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Flavorful Grilled Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Skewers Easy Sesame Teriyaki Recipe

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Juicy grilled chicken thighs and fresh pineapple chunks glazed with a sticky, nutty sesame teriyaki sauce create a perfect sweet-savory tropical dish that’s quick and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1½-inch chunks
  • 1 medium fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1½-inch chunks
  • ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • ¼ cup honey or pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • Optional: chopped green onions for garnish
  • Optional: fresh lime juice for finishing

Instructions

  1. Cut the chicken thighs into roughly 1½-inch pieces and the pineapple into similar-sized chunks for even cooking.
  2. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, honey, toasted sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and rice vinegar. Stir occasionally until it simmers.
  3. Mix cornstarch and cold water to a slurry, whisk into the saucepan, and let thicken for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
  4. Toss the chicken chunks with ¾ of the glaze in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, but no longer than 2 hours.
  5. Thread chicken and pineapple alternately onto soaked bamboo or metal skewers, keeping pieces snug but not too tight.
  6. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high (about 400°F). Lightly oil the grates or pan surface.
  7. Grill skewers for about 4-5 minutes per side, turning carefully with tongs. Brush remaining glaze over skewers during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
  8. Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and pineapple has grill marks and slight caramelization.
  9. Remove skewers and let rest for 3 minutes. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving.

Notes

Do not marinate chicken longer than 2 hours to avoid mushy texture. Toast sesame seeds separately for best flavor. Brush glaze on skewers in the last minutes to prevent burning. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F. If glaze thickens too much while grilling, thin with a teaspoon of water.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken skewers, pineapple chicken, teriyaki glaze, sesame teriyaki, summer BBQ, easy chicken recipe, tropical chicken skewers, gluten-free chicken

Find it online: https://grubella.com/flavorful-grilled-hawaiian-pineapple-chicken-skewers-easy-sesame-teriyaki-recipe/