Bacon Wrapped Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Recipe

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Recipe With Glaze

Teriyaki chicken skewers bring together sweet and savory flavors in a way that feels both familiar and exciting at every bite.

You can serve them at casual backyard gatherings or weeknight dinners when something special is in order.

The glossy glaze caramelizes beautifully during cooking, creating those delightful charred edges everyone loves.

They work wonderfully as appetizers that disappear quickly from any platter or as a main course that satisfies completely.

Pairing them with rice and vegetables makes for a balanced meal that comes together faster than ordering takeout.

The versatility of grilled protein on a stick means adapting them to different occasions is effortlessly simple.

Skip the restaurant wait times and make something memorable that offers everyone to the table tonight.

Best Reasons to Try Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Best Reasons to Try Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
  • Simple Prep: Wrapping chicken in bacon and threading onto skewers makes this dish a total breeze for anyone who wants a fun cooking project that doesn’t require complicated techniques.
  • Flavor Combo Magic: The sweet pineapple, salty bacon, and tangy teriyaki sauce create an incredible taste blend that will have your dinner guests asking for seconds.
  • Flexible Meal Option: These skewers work perfectly for backyard barbecues, casual dinners, or whenever you need a protein-packed meal that looks impressive but takes minimal effort to create.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Marinating the skewers in advance means you can do most of the work earlier in the day, making mealtime super smooth and stress-free when guests arrive.

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Ingredient Breakdown

Main Proteins:
  • 1 Lb Chicken Thighs: Tender meat that creates delicious, bite-sized chunks perfect for skewering and absorbing flavor.
  • 8 Oz Bacon Strips: Adds rich, salty crispness that wraps around each chicken piece for extra texture and taste.
Fruit Component:
  • 1 Fresh Pineapple: Sweet tropical fruit that brings brightness and caramelizes beautifully when grilled, balancing the savory meat.
Sauce:
  • 3/4 Cup Homemade Teriyaki Sauce: Provides a sweet and tangy coating that helps tenderize the chicken while adding deep, complex flavor during marinating and grilling. Reserve a small portion for basting to enhance the final glaze.

Tool Overview for Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

  • Grill: This is where the magic happens! Make sure your grill can maintain temperatures between 350ºF and 400ºF for perfect cooking.
  • Large Baking Dish (9×13 inches): Your marinating and holding container for these delicious skewers.
  • Sharp Kitchen Knife: Essential for slicing chicken into neat, even chunks and cutting bacon strips.
  • Wooden or Metal Skewers (12-inch): Your tool for assembling those gorgeous bacon-wrapped chicken and pineapple bites.
  • Basting Brush: Perfect for spreading extra teriyaki sauce and adding flavor while grilling.
  • Tongs: Your best friend for safely flipping and moving skewers on the hot grill without burning yourself.
  • Cutting Board: A sturdy surface for all your chopping and prep work.
  • Measuring Cup: Helpful for portioning out your teriyaki sauce precisely.

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Cooking Method

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Cooking Method
1

Prepare the Chicken

Grab those chicken thighs and slice them into bite-sized chunks that’ll look perfect on a skewer. Each piece should be about 1-inch square, making them easy to wrap and grill.

2

Bacon Prep

Unwrap your bacon strips and stretch them gently. Cut each strip into halves or thirds depending on their length. These will become the crispy wrap for your chicken pieces.

3

Skewer Assembly

Time to create your flavor combination! Grab your wooden skewers and start building a delicious pattern:

  • 1 slice of bacon
  • 1 chunk of chicken
  • 1 chunk of fresh pineapple

Repeat this sequence until your skewers are loaded with goodness. Make sure each chicken piece gets a cozy bacon blanket.

4

Marinate the Skewers

Place your assembled skewers in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour 1/2 cup of teriyaki sauce over the skewers, making sure they’re well coated. Save about 1/4 cup of sauce for later. Cover the dish and let it chill in the refrigerator for 4 to 8 hours.

5

Prepare the Grill

Fire up your grill and heat it to a steady 375°F. This temperature will help crisp the bacon and cook the chicken perfectly.

6

Grill to Perfection

Carefully place your marinated skewers on the grill grates. Brush with the reserved teriyaki sauce. Grill for 7 minutes, then flip each skewer. Add another layer of sauce and continue grilling for another 7 minutes.

7

Check for Doneness

Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the bacon looks crispy and golden. Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

What Are The Best Tips For Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

  • Slice chicken into uniform chunks so each piece cooks evenly and looks perfect on your skewer.
  • Stretch bacon gently before wrapping to help it cover chicken more smoothly and prevent bunching.
  • Create a consistent pattern alternating bacon-wrapped chicken with pineapple for balanced flavor in every bite.
  • Let skewers soak in teriyaki sauce for at least 4 hours to infuse deep, rich flavor throughout the meat.
  • Watch your grill temperature and baste frequently to ensure crispy bacon and juicy chicken without burning.

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Sauce Variations

  • Low-Sodium Version: Replace standard teriyaki sauce with a homemade low-sodium version using reduced-sodium soy sauce, which cuts salt content by about 50% while keeping your familiar flavor profile.
  • Vegetarian Skewer Swap: Replace chicken and bacon with firm tofu chunks and tempeh strips, maintaining the same marinating and grilling technique to keep similar texture and taste.
  • Spicy Kick Variation: Mix some sriracha or red pepper flakes directly into your teriyaki sauce before marinating, giving your skewers an extra heat level that’ll warm your palate without overwhelming the other flavors.
  • Oven-Friendly Alternative: When grilling isn’t possible, bake these skewers on a lined baking sheet at 400ºF, turning once halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and crispy bacon edges.

Easy Ways to Serve Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

  • Serve with Sticky Rice: Grab some warm, fluffy rice to catch all those delicious teriyaki and bacon drippings. Each bite becomes a flavor explosion.
  • Perfect Side Salad Partner: Toss together a crisp Asian slaw with cabbage, carrots, and a light sesame dressing to balance the rich, smoky skewers.
  • Drink Pairing Delight: Crack open a cold Sapporo beer or a slightly sweet white wine like Riesling that cuts through the salty bacon perfectly.
  • Garnish for Extra Zing: Sprinkle some chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the skewers right before serving for a fresh, crunchy finish.

How to Store Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

  • Refrigerate skewers in a sealed container for up to 3 days, keeping them tightly covered to maintain moisture and prevent other food odors from seeping in.
  • Freeze uncooked assembled skewers in a flat layer inside a freezer-safe container, separating each layer with parchment paper so they do not stick together.
  • When freezing cooked skewers, wrap each one separately in aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn and preserve the teriyaki flavor’s integrity.
  • For best reheating results, thaw frozen skewers in the refrigerator overnight and warm them gently in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes to keep the chicken tender and bacon crisp.

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Common Questions

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They’re often more tender and flavorful, which makes your skewers extra delicious.

FAQ

Do I need to soak wooden skewers before grilling?

Yes, always soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling. This prevents them from burning and catching fire on the hot grill.

FAQ

What if I don’t have a grill?

No problem! You can cook these skewers in the oven at 425ºF on a lined baking sheet. Just make sure to turn them halfway through cooking to get crispy bacon.

FAQ

Can I make these skewers ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the skewers and marinate them up to a day in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill.

FAQ

Is there a low-sodium teriyaki sauce option?

Several brands make reduced-sodium teriyaki sauce. Look for options in the Asian section of your grocery store or make your own with less salt.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Bacon Wrapped Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Recipe

Bacon Wrapped Teriyaki Chicken Skewers Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 23 reviews

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

Description

Grilling teriyaki chicken skewers delivers pure summer flavor straight to your plate. Glazed with sweet-tangy sauce and charred to perfection, these tender bites will become your backyard barbecue favorite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 1 lb chicken thighs
  • 8 oz bacon strips

Fruits and Vegetables:

  • 1 fresh pineapple

Sauces and Seasonings:

  • ¾ cup teriyaki sauce

Instructions

  1. Cut 1 lb chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes, ensuring uniform sizing for even cooking.
  2. Slice 8 oz bacon strips lengthwise into halves or thirds, creating thin bacon ribbons.
  3. Chop 1 fresh pineapple into similar-sized chunks matching chicken cube dimensions.
  4. Assemble skewers by wrapping each chicken cube with a bacon slice, alternating between two bacon-wrapped chicken pieces and one pineapple chunk.
  5. Pour ½ cup teriyaki sauce over assembled skewers in a 9×13 inch baking dish, reserving ¼ cup for later brushing.
  6. Refrigerate skewers for 4-6 hours, allowing marinade to penetrate and tenderize the meat.
  7. Preheat outdoor grill to 375°F, creating medium-high heat zones.
  8. Place skewers directly on clean grill grates, maintaining consistent heat distribution.
  9. Grill for 7 minutes on first side, brushing with reserved teriyaki sauce.
  10. Flip skewers, baste again with sauce, and continue grilling another 7 minutes.
  11. Confirm chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature using a meat thermometer.
  12. Remove skewers, letting them rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to retain juiciness.

Notes

  • Cut chicken into uniform chunks so each piece cooks evenly and looks great on the skewer.
  • Stretch bacon gently before wrapping to help it adhere smoothly around chicken pieces.
  • Marinate skewers for the full 4-8 hours to develop deep, rich teriyaki flavor that penetrates the meat.
  • Watch your grill temperature carefully to ensure bacon crisps without burning and chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 14 minutes
  • Category: Chicken
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 371 kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 105 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.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star