Char-Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers with Spiced Tiki Glaze

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

Tender chicken skewers marinated and grilled alongside sweet pineapple chunks, finished with a smoky-sweet tiki-inspired glaze. This Caribbean-inspired grilling recipe, ready in about 52 minutes, pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, fresh pineapple chunks, soy sauce 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: 40 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes and place in a bowl. Add 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground allspice, 2 tbsp honey, and 2 tbsp olive oil. Mix well and marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Soak 8 wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning. Thread marinated chicken cubes alternately with 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks onto the skewers.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the skewers for 4-5 minutes per side until chicken is cooked through and edges are slightly charred, basting occasionally with leftover marinade.
  4. Step 4: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. The glaze will have caramelized creating a smoky-sweet tiki flavor.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Char-Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers with Spiced Tiki Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 52 minutes (40 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 Chicken Skewers with Spiced Tiki Glaze?

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 Chicken Skewers with Spiced Tiki Glaze?

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 Chicken Skewers with Spiced Tiki Glaze 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 Chicken Skewers with Spiced Tiki Glaze?

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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