Chili-Lime Chicken Skewers with Pineapple Salsa

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

Juicy chicken skewers marinated in chili-lime, paired with a sweet-tangy pineapple salsa for a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish. This mexican-inspired grilling ready in about 35 minutes pairs chicken breasts, lime juice, chili powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, 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.

★ 4.1 (12 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Mexican cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, olive oil, and sea salt. Add chicken cubes, toss to coat, and marinate for 20 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: Thread chicken cubes onto skewers, alternating with pineapple chunks. Place on a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
  3. Step 3: Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and pineapple is lightly charred.
  4. Step 4: While chicken grills, combine diced pineapple, red onion, cilantro, lime zest, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Toss to combine.
  5. Step 5: Serve chicken skewers immediately with pineapple salsa spooned over the top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Chili-Lime Chicken Skewers with Pineapple Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (25 min prep + 10 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 Chili-Lime Chicken Skewers with Pineapple Salsa?

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 chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chili-Lime Chicken Skewers with Pineapple Salsa?

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 Chili-Lime Chicken Skewers with Pineapple Salsa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Chili-Lime Chicken Skewers with Pineapple Salsa?

Mexican 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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