Grilled Coconut-Pineapple Chicken Skewers

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

Juicy chicken marinated in coconut milk and pineapple juice, grilled until caramelized with sweet-tart pineapple accents. This polynesian-inspired grilling ready in about 35 minutes pairs boneless chicken thighs, coconut milk, pineapple juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 340 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.

★ 4.3 (11 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Polynesian cuisine 340 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Whisk together 1/4 cup coconut milk, 2 tbsp pineapple juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1/4 tsp ground coriander in a bowl until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Add 8 oz chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated, and let marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.
  3. Step 3: Thread chicken and 1/2 cup pineapple chunks onto 8-inch skewers, then grill over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes, turning once, until chicken reaches 165°F and pineapple is lightly charred.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Coconut-Pineapple Chicken Skewers 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 Grilled Coconut-Pineapple 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 boneless chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Coconut-Pineapple 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 Grilled Coconut-Pineapple Chicken Skewers 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 Grilled Coconut-Pineapple Chicken Skewers?

Polynesian 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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