If you love bold flavors that bring a smile to your face, then you are absolutely going to adore this Juicy Teriyaki Chicken Bacon Skewers with Pineapple Recipe. Imagine tender chicken thighs wrapped in smoky bacon, alternating with sweet, juicy pineapple chunks, all glazed with a luscious homemade teriyaki sauce. It’s a perfect harmony of savory, sweet, and smoky that makes every bite a delightful experience. Whether for a weekend barbecue or a special dinner, these skewers take simple ingredients and elevate them into a memorable feast that you’ll want to make again and again.

Juicy Teriyaki Chicken Bacon Skewers with Pineapple Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Juicy Teriyaki Chicken Bacon Skewers with Pineapple Recipe comes together with straightforward, accessible ingredients, but each one plays an essential role in flavor, texture, and color. From the succulent chicken thighs to the crisp bacon and vibrant pineapple, every element contributes to a well-balanced dish bursting with irresistible taste.

Fresh pineapple: Adds a juicy sweetness and tropical tang that perfectly balances the savory bacon and chicken.
Regular bacon strips (avoid thick cuts): Provides smoky, crispy texture that wraps around the chicken like a flavor hug.
Chicken thighs, skinless and boneless: These stay wonderfully tender and juicy when grilled, absorbing all the teriyaki goodness.
Homemade teriyaki sauce: This glaze shines with a perfect blend of sweet and umami, soaking deep into the chicken and pineapple.

How to Make Juicy Teriyaki Chicken Bacon Skewers with Pineapple Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by slicing the chicken thighs into bite-sized chunks that are ideal for threading onto skewers. Making sure they are uniform in size helps cook everything evenly, giving you that perfect juicy texture in every bite.

Step 2: Prepare the Bacon

Next, unwrap the bacon and gently stretch each strip lengthwise to make it easier to wrap. If you’re using center-cut bacon, slice the strips in half; for other cuts, thirds work best. This sizing ensures a good bacon-to-chicken ratio without overpowering the skewer.

Step 3: Assemble the Skewers

Set up a neat workstation with your chicken chunks, bacon pieces, and pineapple chunks. Wrap each chicken piece carefully with a slice of bacon, then slide it onto a skewer followed by a juicy pineapple chunk. The pattern repeat is two bacon-wrapped chicken bites, then one pineapple chunk — this alternating rhythm builds a colorful and flavorful skewer.

Step 4: Marinate the Skewers

Place your loaded skewers in a large baking dish, ideally a 9×13 inch pan. Pour the homemade teriyaki sauce generously over the top, but reserve just under a quarter cup for basting later on the grill. Cover the dish and refrigerate for 4 to 8 hours to let all those beautiful flavors marry together and penetrate deeply.

Step 5: Heat Your Grill

Time to get the grill fired up! Heat it to a steady medium-high range of 350ºF to 400ºF. This temperature is perfect for cooking the skewers thoroughly while allowing the bacon to crisp without burning.

Step 6: Grill and Baste

Lay your skewers across the grill grates, making sure they are evenly spaced for consistent cooking. Brush the reserved teriyaki sauce over each skewer immediately. Grill for about 7 minutes, then carefully flip each one over and baste again. Continue grilling another 7 minutes until the bacon crisps delightfully and the chicken is cooked through just right.

How to Serve Juicy Teriyaki Chicken Bacon Skewers with Pineapple Recipe

Garnishes

To give these skewers a fresh, vibrant touch, sprinkle chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds over the top just before serving. A little zing of freshly chopped cilantro or a wedge of lime on the side also brightens the dish beautifully and adds a pop of color.

Side Dishes

These Juicy Teriyaki Chicken Bacon Skewers with Pineapple Recipe pairs perfectly with simple steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up the extra sauce. A crunchy Asian slaw or grilled vegetables like bell peppers and snap peas can add wonderful texture contrasts and keep the meal balanced and exciting.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the skewers on a wooden board sprinkled with chopped nuts like cashews or peanuts for a rustic yet elegant presentation. Or arrange them over a bed of fresh greens mixed with mango slices to enhance the tropical vibe. For a party, place skewers upright in a tall vase filled with rice or sand for a playful, interactive display that guests will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooked, let the skewers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator where they’ll stay good for up to 3 days, making them a great option for quick lunches or snacks afterward.

Freezing

If you want to save any extra skewers for longer, it’s best to freeze them uncooked after marinating. Place them on a baking tray to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. They will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw thoroughly in the fridge overnight and grill fresh for the best flavor.

Reheating

For reheating cooked skewers, using a grill or broiler helps revive that crispy bacon texture. Heat gently until warmed through and baste again with leftover teriyaki sauce if desired to keep them moist and flavorful. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the bacon crispy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

You can swap in chicken breast, but keep in mind it dries out more easily. To keep your skewers juicy, slice the breast into slightly larger pieces and marinate for a bit longer.

What type of pineapple is best for these skewers?

Fresh, ripe pineapple offers the best natural sweetness and juiciness. Avoid canned pineapple since it’s usually too wet and lacks the fresh crunch that balances the bacon and chicken.

How do I make homemade teriyaki sauce?

Homemade teriyaki is simple: combine soy sauce, mirin, sugar, garlic, and ginger in a saucepan and simmer until thickened. It’s far more flavorful and fresh than store-bought versions, making your skewers shine.

Can I grill these skewers indoors?

Absolutely! If the weather isn’t cooperating, use a grill pan or your oven’s broiler to cook the skewers. Just watch carefully to get that lovely bacon crispness without burning.

How do I prevent the bacon from drying out?

Using bacon that isn’t too thick and basting with teriyaki sauce regularly during grilling helps keep it moist and tender. Wrapping the bacon tightly around the chicken also locks in the juiciness.

Final Thoughts

This Juicy Teriyaki Chicken Bacon Skewers with Pineapple Recipe is a fantastic way to turn simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The interplay of flavors and textures makes every bite exciting, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. I can’t wait for you to try it out and experience the magic of juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and sweet pineapple all gleaming with glossy teriyaki sauce. Happy grilling!

Juicy Teriyaki Chicken Bacon Skewers with Pineapple Recipe

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4.4 from 66 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes (including marinating time)
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

These Juicy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers are a delightful combination of tender chicken thigh pieces wrapped in smoky bacon, interspersed with sweet pineapple chunks, all glazed with a flavorful homemade teriyaki sauce. Perfect for grilling, this recipe offers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and smoky flavors ideal for a summer barbecue or family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 fresh pineapple, cut into chunks
8 oz regular bacon strips (avoid thick cuts)
1 lb chicken thighs, no skin or bones
3/4 cup homemade teriyaki sauce

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken thighs into small chunks suitable for skewering. Set aside for now.
Prepare the Bacon: Unwrap the bacon strips. Gently stretch each strip lengthwise and cut into halves if center-cut bacon is used, or thirds if otherwise.
Assemble Skewers: Set up your assembly station with the chicken chunks, bacon pieces, and pineapple chunks. Wrap each chicken chunk with a piece of bacon, then thread it onto a skewer followed by a pineapple chunk. Repeat the pattern by adding two bacon-wrapped chicken pieces and then a pineapple chunk until the skewer is full.
Marinate Skewers: Arrange the assembled skewers in a large baking dish (about 9×13 inches). Pour the teriyaki sauce over the skewers, reserving slightly less than 1/4 cup for basting later. Cover the dish and refrigerate for 4 to 8 hours to allow the flavors to soak in.
Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to a medium temperature between 350ºF and 400ºF, preparing it for direct grilling.
Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill grates. Brush some of the reserved teriyaki sauce over the top. Grill for 7 minutes, then carefully flip the skewers over. Baste again with the sauce and continue grilling for another 7 minutes until the bacon crisps up and the chicken is completely cooked through.

Notes

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
Use center-cut bacon for easier wrapping and better crispiness.
Adjust grilling time if using thicker bacon or larger chicken pieces to ensure thorough cooking.
This recipe can also be prepared on a stovetop grill pan if an outdoor grill is unavailable.
Homemade teriyaki sauce can be substituted with store-bought, but homemade adds a fresher and richer flavor.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Japanese