Description
These Juicy Teriyaki Chicken Skewers combine tender chicken thigh pieces wrapped in smoky bacon with sweet pineapple chunks, all glazed in a homemade teriyaki sauce. Perfectly grilled to achieve crispy bacon and juicy chicken with a delightful balance of savory and sweet flavors, this recipe makes an excellent appetizer or main dish for any barbecue or gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 fresh pineapple, cut into chunks
- 8 oz regular bacon strips (avoid thick cuts)
- 1 lb chicken thighs, skinless and boneless
- 3/4 cup homemade teriyaki sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken thighs into small, bite-sized chunks ideal for skewering. Set aside while preparing other ingredients.
- Prepare the Bacon: Remove bacon strips from packaging. Gently stretch each strip lengthwise to ensure flexibility. Cut each strip into halves if center-cut bacon, or into thirds if regular thickness to allow easy wrapping.
- Assemble the Skewers: Arrange your workspace with chicken pieces, bacon pieces, and pineapple chunks. Wrap each chicken cube with a bacon piece, then thread the bacon-wrapped chicken onto a skewer followed by a pineapple chunk. Repeat this pattern by placing two bacon-wrapped chicken pieces followed by one pineapple piece on each skewer.
- Marinate the Skewers: Place the skewers in a large baking dish (approximately 9×13 inches). Pour the homemade teriyaki sauce over the skewers, reserving just under 1/4 cup for basting during grilling. Cover the dish and refrigerate for 4 to 8 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to a medium heat, aiming for a temperature between 350ºF and 400ºF. This ensures even cooking and crispy bacon.
- Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers directly on the grill grates. Brush the reserved teriyaki sauce over them. Grill for 7 minutes, then turn the skewers over and baste again. Continue cooking for another 7 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is fully cooked through.
Notes
- Use center-cut bacon for easier wrapping and consistent cooking.
- Ensure chicken pieces are similar in size for even grilling.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can broil the skewers in the oven for similar results.
- Keep an eye on the grill to avoid burning the bacon due to flare-ups.
- Let the skewers rest for a few minutes after grilling for juicier meat.
