Polynesian Pineapple Ginger Chicken Skewers
Tender chicken thighs marinated in a sweet-tangy pineapple-ginger sauce, grilled to perfection with a side of steamed rice. This polynesian-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes pairs boneless and skinless chicken thighs, diced pineapple, minced 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
- 1.5 lbs, boneless and skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup, diced pineapple
- 1 tbsp, minced fresh ginger
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 8, soaked in water bamboo skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: In a shallow dish, whisk together 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp minced ginger until smooth.
- Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs to the marinade, turning to coat evenly; cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Step 3: Thread marinated chicken and 1/2 cup diced pineapple onto soaked skewers, alternating pieces.
- Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high; brush grates with oil. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes per side, turning once, until chicken is cooked through and edges are golden-brown.
- Step 5: Rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Polynesian Pineapple Ginger Chicken Skewers take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (30 min prep + 15 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 Pineapple Ginger 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 diced pineapple from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Polynesian Pineapple Ginger 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 Pineapple Ginger 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 Pineapple Ginger Chicken Skewers?
Polynesian chicken 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
- ★★★★★
The step-by-step instructions were super clear. Turned out perfect on my first try.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
