Char-Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers with Tiki Spiced Glaze
Tender chicken skewers marinated in a tropical tiki-inspired glaze, char-grilled with fresh pineapple for a smoky-sweet finish. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 27 minutes pairs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp dark brown sugar
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8 wooden skewers, soaked
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp dark brown sugar, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground allspice, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until well combined to form the tiki spiced glaze.
- Step 2: Cut 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes and add them to the marinade bowl along with 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks. Toss to coat evenly, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to absorb the flavors.
- Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated chicken and pineapple chunks alternately onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
- Step 4: Grill the skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, basting occasionally with remaining marinade, until the chicken is cooked through and has a slight char with caramelized pineapple edges.
- Step 5: Remove the skewers and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro over the top before serving warm with a side of coconut rice or fresh salad.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Char-Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers with Tiki Spiced Glaze 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 Char-Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers with Tiki Spiced 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 Tiki Spiced 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 Tiki Spiced 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 Tiki Spiced Glaze?
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.
