Grilled Bourbon-Pineapple Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Lime Rice
Juicy chicken skewers marinated in bourbon and pineapple, grilled to perfection, served alongside fragrant cilantro lime rice for a tropical BBQ flavor. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes pairs pineapple juice, bourbon whiskey, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup pineapple juice, 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 2 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs chicken thigh pieces to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 6 hours.
- Step 3: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers evenly.
- Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill skewers for 5-6 minutes per side, turning once, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and has grill marks.
- Step 5: Meanwhile, rinse 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine rice and 1 1/2 cups water in a medium pot and bring to a boil.
- Step 6: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer rice for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed and rice is tender.
- Step 7: Remove rice from heat and fluff with a fork. Stir in 2 tbsp fresh lime juice and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
- Step 8: Serve grilled chicken skewers over cilantro lime rice for a flavorful tropical meal.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Bourbon-Pineapple Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Lime Rice take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Grilled Bourbon-Pineapple Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Lime Rice?
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 juice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Bourbon-Pineapple Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Lime Rice?
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 Grilled Bourbon-Pineapple Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Lime Rice 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 Grilled Bourbon-Pineapple Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Lime Rice?
Caribbean 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.
