Caribbean Jerk-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Pineapple Salsa

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken chunks marinated in aromatic jerk spices, paired with a fresh pineapple salsa that adds tropical sweetness and zest. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 52 minutes blends cut into 1-inch cubes chicken breast, jerk seasoning, lime juice into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

Prep: 40 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 lb chicken breast cubes with 2 tbsp jerk seasoning, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 2 tbsp olive oil. Toss well to coat and marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare the pineapple salsa by mixing 1 cup diced pineapple, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, 1 minced jalapeño (deseeded), 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a small bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
  4. Step 4: Thread the marinated chicken cubes evenly onto the 6 soaked wooden skewers.
  5. Step 5: Grill the chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until the chicken is cooked through and has charred grill marks.
  6. Step 6: Serve the hot jerk chicken skewers topped with the chilled pineapple salsa for a balance of smoky heat and tropical freshness.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Caribbean Jerk-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Pineapple Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 52 minutes (40 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Caribbean Jerk-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Pineapple Salsa?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Caribbean Jerk-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Pineapple Salsa?

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 Caribbean Jerk-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Pineapple Salsa 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 Caribbean Jerk-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Pineapple Salsa?

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.

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