Polynesian Grilled Chicken Skewers

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

Tender chicken marinated in pineapple-ginger glaze, grilled with tropical vegetables for a vibrant, island-inspired main course. This polynesian-inspired grilling ready in about 42 minutes pairs pounds chicken thighs, soy sauce, tablespoons pineapple juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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: 30 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Polynesian cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons pineapple juice, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper until combined. Add 1.5 pounds chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch cubes) and toss to coat. Marinate for 30 minutes, turning occasionally.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to 375°F. Thread 1.5 pounds marinated chicken thighs, 1/4 cup chopped pineapple, 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper, and 1/4 cup chopped red onion onto soaked wooden skewers, alternating ingredients.
  3. Step 3: Brush skewers with 2 tablespoons vegetable oil and grill over medium-high heat for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F and edges are slightly charred.
  4. Step 4: Whisk 1/4 cup coconut milk and 1 tablespoon lime juice in a small bowl. Drizzle over skewers and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Polynesian Grilled 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 Polynesian Grilled 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 pounds chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Polynesian Grilled 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 Polynesian Grilled 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 Polynesian Grilled Chicken Skewers?

Polynesian 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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