Teriyaki Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs
A vibrant dish combining juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and crisp bell peppers, glazed in a rich teriyaki sauce.
Ingredients
For the Kabobs
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium bell pepper (red or green), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 small red onion, cut into wedges
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste To taste
- Optional: Wooden or metal skewers
For the Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin (Japanese sweet wine)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons of water To thicken
Instructions
Preparation
- If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill. If using metal skewers, you can skip this step.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, and minced garlic. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Once it’s simmering, add the cornstarch slurry and continue to cook for another minute or until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces and half of the teriyaki sauce. Reserve the other half for basting later. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Thread the marinated chicken, pineapple, bell pepper, and onion onto the skewers in an alternating pattern.
Grilling
- Heat your grill to medium-high. Oil the grill grates lightly to prevent sticking.
- Place the assembled kabobs on the grill. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning every few minutes and basting with the reserved teriyaki sauce until the chicken is fully cooked and has nice grill marks.
- Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is golden brown, remove the kabobs from the grill. Let them rest for a couple of minutes, then serve hot.
Notes
Tips for perfect results: Cut all ingredients into similar sizes to ensure even cooking. For enhanced flavor, marinate for at least 30 minutes. Use quality ingredients for best results. Preheat grill properly to achieve a good sear. Watch for overcooking.