Caramelized Pineapple Tiki Chicken Skewers
Juicy grilled chicken skewers glazed with a sweet and tangy caramelized pineapple sauce, inspired by Polynesian tiki flavors. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 27 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, fresh pineapple chunks, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 6 wooden skewers
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: In a blender, combine 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 cloves minced garlic, and 1 tsp grated fresh ginger. Blend until smooth to create the glaze.
- Step 3: Thread the chicken cubes onto 6 soaked wooden skewers evenly.
- Step 4: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the skewers and cook for 4 minutes on each side, basting frequently with the pineapple glaze, until the chicken is caramelized and cooked through.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes before serving with extra glaze drizzled on top.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Caramelized Pineapple Tiki Chicken Skewers take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Caramelized Pineapple Tiki Chicken Skewers?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep fresh pineapple chunks from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Caramelized Pineapple Tiki Chicken Skewers?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Caramelized Pineapple Tiki Chicken Skewers for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Caramelized Pineapple Tiki Chicken Skewers?
Caribbean chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
