Jerk-Marinated Coconut Chicken Skewers

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

Succulent chicken marinated in smoky jerk spices and grilled to perfection, glazed with a sweet-tangy pineapple glaze. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 65 minutes pairs chicken thighs, coconut milk, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 45 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together coconut milk, brown sugar, lime juice, ginger, allspice, thyme, and pineapple juice to form a thick marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add chicken thighs and coat evenly, refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers and grill for 10-12 minutes, brushing with remaining marinade halfway through.
  4. Step 4: For glaze, mix 1 tbsp lime juice and 1 tsp brown sugar. Brush over chicken during last 5 minutes of grilling.
  5. Step 5: Serve with grilled pineapple slices and lime wedges.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Jerk-Marinated Coconut Chicken Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (45 min prep + 20 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 Jerk-Marinated Coconut 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 chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Jerk-Marinated Coconut 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 Jerk-Marinated Coconut 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 Jerk-Marinated Coconut Chicken Skewers?

Caribbean chicken 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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