These Grilled Teriyaki Chicken & Pineapple Skewers are a vibrant and delicious combination of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors.

Tender chunks of marinated chicken are threaded onto skewers with juicy pineapple, then grilled to perfection.

The sweet and tangy teriyaki marinade gives the chicken a rich flavor while the pineapple caramelizes on the grill, adding a refreshing contrast.

These skewers make for an easy and crowd-pleasing dish at your next BBQ or outdoor gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The combination of tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and a flavorful teriyaki marinade makes these skewers irresistible.

The char from the grill enhances the sweetness of the pineapple, while the savory teriyaki sauce coats the chicken perfectly.

The skewers are light but satisfying and offer a perfect balance of sweet and savory. They’re easy to make, quick to grill, and perfect for serving as a main dish or appetizer.

Ingredients:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
1 small pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into chunks
1/2 cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Wooden or metal skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes if using wooden skewers)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the teriyaki sauce, honey (if using), olive oil, rice vinegar, garlic, and grated ginger. Add the chicken chunks to the marinade, stir to coat, and cover. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
Prepare the Skewers: While the chicken marinates, prepare the pineapple by cutting it into bite-sized chunks. Once the chicken is ready, alternate threading the chicken and pineapple onto the skewers. You can thread them in a pattern or randomly, depending on your preference.
Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a grill pan or outdoor grill, brush it with a little oil to prevent sticking.
Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure all sides are cooked evenly. The chicken should be fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C) and the pineapple should have grill marks and be slightly caramelized.
Serve: Once the skewers are cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a minute. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired, and serve immediately.

Expert Tips for the Recipe:

Grill Tips: Make sure the grill is hot before placing the skewers on it. This will help sear the chicken and caramelize the pineapple more effectively.
Vegetable Add-ins: You can add vegetables like bell peppers, red onions, or zucchini to the skewers for more flavor and texture.
Marinating Time: If you’re short on time, marinating the chicken for as little as 30 minutes will still give you great flavor, but marinating it longer (up to 2 hours) will make the chicken even more flavorful.
Sauce Variations: If you want to add a bit more heat, you can stir in some sriracha or red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.