Grilled Pineapple and Pina Colada Chicken Skewers

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken skewers marinated in tropical pineapple and coconut flavors, grilled alongside caramelized pineapple chunks for a sweet and savory bite. This caribbean-inspired grilling ready in about 27 minutes pairs pineapple juice, coconut milk, lime juice 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Whisk together 1 cup pineapple juice, 1/2 cup coconut milk, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create a marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 1.5 pounds cubed chicken breast into a large bowl and pour the marinade over it. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium heat (about 375°F). Thread marinated chicken cubes and 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks alternately onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
  4. Step 4: Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and pineapple pieces are caramelized with grill marks.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices and flavors.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Pineapple and Pina Colada 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 Pina Colada 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 pineapple juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Pineapple and Pina Colada 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 Pina Colada 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 Pina Colada Chicken Skewers?

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.