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Last Updated on July 7, 2025 by Tracy
These easy grilled chicken skewers with a cherry teriyaki marinade are sweet, savory, and perfect for summer BBQs or weeknight dinners! Includes wine pairings. While this post is sponsored by Healthy Family Project, all opinions and my love for supporting my local community are my own.
There’s just something about summer than just calls for firing up the grill. Longer days, warm evenings (ok, I live in Florida, we basically always have warm evenings, but other people may appreciate the warm nights!), and the smell of something delicious on the grill, it’s what summer celebrations are all about. Plus, there is some incredible in-season produce to be bought and enjoyed….like cherries! I just made those yummy Cherry Chocolate Trifles, in true Tracy fashion, I made dessert first 😉 So, let’s get some dinner on the table that celebrates in-season fresh produce too!
These Cherry Teriyaki Grilled Chicken Skewers are a great way to use Vidalia onions, cherries, peppers, pineapple and, chicken. I know I have said it 100xs, but my kids are into the whole protein kick at the moment, so I am always looking for ways to use protein in new and delicious ways. And we all loved this cherry teriyaki marinade!
Whether you’re entertaining or just looking for a fresh spin on your usual weeknight dinner, this recipe has all flavor, color, and fun.
Why We Love This Recipe
This is summer on a skewer! Sweet Vidalia onions and cherries bring that seasonal pop of flavor to a savory, garlicky teriyaki marinade. The cherries work beautifully with the salty umami notes of teriyaki and the slight spice from red pepper flakes (optional, but always recommended!). Paired with grilled pineapple, crunchy bell peppers, and tender chicken, every skewer is balanced flavor.
And while you can use frozen cherries, I always recommend using fresh cherries from your local farmers market or grocery store. Summer cherries are at their best from June through August, depending on your region. Not only do they taste better, but they also support seasonal eating and local growers. Win-win.
Easy to Prep, Perfect for Meal Planning
This recipe is ideal for weekend cookouts or easy meal prep. You can marinate everything in advance, then just thread the skewers when you’re ready to grill. Serve them with rice, quinoa, or even over mixed greens for a light summer salad.
Pro Tip: Soak wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
Let’s Talk Ingredients
One of the reasons I love this recipe is the lineup of fresh, colorful, and flavorful ingredients.
Chicken Breast
Lean, protein-packed, and a total blank canvas for bold flavor. Chicken breast is perfect for soaking up that cherry teriyaki marinade, and it stays juicy when grilled just right.
Fresh Cherries
Summer means cherry season, and I’ll take any excuse to add these ruby-red beauties to our meals. They’re naturally sweet, slightly tart, and pair surprisingly well with savory teriyaki. Fresh cherries also add a pop of color and antioxidant power to your plate.
Vidalia Onions
I always reach for Vidalia onions when they’re in season! Grown in Georgia, these sweet onions are mild and flavorful, making them perfect for grilling. They caramelize beautifully and add just the right touch of sweetness to balance the tangy marinade.
Red Bell Peppers
Crunchy, colorful, and packed with vitamin C, red bell peppers are a skewer must-have. They add brightness to the dish and a nice little char from the grill.
Pineapple Chunks
Grilled pineapple is one of life’s simple joys. The natural sugars caramelize on the grill and bring a tropical vibe that complements the cherry teriyaki flavor perfectly.
Teriyaki Marinade
This savory-sweet marinade is the secret to bringing all these ingredients together. You can use your favorite store-bought version or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous. A touch of garlic and optional red pepper flakes gives it an extra punch!
Shopping Fresh and Support Giving Back with Produce for Kids at Publix
When I made these Easy Grilled Chicken Skewers with Cherry Teriyaki Marinade, I headed to my local Publix to grab all the ingredients.
But here’s the best part is that I was supporting companies that are giving back to the local community just by purchasing these yummy ingredients! That’s right! When you shop for fresh produce at Publix and see those Produce For Kids signs you’re not just bringing home delicious ingredients. You’re also supporting those that are giving back.
Publix supports the Produce for Kids campaign which helps support local Feeding America® food banks. That means every time you add fresh fruits and veggies to your cart from participating brands, you’re helping families in need get access to nutritious food. It’s such a simple way to do good just by doing your regular grocery shopping!
As a mom who loves feeding my family fresh, nutritious meals, this campaign really speaks to my heart. It’s a win-win!
So next time you’re shopping at Publix, keep an eye out for the Produce for Kids signage in the produce department. It’s an easy way to make a difference…one ingredient at a time.
You can also learn more about the campaign and find more delicious dietitian approved recipes at HealthyFamilyProject.com.
Easy Grilled Chicken Skewers with Cherry Teriyaki Marinade Wine Pairing Suggestions
When pairing wine with grilled chicken skewers—especially one with sweet and savory flavors—look for a wine that can complement both the fruit and the teriyaki glaze:
- Pinot Noir: This red wine is light enough for chicken but has enough body to play well with cherries and teriyaki sauce. A fruit-forward Pinot from Oregon or Burgundy would be lovely.
- Grenache (or Garnacha): Slightly spicier and more robust, this red can handle the pineapple and red pepper flakes while still being smooth and summer-friendly.
- Dry Rosé: If you’re going for that perfect patio pairing, a crisp rosé (especially one from Provence) is refreshing and flexible enough to balance sweet onions, cherries and savory chicken.
- Chenin Blanc or Riesling (Dry): If you prefer white wine, look for something with acidity and a touch of fruitiness to keep things fresh.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just enjoying a quiet evening at home, these Cherry Teriyaki Grilled Chicken Skewers are a perfect seasonal dish to celebrate summer. Fresh, simple, and packed with flavor!
Alright, let’s get to grilling shall we?
Cherry Chicken Teriyaki Grilled Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup Teriyaki Marinade
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups cherries pitted and diced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- 1 Red Bell Pepper cut into large pieces
- 1 RealSweet Vidalia sweet onion quartered
- 2 cups pineapples chunks
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine the chicken pieces, Teriyaki marinade, garlic, cherries, and red pepper flakes.
- Give everything a stir so that all of the ingredients are well covered.
- Cover and refrigerate for 2-3 hours. *If you are in a time crunch, 30 mins is okay but it won't be as flavorful.
- When you are ready to cook, take the chicken out of the marinade and thread onto wooden skewers along with the pepper pieces, onion pieces, and pineapple chunks.
- Heat up your grill and cook until the chicken is cooked through (approximately 10-15 minutes) flipping halfway.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
What’s your favorite way to enjoy fresh produce in the summer? Let me know in the comments below or tag me in your grilling creations!
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