Pineapple-Cilantro Chicken Skewers

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

Sweet and fresh marinated chicken grilled with pineapple chunks and cilantro. This asian-inspired grilling ready in about 30 minutes pairs boneless chicken thighs, fresh pineapple, lime for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes and pineapple into 1-inch chunks. Finely chop cilantro, mince garlic, and grate 1 tsp ginger.
  2. Step 2: Whisk 2 tbsp avocado oil, lime zest from half the lime, minced garlic, grated ginger, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a bowl. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped cilantro.
  3. Step 3: Toss chicken and pineapple in the marinade, ensuring even coating. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours).
  4. Step 4: Thread chicken and pineapple onto metal skewers, alternating pieces. Grill over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, turning once, until chicken is cooked through and pineapple has light grill marks.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pineapple-Cilantro Chicken Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 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 Pineapple-Cilantro 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 boneless chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pineapple-Cilantro 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 Pineapple-Cilantro Chicken Skewers 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 Pineapple-Cilantro Chicken Skewers?

Asian 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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