Grilled Pineapple and Jerk-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Mango Salsa

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

Juicy chicken skewers marinated in spicy jerk seasoning, grilled alongside sweet pineapple chunks, and served with a refreshing mango salsa for a Caribbean-inspired meal. This caribbean-inspired grilling ready in about 55 minutes blends jerk seasoning, fresh pineapple, cut into 1-inch chunks, olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

Prep: 40 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, toss 1.5 lbs cubed boneless chicken breast with 3 tbsp jerk seasoning and 1 tbsp olive oil. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread marinated chicken cubes and 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks alternately onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
  3. Step 3: Brush skewers with remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and grill for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and pineapple is lightly charred.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine 1 diced medium mango, 1 small diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix well to make mango salsa.
  5. Step 5: Serve the grilled chicken and pineapple skewers hot with a generous spoonful of mango salsa on top or on the side.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Pineapple and Jerk-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Mango Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (40 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Pineapple and Jerk-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Mango Salsa?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Pineapple and Jerk-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Mango 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 Grilled Pineapple and Jerk-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Mango Salsa 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 Jerk-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Mango Salsa?

Caribbean 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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