Pineapple-Glazed Tiki Chicken Skewers
Juicy chicken marinated in tropical pineapple and ginger, then grilled to caramelized perfection with a sticky-sweet glaze, ideal for summer gatherings. This asian-inspired grilling ready in about 40 minutes pairs boneless chicken thighs, fresh pineapple, fresh ginger 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs
- 1 cup diced fresh pineapple
- 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp olive oil
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes, then toss with pineapple chunks, minced ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and olive oil in a resealable bag. Marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 2: Thread chicken and pineapple onto metal skewers, alternating pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high (375°F). Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning every 2 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and pineapple is caramelized with golden edges.
- Step 4: Brush with any remaining marinade during the last 2 minutes of grilling for a glossy finish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pineapple-Glazed Tiki Chicken Skewers take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (30 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-Glazed Tiki 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 Tiki 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 Tiki 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 Tiki 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★☆☆☆
Followed exactly and it was underwhelming. Maybe my expectations were too high.
