as is, feel free to get creative! Here are a few ideas to switch things up:
- Dietary Modifications: For a gluten-free version, ensure your teriyaki sauce is certified gluten-free. If you’re looking for a lighter option, skip the bacon and focus on the chicken and pineapple for delicious, tender teriyaki chicken skewers.
- Different Cooking Methods: Don’t have a grill? No problem! You can achieve similar results by baking these skewers in a 400°F (200°C) oven for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, or even air-frying them at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes until cooked through and crispy.
- Flavor Boosts: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your teriyaki sauce for a touch of heat, or marinate the chicken with a little grated ginger and garlic before adding the teriyaki for an extra layer of authentic flavor. These variations make for amazing glazed teriyaki chicken skewers perfect for any occasion.
- Appetizer Perfection: For smaller bites perfect as chicken teriyaki skewers for appetizers, simply cut the chicken and bacon into smaller pieces and use smaller skewers or toothpicks. They disappear fast at parties!
Juicy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers: 4 Amazing Grilling Tips
- Total Time: 8 hours 29 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Juicy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are a delightful combination of tender chicken wrapped in crispy bacon, glazed with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, and grilled to perfection. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a backyard barbecue.
Ingredients
- 1 fresh pineapple, cut into chunks
- 8 oz regular bacon strips (avoid thick cuts)
- 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 3/4 cup homemade teriyaki sauce
Instructions
- Slice the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized chunks, about 1 to 2 inches each.
- Gently stretch the bacon strips along their length. Cut center-cut bacon strips in half, or thicker strips into thirds.
- Assemble the skewers by wrapping a piece of bacon around a chicken chunk. Slide the bacon-wrapped chicken onto a skewer, followed by a chunk of pineapple. Repeat this pattern: two bacon-wrapped chicken pieces, then a pineapple chunk, until the skewer is full, leaving space at the ends.
- Place the assembled skewers in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the skewers, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the sauce for brushing later.
- Cover the baking dish and refrigerate the skewers to marinate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat, between 350°F and 400°F.
- Carefully place the marinated skewers on the preheated grill grates. Brush some of the reserved teriyaki sauce over the skewers.
- Grill for 7 minutes, then flip the skewers over. Baste again with the reserved sauce and continue grilling for another 7 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is fully cooked through.
Notes
- For best results, use regular bacon instead of thick cuts to ensure even cooking.
- Marinating the skewers for the full 8 hours enhances the flavor.
- Adjust the grilling time based on the thickness of the chicken pieces.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
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