Charred Pineapple and Rum-Glazed Tiki Chicken Skewers

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken skewers glazed with a sweet and smoky rum sauce, paired with caramelized pineapple chunks for a tropical Tiki-inspired flavor. This caribbean-inspired grilling ready in about 27 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: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup dark rum, 3 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp ground ginger, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 2 tbsp olive oil until sugar dissolves.
  3. Step 3: Add chicken cubes to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly, then cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread marinated chicken pieces and 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks alternately onto 8 wooden skewers.
  5. Step 5: Grill skewers for 3-4 minutes per side until chicken is cooked through and pineapple is caramelized with char marks.
  6. Step 6: Brush remaining rum glaze on the skewers during the last minute of grilling for extra flavor, then serve hot.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Charred Pineapple and Rum-Glazed Tiki 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 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 Charred 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 Charred 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 Charred 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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