Grilled Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Skewers with Pineapple
Juicy chicken pieces marinated in a sweet and savory homemade teriyaki sauce, then skewered with colorful bell peppers, red onion, and fresh pineapple chunks. Perfect for summer barbecues, family dinners, or casual entertaining when you want something flavorful yet approachable. The combination of tender chicken, caramelized vegetables, and tropical pineapple creates a balanced dish that appeals to both kids and adults, while the glossy teriyaki glaze adds restaurant-quality appeal to your backyard grilling.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch cubes
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup pineapple juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 Tablespoon water
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1 inch cubes
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1 inch cubes
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1 inch cubes
- 1 red onion, cut into 1 inch cubes
- 2 cups fresh pineapple, cut into 1 inch cubes
- green onions
Instructions
- 1
Whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, garlic, pepper, and salt in a small saucepan
- 2
Mix water and cornstarch in a small bowl, then slowly whisk into the sauce mixture
- 3
Bring sauce to boil and cook for 1-3 minutes until mixture starts to thicken
- 4
Remove from heat and reserve 1/4 cup of sauce for later use
- 5
Marinate chicken in remaining sauce in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes
- 6
Thread chicken onto skewers alternating with bell peppers, red onion, and pineapple
- 7
Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes until chicken is cooked through
- 8
Remove from grill and baste with reserved sauce
- 9
Garnish with green onions if desired
Tips
Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning on the grill
Cut all ingredients into similar 1-inch pieces for even cooking and attractive presentation
Don't overcrowd skewers - leave small gaps between pieces for proper heat circulation
Good to Know
Cooked skewers keep in refrigerator for 3 days in airtight container
Can marinate chicken up to 24 hours ahead, assemble skewers morning of serving
Serve immediately while hot for best texture and flavor
Common Mistakes
Don't skip marinating time to avoid bland chicken
Cut ingredients uniformly to prevent uneven cooking
Reserve sauce before marinating to avoid contamination
Substitutions
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Yes, but drain well and pat dry. Fresh pineapple holds up better on the grill and has better texture and flavor.
What if I don't have a grill?
Use a grill pan on stovetop over medium-high heat or broil in oven 4-6 inches from heat, turning once halfway through.
How long will the teriyaki sauce keep?
Homemade teriyaki sauce stays fresh in refrigerator for up to 1 week in sealed container or freeze for 3 months.