Char-Grilled Pineapple and Rum Glazed Tiki Chicken Skewers

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken skewers marinated in a tropical rum and pineapple glaze, char-grilled to smoky perfection for a vibrant tiki-inspired flavor. This caribbean-inspired grilling ready in about 82 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, fresh pineapple chunks, dark rum for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 70 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a blender, combine 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks, 1/4 cup dark rum, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 3 cloves minced garlic, and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger. Blend until smooth to create the marinade and glaze.
  2. Step 2: Cut 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces and transfer to a bowl. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken along with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, tossing to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
  3. Step 3: Soak 8 wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, alternating with additional pineapple chunks if desired.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Brush the grill grates with 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Grill the skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, brushing with the reserved marinade during cooking, until chicken is cooked through and edges are lightly charred.
  5. Step 5: Remove skewers and let rest for 5 minutes before serving, allowing the glaze to set and flavors to deepen.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Char-Grilled Pineapple and Rum Glazed Tiki Chicken Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 82 minutes (70 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 Char-Grilled Pineapple and Rum Glazed 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 Char-Grilled Pineapple and Rum Glazed 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 Char-Grilled Pineapple and Rum Glazed 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 Char-Grilled Pineapple and Rum Glazed Tiki Chicken Skewers?

Caribbean grilling 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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