Charred Pineapple and Jerk Chicken Skewers

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Boldly spiced jerk chicken skewers grilled alongside sweet, smoky pineapple chunks for a vibrant Caribbean-inspired dish. This caribbean-inspired grilling ready in about 52 minutes pairs chicken thighs boneless skinless, pineapple chunks, jerk seasoning for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes. In a bowl, combine chicken cubes with 2 tbsp jerk seasoning, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss well and marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Thread marinated chicken pieces and 1 cup pineapple chunks alternately onto 6 soaked wooden skewers.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning until chicken is cooked through and pineapple is charred at edges.
  4. Step 4: Remove skewers and let rest for 3 minutes before serving. Serve with additional lime wedges if desired.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Charred Pineapple and Jerk Chicken Skewers 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 Charred Pineapple and Jerk 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 pineapple chunks from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Charred Pineapple and Jerk 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 Charred Pineapple and Jerk 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 Charred Pineapple and Jerk 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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