Charred Pineapple and Jerk-Spiced Chicken Skewers

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken marinated in a vibrant jerk spice blend pairs perfectly with smoky charred pineapple on skewers, bringing a burst of Caribbean flavor to the grill. This caribbean-inspired grilling ready in about 27 minutes pairs pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, pineapple chunks, olive oil 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: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp jerk seasoning, 2 tbsp lime juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to make a marinade.
  2. Step 2: Cut 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs into 1.5-inch pieces and toss with the marinade, coating thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to absorb flavors.
  3. Step 3: Thread marinated chicken pieces alternately with 2 cups pineapple chunks onto 8 pre-soaked skewers.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Place skewers on the grill grate and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and pineapple edges are caramelized and charred.
  5. Step 5: Remove skewers from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving, allowing juices to redistribute and flavors to meld.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Charred Pineapple and Jerk-Spiced Chicken Skewers 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 Charred Pineapple and Jerk-Spiced 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-Spiced 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-Spiced 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-Spiced 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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