Bacon Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Recipe

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Recipe with Grilled Perfection

Teriyaki chicken skewers recipe turns ordinary dinners into something special without requiring fancy skills or hard-to-find items.

The sweet and savory combination creates a flavor profile that appeals to nearly everyone at the table, making it perfect for weeknight meals or weekend gatherings.

You can serve them straight from the grill, broiler, or stovetop with equally delicious results.

They work beautifully as a main course alongside rice and vegetables or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at parties.

The glossy coating and charred edges add visual appeal that makes any plate look restaurant-worthy.

Kids love the fun presentation on sticks, while adults appreciate the bold flavors that satisfy without being overwhelming.

Everything comes together quickly enough for busy schedules yet feels impressive enough for company.

Standout Features Of Juicy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Standout Features Of Juicy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
  • Easy Prep: Bacon-wrapped chicken skewers turn a regular meal into a fun cooking adventure that gets everyone excited about dinner.
  • Perfect Party Starter: These skewers are amazing crowd-pleasers that make any gathering feel special without requiring complicated techniques.
  • Flavor Explosion: The combo of salty bacon, sweet pineapple, and tangy teriyaki sauce creates a mouthwatering blend that feels like a mini vacation for your taste buds.
  • Meal Flexibility: Serve these as a main course, appetizer, or even pack them for a picnic – they’re super adaptable for whatever your meal plan needs.

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Ingredient List

Primary Protein:
  • Chicken Thighs (1 lb): Tender meat that absorbs flavor beautifully and stays juicy when grilled. Cut these into perfect bite-sized chunks for your skewers.
  • Bacon Strips (8 oz): Adds rich, smoky flavor and wraps around each chicken piece to keep it extra moist. Slice these into smaller sections for easy wrapping.
Fresh Produce:
  • Fresh Pineapple (1 whole): Brings a sweet, tangy contrast to the savory meat and helps create a colorful, tropical-style skewer. Chop into chunky pieces that complement the chicken.
Sauce:
  • Teriyaki Sauce (3/4 cup): Provides a delicious sweet and salty glaze that infuses the entire dish with classic Asian-inspired flavor. Half will be used for marinating, and the rest for basting during grilling.

Prep Tools for This Recipe Juicy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

  • Grill: A standard outdoor grill where your skewers will get that perfect charred flavor and crisp bacon edges.
  • Wooden or Metal Skewers: 8-10 inch long skewers that will hold your chicken, bacon, and pineapple chunks securely.
  • Large Baking Dish (9×13 inch): Perfect for marinating your skewers and keeping everything neatly arranged in the refrigerator.
  • Basting Brush: A silicone or heat-resistant brush to spread teriyaki sauce evenly over your skewers while grilling.
  • Tongs: Long-handled grilling tongs to safely flip and maneuver your skewers on the hot grill surface.
  • Sharp Knife: A chef’s knife for slicing chicken into uniform chunks and cutting bacon strips.
  • Cutting Board: A sturdy surface for preparing your chicken, bacon, and pineapple with easy cleanup.
  • Measuring Cup: To accurately portion your teriyaki sauce for marinating and basting.

What Are the Steps for Juicy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

What Are the Steps for Juicy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
1

Prepare Chicken and Bacon

Grab your chicken thighs and slice them into bite-sized cubes about 1 inch thick. Take those bacon strips and stretch them out gently, then cut each strip into halves or thirds depending on their length. Keep your cutting board clean and organized.

2

Create Skewer Assembly Station

Spread out your prepped ingredients on the counter:

  • 1 lb chicken chunks
  • 8 oz bacon pieces
  • 1 fresh pineapple (cut into chunks)

Grab your skewers and get ready to build some flavor combinations.

3

Build Skewer Layers

Wrap each chicken chunk in a bacon slice, then slide it onto a skewer. Follow each bacon-wrapped chicken piece with a pineapple chunk. Create a pattern of two bacon-chicken pieces, then a pineapple piece. Continue until all skewers are loaded.

4

Marinate Skewers

Place the assembled skewers in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour 1/2 cup of teriyaki sauce over the skewers, reserving about 1/4 cup for later basting. Cover the dish and refrigerate for 4 to 8 hours to let the flavors meld together.

5

Preheat Grill

Fire up your grill and heat it to a steady temperature between 350°F and 400°F. Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled.

6

Grill Skewers

Lay the marinated skewers across the grill grates. Brush with the reserved teriyaki sauce. Grill for 7 minutes, then carefully flip each skewer. Baste again with sauce and continue grilling for another 7 minutes. Watch for the bacon to crisp up and the chicken to cook completely through.

7

Serve and Enjoy

Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. The bacon should be crispy, and the chicken perfectly cooked. Serve hot and savor each delicious bite.

What Keeps Juicy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Tender

What Keeps Juicy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Tender
  • Cut chicken into uniform chunks so each bite cooks evenly and looks beautiful on the plate.
  • Stretch bacon gently before wrapping to help it conform smoothly around each chicken piece and create perfect coverage.
  • Let skewers soak in teriyaki sauce for 4-8 hours to infuse deep flavor into every single morsel of chicken.
  • Watch your heat carefully between 350-400°F to ensure bacon gets crispy without burning and chicken stays juicy and tender.
  • Brush reserved teriyaki sauce during grilling to add an extra layer of glossy, caramelized flavor that makes these skewers irresistible.

Ways To Change It Up with Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

  • Vegetarian Skewers: Replace chicken and bacon with firm tofu cubes and thin zucchini strips, keeping the same skewering pattern and teriyaki marinade for a plant-based alternative.
  • Beef Teriyaki Option: Swap chicken for tender beef sirloin chunks, maintaining identical bacon wrapping and grilling technique for a hearty protein swap.
  • Spicy Asian Version: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha directly into the teriyaki sauce to create a heat-packed flavor profile that kicks the original recipe up a notch.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of traditional teriyaki sauce and confirm all ingredients are certified gluten-free, ensuring safe consumption for sensitive diners.

Best Serving Options For Juicy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

  • Serve Hot and Fresh: Pull these skewers straight off the grill and watch your guests grab them eagerly. The sizzling bacon and caramelized pineapple create an instant wow factor.
  • Plate with Simple Sides: Pair these skewers with steamed white rice or a light garden salad. Your plate will look colorful and balanced with minimal effort.
  • Dipping Sauce Option: Set out extra teriyaki sauce or a small bowl of spicy mayo on the side. Guests can customize their flavor experience with a quick dunk.
  • Drink Pairing: Crack open a cold beer or crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc. These beverages complement the sweet and smoky flavors perfectly.

Best Way to Keep Juicy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

  • Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 3 days. The bacon might soften, but the flavors will stay delicious.
  • When freezing, wrap each skewer individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Your teriyaki chicken will keep nicely for about a month.
  • Keep raw marinated skewers covered in the fridge for no more than 8 hours to maintain the best meat quality and food safety.
  • Always separate raw and cooked skewers on different plates to prevent cross-contamination in your kitchen.

Juicy Teriyaki Chicken Skewer FAQs

FAQ

Can I use different types of bacon?

Thick-cut bacon works best. Thin bacon might crisp too quickly and burn before the chicken cooks through.

FAQ

How do I prevent the wooden skewers from burning?

Soak your wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading the chicken to prevent them from catching fire on the grill.

FAQ

What if I don’t have a grill?

Bake these skewers in a preheated 400°F oven for about 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking.

FAQ

Can I swap pineapple for another fruit?

Chunks of mango or peaches make excellent substitutes if pineapple isn’t your favorite.

FAQ

How can I tell the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part of the chicken.

FAQ

Should the bacon be cooked beforehand?

No, raw bacon will cook perfectly while grilling and wrap around the chicken during the process.

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Bacon Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Recipe

Bacon Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 29 minutes to 8 hours 29 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Teriyaki chicken skewers bring together sweet and tangy flavors that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement. Grilled to perfection and glazed with a homemade sauce, these skewers are a quick and delicious way to enjoy a classic Japanese-inspired meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Protein:

  • 1 lb chicken thighs
  • 8 oz bacon strips

Fresh Produce:

  • 1 fresh pineapple

Sauce:

  • ¾ cup teriyaki sauce

Instructions

  1. Cut 1 lb chicken thighs into bite-sized cubes about 1-inch thick for easy skewering.
  2. Slice 8 oz bacon strips lengthwise into halves or thirds, creating thin bacon pieces.
  3. Chop 1 fresh pineapple into chunks approximately the same size as chicken cubes.
  4. Wrap each chicken cube completely with a bacon slice, ensuring full coverage.
  5. Slide a bacon-wrapped chicken piece onto a skewer, then add a pineapple chunk right after.
  6. Repeat the pattern: two bacon-wrapped chicken pieces alternating with pineapple chunks.
  7. Place assembled skewers in a 9×13-inch baking dish, arranging them in a single layer.
  8. Pour ½ cup teriyaki sauce over skewers, reserving ¼ cup for later basting.
  9. Cover the dish and refrigerate for 4 to 8 hours, allowing flavors to penetrate the meat.
  10. Preheat grill to 375°F, creating even medium-high heat across the cooking surface.
  11. Transfer marinated skewers directly onto clean, oiled grill grates.
  12. Brush reserved teriyaki sauce over skewers during first side’s cooking.
  13. Grill for 7 minutes, then carefully flip skewers using tongs.
  14. Baste second side with remaining teriyaki sauce and grill another 7 minutes.
  15. Check chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F before removing from grill.
  16. Let skewers rest for 3 minutes to redistribute juices before serving.

Notes

  • Cut chicken into uniform chunks to ensure even cooking and prevent dryness.
  • Stretch bacon gently before wrapping to help it adhere smoothly to chicken pieces.
  • Marinate skewers for at least 4 hours to let the teriyaki sauce deeply penetrate the meat and enhance flavor.
  • Watch carefully while grilling to prevent bacon from burning, and check chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 14 minutes
  • Category: Chicken
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 40 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Mary Sue

Mary Sue

Founder & Creative Recipe Developer

Expertise

Comfort Food Twists, Seasonal Cooking, Creative Flavor Pairings, Easy Weeknight Dinners, Flexible Pantry Cooking

Education

Trident Technical College, Culinary Institute of Charleston
  • Program: Culinary Arts Technology, A.A.S.
  • Focus: Built a strong foundation in professional food preparation, cooking, and presentation while also learning the hospitality side of the industry, including quality standards, sanitation, and the real-world pace of working kitchens

Mary Sue is the playful, creative recipe mind behind Mary Sue & Susan, known for big flavor ideas, warm storytelling, and dishes that feel both comforting and a little unexpected. She has a talent for taking familiar meals and giving them just enough personality to make them memorable.

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