Island Grilled Chicken with Pineapple Coconut Glaze

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken thighs marinated in coconut milk and lime, grilled to caramelized perfection and brushed with a sweet-tangy pineapple glaze. This caribbean-inspired grilling ready in about 50 minutes pairs boneless chicken thighs, full-fat coconut milk, fresh lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 2, 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.

★ 4.0 (9 ratings) Prep: 35 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Caribbean cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp full-fat coconut milk, 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, and 2 minced garlic cloves; add 12 oz boneless chicken thighs, coating evenly, and marinate for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: While marinating, puree 1 cup fresh pineapple in a blender until smooth, then combine with 2 tbsp brown sugar and 1 tbsp soy sauce in a small saucepan; simmer over medium heat for 8 minutes until thickened and glossy.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp coconut oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; cook chicken thighs for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F, then brush generously with pineapple glaze and cook 1 more minute to caramelize.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Island Grilled Chicken with Pineapple Coconut Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (35 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 Island Grilled Chicken with Pineapple Coconut Glaze?

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 boneless chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Island Grilled Chicken with Pineapple Coconut Glaze?

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 Island Grilled Chicken with Pineapple Coconut Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Island Grilled Chicken with Pineapple Coconut Glaze?

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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