Juicy Grilled Chicken Teriyaki Kabobs: Your Ultimate Summer BBQ Recipe

Embrace the vibrant flavors of spring and summer with these incredible Asian-style Grilled Chicken Teriyaki Kabobs. Perfectly balanced with tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, crisp red onion, and sweet mango, all generously coated in a luscious homemade teriyaki sauce, these skewers are a must-try for your next backyard barbecue or a fresh family dinner.

As the days grow longer and warmer, there’s nothing quite like the irresistible aroma of grilling outdoors. And when it comes to capturing the essence of spring and summer, these Grilled Chicken Teriyaki Kabobs are simply unmatched. They are bursting with flavor, featuring succulent pieces of chicken, crisp green peppers, sweet red onion, and juicy mango, all brought together by a rich, homemade teriyaki sauce that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.

These Asian-inspired chicken skewers are incredibly versatile. They make for a fantastic, healthy family dinner during the warmer months, offering a complete meal on a stick. But their convenience extends beyond dinner time; they are also perfectly suited for meal prepping your lunches for the week ahead. And for those craving a taste of summer grilling all year round, this recipe can easily be adapted for an indoor grill pan, ensuring you can enjoy these delicious chicken teriyaki kabobs no matter the season. Prepare to fall in love with this flavorful, easy-to-make dish!

Essential Kitchen Tools for Perfect Kabobs

Having the right tools can make all the difference in preparing these delicious grilled chicken teriyaki kabobs. Here’s what you’ll need to ensure a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience, whether you’re grilling outdoors or in your kitchen:

• A Grill or Grill Pan: For that quintessential smoky flavor and beautiful char marks, an outdoor grill is ideal. It truly enhances the depth of flavor in the chicken and vegetables. However, if outdoor grilling isn’t an option, a heavy-duty grill pan on your stovetop works just as wonderfully, allowing you to achieve similar results indoors.
• Tongs: An indispensable tool for grilling! Tongs allow you to safely and easily flip the kabobs on the grill, ensuring even cooking on all sides without burning your fingers.
• A Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: Precision cutting is key for uniform pieces, which helps everything cook evenly. A good chef’s knife is versatile for both the chicken and the vegetables. Remember food safety: always wash your cutting board thoroughly with hot, soapy water after cutting raw chicken to prevent cross-contamination with your fresh produce. Using separate cutting boards for meat and vegetables is an even safer practice.
• A Basting Brush: This tool is fantastic for evenly coating your kabobs with that delicious teriyaki sauce, both before and during grilling. If you don’t have a basting brush, a spoon can work in a pinch for drizzling, but a brush provides better coverage.
• 8-10 Wood or Metal Skewers: The number of skewers you’ll need depends on their size. I typically use eight 12-inch skewers for this recipe, which accommodates all the ingredients perfectly. It’s crucial not to overcrowd the skewers, as this can lead to uneven cooking and steaming rather than grilling. Ensure there’s a little space between each piece of chicken and vegetable for optimal heat circulation. If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before assembling to prevent them from burning on the grill. Metal skewers are a reusable and sturdy option.

Flavorful Ingredients for Your Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Crafting the perfect grilled chicken teriyaki kabobs starts with selecting fresh, high-quality ingredients. This recipe features a delightful combination that offers a balance of savory, sweet, and tangy notes, making every bite a tropical explosion of flavor:

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean and versatile, chicken breasts are ideal for kabobs as they cook relatively quickly and absorb marinades beautifully. For a slightly richer flavor and more tender texture, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent alternative. While the cooking time might vary slightly, they also work wonderfully on the grill.
• Fresh Fruit and Veggies: The beauty of these teriyaki chicken skewers lies in their vibrant mix of produce. I’ve chosen a delicious trio of crisp green pepper, sweet and tangy mango, and sharp red onion. This combination not only adds incredible flavor and texture but also a pop of color. Looking to customize? Other fantastic options include juicy pineapple chunks (which also tenderize the chicken slightly), various bell pepper colors (red, orange, or yellow for different sweetness levels), zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or even mushrooms. Experiment to find your favorite medley!
• Seasonings: To let the natural flavors shine and complement the teriyaki sauce, I keep the seasonings simple yet effective. A classic blend of salt, black pepper, and garlic powder is all you need to enhance the chicken. If you enjoy a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added to the chicken marinade for a subtle kick.
• Sesame Seeds and Green Onion (Optional-For Serving): These garnishes are not just for aesthetics; they add layers of flavor and texture that truly elevate the dish. Toasted sesame seeds provide a nutty crunch, while freshly sliced green onions offer a mild, fresh onion bite, completing the Asian-inspired profile.
• Homemade Teriyaki Sauce: The star of this dish! While store-bought teriyaki sauce is convenient, nothing compares to the fresh, vibrant flavor of a homemade version. My recipe for homemade teriyaki sauce is incredibly simple to prepare and can be stored in the fridge or freezer for future use. It delivers a rich, savory-sweet glaze that truly makes these kabobs irresistible. If time is a constraint, feel free to use your favorite high-quality store-bought brand.

How to Master These Delicious Chicken Kabobs

Making these grilled chicken teriyaki kabobs is surprisingly straightforward and incredibly rewarding. Follow these steps for tender, flavorful chicken and perfectly cooked vegetables:

1. Begin by preparing your chicken: Take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and slice them into uniform 1-inch cubes. Consistency in size is important for even cooking. Once cut, transfer the chicken pieces to a large bowl. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Next, pour in about ¾ cup of your homemade teriyaki sauce, ensuring every piece of chicken is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate, allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 20 minutes to absorb those wonderful flavors. For maximum tenderness and depth of flavor, you can marinate the chicken for up to 8 hours or even overnight.
2. While the chicken is marinating, prepare your produce: Chop the green peppers, mango, and red onion into roughly 1-inch chunks, similar in size to your chicken pieces. This ensures everything cooks at a consistent rate. With your ingredients prepped, now is the time to get your grilling equipment ready. If using an outdoor grill, clean the grates and preheat to medium heat. If cooking indoors, heat your grill pan over medium heat on the stovetop.
3. Once the chicken has finished marinating, it’s time to assemble the kabobs. If using metal skewers, lightly spray them with cooking spray to prevent sticking. For wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand. Thread the ingredients onto the skewers, alternating between a piece of chicken, a chunk of pepper, mango, and red onion. Continue this pattern until the skewer is full, leaving a small space at both ends and between each ingredient to allow for even cooking. Repeat this process until all your chicken and vegetables are used, aiming for approximately 8-10 delicious teriyaki chicken skewers.
4. Before placing them on the grill, brush the assembled kabobs with a little extra teriyaki sauce to create an even more flavorful glaze. Carefully place the skewers on the preheated grill or grill pan over medium heat. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, allowing a beautiful char to develop. Rotate the skewers regularly to ensure all sides of the chicken and vegetables cook evenly and get those desirable grill marks. Continue cooking until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Once cooked to perfection, transfer the grilled chicken teriyaki kabobs to a serving tray. For an extra boost of flavor and shine, brush them with additional teriyaki sauce, if desired. Garnish generously with freshly diced green onion and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. These kabobs are wonderfully delicious on their own, but for a more complete meal, they pair perfectly with a side of steamed rice or a fresh salad. Enjoy your fantastic grilled creation!

Pro Tips for Perfectly Grilled Teriyaki Kabobs

Maximize Flavor and Efficiency with These Expert Tips:

Vegetable and Fruit Options: While the combination of mango, green pepper, and red onion offers a superb balance for these Japanese-style chicken teriyaki kabobs, feel free to customize them to your preferences. Excellent alternatives or additions include chunks of sweet pineapple (which also helps tenderize the chicken), other colorful bell peppers (red, orange, or yellow for varying sweetness), zucchini, squash, or even cherry tomatoes. Consider how different textures and flavors will blend on your skewer.

Prepping the Skewers: Proper skewer preparation is crucial for a hassle-free grilling experience. If you’re using metal skewers, which I highly recommend for their reusability and heat conductivity, a quick spray with cooking oil will prevent your ingredients from sticking. If opting for wooden skewers, it’s essential to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading. This prevents them from charring or burning excessively on the grill, ensuring your kabobs stay intact.

Don’t Overcrowd Your Skewers: It might be tempting to load up each skewer with as many ingredients as possible, but resist the urge! Overcrowding prevents proper heat circulation, leading to steamed rather than grilled results. Leave a small gap (about ¼ inch) between each piece of chicken and vegetable. This allows for even cooking, better char development, and ensures everything cooks through beautifully.

Ensure Chicken is Cooked Through: The key to juicy, safe chicken is cooking it to the right internal temperature. Chicken breasts should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken for an accurate reading. This ensures your chicken is perfectly cooked without being dry.

Marinade for Maximum Flavor: Don’t rush the marinade process! While 20 minutes is the minimum for the teriyaki chicken, allowing it to marinate for several hours or even overnight in the refrigerator will dramatically deepen the flavors and tenderize the chicken. The longer it marinates, the more succulent and flavorful your kabobs will be.

Discover More Delicious Grill Recipes

If you loved these Grilled Chicken Teriyaki Kabobs, you’re sure to enjoy these other fantastic grilling recipes perfect for any occasion:

Grilled Skirt SteakGrilled Chicken SpiediniCilantro Lime Grilled ChickenGrilled Peaches with Honey Mascarpone
Pepper Lemon Chicken Thighs

Common Questions About Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs

There’s truly nothing quite like the joy of summer grilling season, and these tasty Grilled Chicken Teriyaki Kabobs are a huge favorite with my family. I sincerely hope you and your loved ones adore them just as much as we do! Happy grilling!

Happy Eating!