Caribbean Rum-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Pineapple Salsa
Juicy chicken thighs glazed with a sweet and tangy Caribbean rum sauce, served with a refreshing pineapple salsa to balance the flavors. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes blends bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, dark Caribbean rum, brown sugar 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 360 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.
Ingredients
- 6 pieces, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/3 cup dark Caribbean rum
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp, freshly squeezed lime juice
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp, grated fresh ginger
- 1 cup, diced pineapple
- 1/2 cup, diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped red onion
- 1 small, seeded and minced jalapeño
- 1/4 cup, chopped cilantro
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Pat dry 6 chicken thighs and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup dark Caribbean rum, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp lime juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger until sugar dissolves.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5 minutes until golden and crispy, then flip and cook 3 minutes.
- Step 4: Pour the rum glaze evenly over the chicken and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Roast for 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked through and glaze thickens.
- Step 5: Meanwhile, prepare pineapple salsa by combining 1 cup diced pineapple, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1 minced jalapeño, and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate.
- Step 6: Remove chicken from the oven, spoon extra glaze over the top, and serve with chilled pineapple salsa on the side.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Caribbean Rum-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Pineapple Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Caribbean Rum-Glazed Chicken Thighs 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 Rum-Glazed Chicken Thighs 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 Rum-Glazed Chicken Thighs 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 Rum-Glazed Chicken Thighs 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.
