Garlic-Soy Marinated Chicken Skewers with Grilled Pineapple

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

Tender chicken skewers marinated in a garlicky soy sauce blend, grilled alongside sweet pineapple chunks for a perfect balance of savory and sweet. This filipino-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs boneless chicken thighs, soy sauce, garlic cloves 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.

★ 4.3 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Filipino cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix 1/3 cup soy sauce, 6 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper until sugar dissolves.
  2. Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs chicken thigh pieces to the marinade, toss to coat thoroughly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and oil grates with 2 tbsp vegetable oil.
  4. Step 4: Thread marinated chicken pieces and 1 cup pineapple chunks alternately onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
  5. Step 5: Grill the skewers for 4-5 minutes per side until chicken is cooked through and pineapple is caramelized, basting occasionally with leftover marinade.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic-Soy Marinated Chicken Skewers with Grilled Pineapple take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Garlic-Soy Marinated Chicken Skewers with Grilled Pineapple?

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 boneless chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic-Soy Marinated Chicken Skewers with Grilled Pineapple?

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 Garlic-Soy Marinated Chicken Skewers with Grilled Pineapple 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 Garlic-Soy Marinated Chicken Skewers with Grilled Pineapple?

Filipino 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.

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