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
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
