Pineapple-Glazed Chicken Skewers
Tender chicken cubes coated in a sweet-tart pineapple sauce and grilled to a golden finish with tropical flair. This tropical-inspired grilling ready in about 42 minutes pairs boneless chicken thighs, diced pineapple, pineapple juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup diced pineapple
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Whisk together 1/2 cup pineapple juice, 1/4 cup honey, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, and 2 minced garlic cloves in a bowl until combined.
- Step 2: Place 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch cubes) in a resealable bag, add 2 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper, then pour in the pineapple mixture; seal and marinate for 30 minutes.
- Step 3: Thread marinated chicken and 1/2 cup diced pineapple alternately onto skewers, pressing gently to secure.
- Step 4: Preheat grill to 375°F (medium-high), then grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and edges are slightly charred.
- Step 5: Transfer to a platter, garnish with 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pineapple-Glazed Chicken Skewers take to make?
Total time is about 42 minutes (30 min prep + 12 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-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 boneless chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pineapple-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 Pineapple-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 Pineapple-Glazed Chicken Skewers?
Tropical 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Perfect for family dinners—sweet, tangy, and the kids actually ate the pineapple!
- ★★★★★
The pineapple glaze caramelized perfectly on the grill! My kids begged for seconds at our backyard BBQ.
- ★★★★☆
Great flavor combo, but chicken took 15 minutes longer than the recipe said. Still worth it though.
