Fast, easy, and loaded with sweet-and-savory pineapple teriyaki flavor! Made with just a handful of basic ingredients, these grilled chicken skewers will be a family FAVORITE! Serve with coconut rice in a pineapple for a showstopping presentation!
1 to 1.5poundsboneless skinless chicken breastscut into 1-inch pieces
2 to 3tablespoonsolive oil
1teaspoonkosher saltor to taste
1teaspoonfreshly ground black pepperor to taste
½cuppineapple teriyaki sauceor as desired
Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnishingfinely minced; optional
Lime wedgesoptional for serving
Instructions
If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes prior to grilling. If using metal skewers, this isn't necessary.
Preheat outdoor grill to medium-high heat or if using an indoor grill pan, preheat your oven to 500F.
Thread the chicken onto the skewers, keeping the pieces fairly close together and leave 1 to 2 inches of space at both ends so that the chicken doesn't slip off on the grill end and that you have something to hold onto on the other end.
Evenly drizzle the skewers with olive oil, evenly sprinkle with salt and pepper, and grill for about 6 to 8 minutes with the lid closed, or until the chicken is about 1 to 2 minutes from being done. Make sure to rotate the skewers frequently while grilling to ensure even cooking.
Evenly brush a few coats of pineapple teriyaki marinade or sauce over each skewer and continue to cook for about 1 to 2 minutes, or until done.
If you're serving coconut rice in a pineapple, prepare the rice ahead of time or use precooked coconut rice in a packet. I recommend using a very sharp knife and a strong person to slice through a pineapple if you're going this route.
Otherwise, optionally garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley, optional lime wedges, and serve immediately with whatever sides or vegetables* (See Notes) you'd like.
Notes
*Vegetable Tips: If you're feeling like you'd like enjoy veggies with these skewers, feel free to add veggies like red onions, bell peppers of any color, whole button mushrooms, or zucchini to your skewers.This also helps you "stretch" the amount of chicken needed since you're bulking it up with vegetables.You could also add pineapple but because of the sugar content, it could be prone to charring on the outside. If you add it, keep the pieces large and the chicken small so the chicken cooks through before the pineapple chars too much. Homemade teriyaki sauce: If you would like to make homemade teriyaki sauce, I recommend my recipe and rather than 1/2 cup water, use 1/2 cup pineapple juice. You can also stir in 1/4 cup very finely minced pineapple as well to boost the pineapple flavor profile. You may have extra sauce, which will keep for weeks in the fridge or dip the finished chicken skewers in it.Storage: Chicken is best warm and fresh but can be taken off the skewers and will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.