Looking for an easy, light and summery dish? Try these Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs! Perfect for barbecues, weeknight dinners, or even meal prep, these kabobs combine tender chicken with sweet teriyaki sauce and vibrant veggies. The combination of flavors is sure to please everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With only 15 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
- Flavor Packed: The homemade teriyaki sauce brings a delightful sweetness that pairs perfectly with the chicken and veggies.
- Healthy Option: Loaded with lean protein and fresh vegetables, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap the veggies based on your preferences or what’s in season!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, these kabobs are always a hit.
Tools and Preparation
To make Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to streamline the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Wooden skewers
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Shallow bowl
- Grill
Importance of Each Tool
- Wooden skewers: These are crucial for assembling and grilling your kabobs. Soaking them prevents burning on the grill.
- Small saucepan: This is where you’ll create the flavorful teriyaki sauce, essential for marinating the chicken.
- Whisk: A whisk helps combine ingredients smoothly, ensuring your sauce has the perfect consistency.
- Grill: The grill imparts a smoky flavor while cooking the kabobs evenly.
Ingredients
For the Marinade and Sauce
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons sweet rice apple vinegar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Kabobs
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 cups pineapple chunks
- 1 red onion (cut into chunks)
- 1 bell pepper (cut into chunks)
- kosher salt and fresh ground pepper (to taste)*
- olive oil (to prevent sticking)*
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the soy sauce, water, rice apple vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Bring this mixture to a boil before reducing the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until flavors meld.
Step 2: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water. Slowly whisk it into the soy sauce mixture. Turn off the heat and set aside.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken in a shallow bowl and pour half of the teriyaki sauce over it. Toss to coat evenly. Cover and let it marinate for at least one hour or overnight for more flavor.
Step 4: Assemble Your Kabobs
Preheat your grill. Take your soaked wooden skewers and start assembling by alternating pieces of chicken, pineapple chunks, bell pepper, and onion.
Step 5: Grill Your Kabobs
Place the assembled kabobs on the grill over medium heat. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 170°F. Flip them over and cook for an additional minute.
Step 6: Add Extra Flavor
Brush the kabobs with remaining teriyaki sauce and cook for another minute. Flip once more and brush that side with sauce as well.
Step 7: Serve
Allow kabobs to cook for an additional minute before transferring them to a serving platter. Serve immediately while they’re hot!
How to Serve Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs make a delightful main dish that can be served in various ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
On a Bed of Rice
- Serve the kabobs over a bed of steamed jasmine or brown rice for a filling meal.
- Drizzle extra teriyaki sauce on top for added flavor.
With Fresh Salad
- Pair the kabobs with a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad.
- Toss in some sesame dressing to complement the flavors of the chicken.
As Party Appetizers
- Cut the kabobs into smaller pieces for easy bite-sized appetizers at parties.
- Arrange them on a platter with toothpicks for guests to enjoy.
Wrapped in Lettuce
- For a low-carb option, serve the chicken kabobs wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves.
- Add some shredded carrots and cilantro for extra crunch and freshness.
With Dipping Sauces
- Offer different dipping sauces such as spicy mayo or peanut sauce alongside the kabobs.
- This adds variety and allows guests to customize their flavors.
How to Perfect Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs
To ensure your Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Marinate Longer: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight instead of just one hour.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger enhance the taste significantly compared to dried substitutes.
- Skewering Technique: Alternate between chicken and veggies on each skewer to ensure even cooking.
- Check Grill Temperature: Ensure your grill is preheated to medium heat for optimal cooking results.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Space out the kabobs on the grill so they cook evenly without steaming each other.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the kabobs to rest for a few minutes after grilling to lock in juices.
Best Side Dishes for Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs
Pairing side dishes with your Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent choices.
- Coconut Rice: The sweetness of coconut rice complements the savory teriyaki sauce beautifully.
- Grilled Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus adds color and nutrition.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the warm kabobs; consider adding sesame seeds for extra flavor.
- Miso Soup: This light soup is perfect as an appetizer and pairs well with Japanese-inspired dishes like teriyaki chicken.
- Quinoa Salad: A protein-rich quinoa salad mixed with herbs gives a nutritious twist that balances out the meal.
- Fruit Skewers: Lighten up your plate by serving fresh fruit skewers on the side; pineapple pairs particularly well!
- Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad can be a hearty complement, providing richness alongside the lighter chicken kabobs.
- Edamame Beans: Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt makes for a simple yet delicious finger food option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are mistakes to avoid for the best results.
Skipping the marination: Not allowing the chicken to marinate can result in bland kabobs. Always marinate your chicken for at least one hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.
Using dry skewers: Using dry wooden skewers can cause them to burn on the grill. Make sure to soak your skewers in water for at least 1-24 hours before grilling.
Overcrowding the skewers: Overloading your skewers can prevent even cooking. Alternate chicken and veggies without packing them too tightly for optimal grilling.
Ignoring internal temperature: Not checking the chicken’s internal temperature can lead to undercooked meat. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 170°F for safety.
Skipping the sauce brushing: Failing to brush on teriyaki sauce during cooking will miss out on flavor enhancement. Brush kabobs with sauce multiple times while grilling for a delicious glaze.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store grilled kabobs in an airtight container.
- They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Allow kabobs to cool completely before sealing them.
Freezing Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs
- Place cooled kabobs in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Label containers with date and contents for easy identification.
Reheating Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs
Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place kabobs on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place kabobs on a microwave-safe plate and cover loosely. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or oil, then add kabobs. Cook for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs spicy?
You can add crushed red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños to the marinade for extra heat. Adjust according to your spice preference!
Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
Yes! You can substitute beef, shrimp, or tofu as alternatives while using the same marinade recipe for delicious results.
What vegetables work best with Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs?
Bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes all pair well with teriyaki chicken. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste!
How long do Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs take to cook?
These kabobs typically take about 8-10 minutes on medium heat, depending on size and grill temperature. Always check that chicken is fully cooked.
Can I prepare Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken and assemble the kabobs up to a day in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill.
Final Thoughts
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs are not just delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize these kabobs by changing up the vegetables or adding different proteins based on your preferences. They’re perfect for summer gatherings or quick weeknight dinners, so give this recipe a try and enjoy a burst of flavor!
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs are the perfect summer dish, combining succulent chicken marinated in a homemade sweet teriyaki sauce with vibrant seasonal vegetables. This easy-to-make recipe takes just 15 minutes of prep time and is ideal for barbecues, family dinners, or meal prep. Each kabob delivers a burst of flavor that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Customize your skewers by swapping in your favorite veggies or proteins, making this dish versatile and enjoyable for any occasion.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups pineapple chunks
- 1 red onion
- 1 bell pepper
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, water, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Whisk cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water; add to the sauce to thicken. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Marinate chicken in half of the teriyaki sauce for at least one hour or overnight.
- Preheat the grill and assemble kabobs by alternating chicken, pineapple, bell pepper, and red onion on soaked wooden skewers.
- Grill kabobs over medium heat for approximately 8 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 170°F, brushing with remaining sauce halfway through.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 kabob (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Marinate longer for intensified flavor. Feel free to substitute chicken with beef or shrimp. Experiment with different vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.