If you are searching for a dish that bursts with flavor, texture, and just a touch of tropical sweetness, you have to try my Juicy Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Bacon Skewers Recipe. This dish combines tender, marinated chicken thighs wrapped in crispy bacon with juicy pineapple chunks, all glazed in a luscious homemade teriyaki sauce. Every bite offers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and smoky goodness that’s sure to become a favorite at your next barbecue or family dinner. Trust me, once you make this recipe, it will be hard to go back to plain chicken skewers again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Juicy Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Bacon Skewers Recipe calls for a handful of straightforward, everyday ingredients that each play an important role. From the fresh pineapple that adds a bright pop of sweetness and color to the smoky bacon that crisps up beautifully on the grill, every component brings the dish to life.
- Fresh pineapple: Choose a ripe pineapple for juicy, sweet chunks that caramelize perfectly on the grill.
- Regular bacon strips: Use regular bacon (not thick cut) for the ideal wrapping consistency and crispness.
- Chicken thighs: Boneless and skinless thighs for juicy, tender meat that absorbs the teriyaki flavor well.
- Homemade teriyaki sauce: A luscious blend of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of sweetness that marinates and glazes the skewers.
How to Make Juicy Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Bacon Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by cutting your boneless chicken thighs into small, evenly sized chunks. These bite-sized pieces are perfect for skewering and ensure that each piece cooks evenly while soaking up all the wonderful teriyaki marinade.
Step 2: Prepare the Bacon
Unwrap the bacon strips gently and stretch them lengthwise to make them easier to work with. Depending on whether you have center-cut bacon or regular strips, cut them into halves or thirds. This sizing makes them just right for wrapping around each chicken piece without overpowering the skewer.
Step 3: Build the Skewers
Set up your workstation with the chicken pieces, bacon slices, and pineapple chunks nearby. Wrap each chicken chunk with a piece of bacon, then thread it onto a skewer, followed by a juicy pineapple chunk. Repeat this pattern by alternating two bacon-wrapped chicken pieces with one pineapple piece. This combination guarantees every bite has a delightful mix of flavors and textures.
Step 4: Marinate the Skewers
Place the loaded skewers into a large 9×13 baking dish and pour the homemade teriyaki sauce generously over them. Save just under a quarter cup of the sauce for basting later on the grill. Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for 4 to 8 hours allowing the skewers to soak in all those rich flavors deeply.
Step 5: Preheat the Grill
When you’re ready to cook, heat your grill to a medium-high temperature between 350ºF and 400ºF. Getting the right heat ensures the bacon crisps without burning and the chicken cooks through perfectly.
Step 6: Grill and Glaze
Place the marinated skewers evenly across the grill grates. Use some of the reserved teriyaki sauce to brush the skewers right away. Grill for about 7 minutes before turning each skewer to the other side. Brush again with sauce and continue grilling for another 7 minutes until the bacon crisps up and the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
How to Serve Juicy Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Bacon Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra fresh touch, sprinkle chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds on top. These simple garnishes add a nutty crunch and a bit of vibrant color, making your skewers look as good as they taste.
Side Dishes
If you want to round out your meal, pair these skewers with light sides like steamed jasmine rice, a crisp cucumber salad, or grilled vegetables. These sides will complement the bold flavors without overpowering the star of the show.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the skewers family-style on a wooden board with small bowls of extra teriyaki sauce for dipping. For a fun twist, thread the skewers into a vertical stand, giving your presentation a playful, eye-catching element that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, wrap the skewers tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so reheated skewers can be just as tasty the next day!
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the skewers but don’t marinate. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and put into a freezer bag. When ready to cook, thaw overnight and then marinate in the teriyaki sauce before grilling for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your skewers gently in an oven at 350ºF for about 10 minutes or until warmed through to keep the bacon crisp and the chicken juicy. Microwaving can make the bacon less crispy, so the oven is the top choice here.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! However, chicken breasts tend to dry out faster, so watch the grilling time closely and consider marinating a bit longer for extra moisture and flavor.
Do I need to soak wooden skewers before grilling?
Yes, soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using to prevent them from burning on the grill.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can substitute the chicken and bacon with plant-based alternatives and use a vegan teriyaki sauce to create a delicious vegetarian version of the skewers.
What can I do if I don’t have a grill?
No worries! You can cook the skewers in a broiler or on a grill pan on your stovetop. Just keep an eye on them to prevent burning and turn often for even cooking.
How long should I marinate the skewers for best flavor?
For maximum flavor, marinate between 4 to 8 hours. The longer the marinating time within this window, the more the teriyaki sauce infuses into the meat and pineapple.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a recipe that’s guaranteed to impress and deliver big bold flavors with juicy, tender bites, the Juicy Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Bacon Skewers Recipe is your new go-to. It’s easy to make, fun to eat, and perfect for any occasion where you want that little extra sparkle on the table. Give it a try, gather your friends or family, and watch how quickly these skewers disappear!
Print
Juicy Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Bacon Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes (including marination)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
These Juicy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers combine tender chicken thighs wrapped in crispy bacon, grilled to perfection with sweet pineapple chunks and homemade teriyaki sauce for a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for any barbecue or casual dinner.
Ingredients
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 to keep ready for assembling.
- Prepare the Bacon: Remove bacon strips from packaging, gently stretch along their length, and cut into halves if center-cut or into thirds if regular.
- Assemble Skewers: Arrange your station with chicken chunks, bacon pieces, and pineapple chunks. Wrap each chicken piece with a bacon strip, thread onto a skewer followed by a pineapple piece. Repeat the sequence: two bacon-wrapped chicken pieces followed by one pineapple chunk.
- Marinate the Skewers: Place the assembled skewers in a large 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the skewers, reserving about 1/4 cup for later basting. Cover and refrigerate for 4 to 8 hours to let flavors permeate.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat the grill to a medium-high temperature of 350ºF to 400ºF, preparing for grilling.
- Grill the Skewers: Lay the skewers over the grill grates. Brush some of the reserved teriyaki sauce over them. Grill for 7 minutes, flip, baste again, and continue grilling for an additional 7 minutes until bacon is crisp and chicken is thoroughly cooked.
Notes
- Use center-cut bacon strips for easier wrapping around chicken pieces.
- Marinating for at least 4 hours enhances flavor absorption but up to 8 hours is best.
- Maintain grill temperature to avoid undercooked chicken or burnt bacon.
- Can be served with steamed rice or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
