Grilled Pineapple and Rum-Glazed Chicken Skewers

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken skewers marinated in a sweet and tangy rum glaze paired with smoky grilled pineapple chunks, evoking tropical tiki flavors. This caribbean-inspired grilling ready in about 30 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes chicken breast, cut into 1-inch chunks fresh pineapple, dark rum 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: 15 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup dark rum, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp lime juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground ginger, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until the sugar dissolves and the marinade is fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb cubed chicken breast to the marinade, toss to coat thoroughly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to tenderize and infuse flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Thread marinated chicken pieces and 1 cup pineapple chunks alternately onto the 8 soaked wooden skewers.
  4. Step 4: Grill the skewers for 12-15 minutes, turning every 3 minutes, until chicken is cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F and pineapple has caramelized edges.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving, allowing juices to redistribute and flavors to meld.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Pineapple and Rum-Glazed Chicken Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Rum-Glazed 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 Rum-Glazed 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 Rum-Glazed 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 Rum-Glazed 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.

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