Grilled Pineapple and Pina Colada Chicken Skewers
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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds, cut into 1-inch cubes chicken breast
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup, fresh pineapple chunks
- 8, soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices and flavors.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.