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- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes - 1 cup fresh pineapple, cut into 1-inch cubes - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger - 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water The main ingredients for your Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Skewers create a sweet and savory dish. Chicken thighs stay juicy while grilling. Fresh pineapple adds a burst of sweetness. The marinade's soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar bring great flavor. - Sesame seeds for garnish - Fresh herbs for added flavor For a finishing touch, sprinkle on some sesame seeds. They add a nice crunch. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can enhance the flavor too. - Skewers (wooden or metal) - Grill or grill pan You can use wooden or metal skewers. If you choose wooden skewers, soak them in water first. This prevents burning. A grill or grill pan works well for cooking these skewers. Make sure it's preheated for the best results. To start, gather all your marinade ingredients. You need soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. In a mixing bowl, whisk them together until they blend well. This step is key for flavor. Next, add your chicken pieces to the bowl. Make sure each piece is coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and let it sit in the fridge. Marinating for at least 30 minutes is important. This time helps the chicken soak up all those tasty flavors. For better flavor, you can marinate it for up to 4 hours. If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes. This step is necessary. Soaking keeps the skewers from burning on the grill. It prevents them from catching fire or breaking apart while you cook. Now, it’s time to cook! First, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the fridge. Grab your skewers and start threading the marinated chicken and pineapple cubes onto them. Alternate between the chicken and pineapple for the best flavor. Once your skewers are ready, place them on the grill. Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally. You want to ensure the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). In the last few minutes, brush the thickened teriyaki sauce over the skewers. This adds extra flavor and makes them shine. After grilling, remove them from the grill and enjoy! To make your marinade sing, think about adding fresh herbs or spices. Consider adding a pinch of cayenne for heat or some lime juice for zest. You can also balance sweetness and saltiness. If the marinade is too sweet, add a splash of soy sauce. If it’s too salty, mix in a touch of brown sugar. Taste as you go to create the best flavor. To get those perfect grill marks, preheat your grill well. Place the skewers diagonally on the grill grates. Cook them for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally. Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken. It should reach an internal temp of 165°F (74°C). To avoid burning your skewers, soak wooden ones in water for 30 minutes before grilling. This helps them stay intact while cooking. Serve your skewers on a large platter for a fun look. Add a small bowl of extra teriyaki sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish your dish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions. Pair the skewers with steamed rice or a light salad for a complete meal. This makes your dish colorful and appetizing! {{image_2}} You can switch up the proteins in this recipe. Shrimp and tofu make great alternatives. Both options soak up the teriyaki flavor well. Just adjust cooking times. Shrimp cooks fast, while tofu may need a bit longer on the grill. Fruits can also change the flavor. Try bell peppers, mango, or zucchini. These add color and taste. You can mix and match to find your favorite combo. There are many teriyaki sauce recipes. Homemade sauce can be easy to make. Combine soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic. This gives a fresh taste. You can also experiment with different sweeteners, like maple syrup. Store-bought sauces can save time. Look for low-sodium options if you want less salt. Just read the labels to find one that suits your taste. Grilling is fun, but you have other options. Oven roasting works well too. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the skewers on a baking sheet and cook for about 15-20 minutes. Turn them halfway for even cooking. You can also use a stovetop grill pan. Heat it over medium-high. Cook the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning often. This method gives you great grill marks without a full grill. To store leftover Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Skewers, place them in an airtight container. Make sure the skewers are cool before sealing. This helps keep them fresh and tasty. Refrigerate the skewers for up to three days for the best flavor. When it’s time to eat leftovers, heat the skewers gently. The best methods are using a microwave or an oven. If using a microwave, heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking to ensure the chicken stays moist. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes. This keeps the chicken juicy and delicious. To freeze the skewers, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. The skewers can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight. This makes reheating easier and keeps the taste fresh. Yes, you can use chicken breasts. They are leaner but may dry out. Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful. If using breasts, marinate them longer for better taste. Check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. The juices should run clear, not pink. Cut a piece open to check if it looks cooked. Teriyaki sauce works well. You can also try peanut sauce or sweet chili sauce. For a twist, serve with a spicy mayo or soy sauce blend. These add extra flavor and fun. Yes, you can! Marinate the chicken a few hours before grilling. You can prep skewers a day ahead. Store them in the fridge until you are ready to cook. Reheat leftovers in the oven or on the grill. This blog post covered all the steps to create tasty grilled chicken skewers. We looked at key ingredients like chicken thighs and fresh pineapple, plus marinades for flavor. I shared techniques for soaking skewers and grilling them to perfection. You learned tips to tweak flavors and suggested side dishes. With these ideas, you can impress everyone with your cooking skills. Enjoy making your skewers and experimenting with flavors!

Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Delight your taste buds with these Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Skewers! These juicy chicken thighs and fresh pineapple are marinated in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic before being grilled to perfection. Perfect for summer gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is easy and delicious. Click through to explore the full recipe and get ready to impress your guests with these mouthwatering skewers!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes

1 cup fresh pineapple, cut into 1-inch cubes

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

1 tablespoon sesame oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)

2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Skewers (wooden or metal)

Instructions
 

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined.

    Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, coat well, and cover. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for better flavor).

      While the chicken marinates, soak wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning (if using).

        After the marination time, remove the chicken from the fridge. In a small saucepan, heat the leftover marinade over medium heat until it starts to simmer.

          Stir in the cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce, cooking until slightly glossy and thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

            Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken and pineapple cubes onto the skewers, alternating between chicken and pineapple.

              Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).

                Brush the thickened teriyaki sauce over the skewers during the last few minutes of cooking for extra flavor.

                  Once cooked, remove from the grill and sprinkle with sliced green onions before serving.

                    Prep Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 1 hr (including marination) | Servings: 4

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the skewers on a large platter with additional teriyaki sauce on the side and garnish with sesame seeds for extra crunch. Enjoy with steamed rice or a light salad!