Grilled Pineapple and Dark Rum Chicken Skewers
Juicy chicken marinated in spiced dark rum and grilled alongside sweet pineapple chunks for a smoky-sweet Caribbean-inspired meal. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 27 minutes pairs dark rum, pineapple juice, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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 lb, cut into 1-inch pieces boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 cup, roughly 1-inch pieces pineapple chunks
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk 1/4 cup dark rum, 1/4 cup pineapple juice, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp ground ginger, and 1 tbsp fresh lime juice until sugar dissolves.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb chicken thigh pieces to the marinade, season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated chicken pieces alternating with 1 cup pineapple chunks onto skewers.
- Step 4: Brush the grill grates with 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Grill the skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until chicken is cooked through and edges are slightly charred.
- Step 5: Remove skewers from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Pineapple and Dark Rum 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 Grilled Pineapple and Dark Rum 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 dark rum from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Pineapple and Dark Rum 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 Pineapple and Dark Rum 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 Grilled Pineapple and Dark Rum Chicken Skewers?
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.
