Jerk-Spiced Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers

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

Tender chicken skewers marinated in vibrant jerk spices paired with sweet grilled pineapple for a lively Caribbean-inspired dish. This caribbean-inspired grilling ready in about 50 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch chunks fresh pineapple, jerk seasoning, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 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: 40 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 2 tbsp jerk seasoning, 2 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tsp salt. Add 1 lb cubed chicken breast and toss to coat thoroughly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Thread marinated chicken cubes and 1 cup pineapple chunks alternately onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill skewers for 4-5 minutes per side until chicken is cooked through and pineapple is caramelized with grill marks.
  4. Step 4: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with lime wedges if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Jerk-Spiced Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (40 min prep + 10 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-Spiced Grilled Pineapple 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 jerk seasoning from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Jerk-Spiced Grilled Pineapple 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-Spiced Grilled Pineapple 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-Spiced Grilled Pineapple 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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