Rum-Glazed Caribbean Jerk Chicken Skewers
Tender chicken pieces marinated in a spicy jerk sauce with a sweet rum glaze, grilled to smoky perfection on skewers. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 27 minutes pairs dark rum, jerk seasoning, freshly squeezed lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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, cut into 1-inch cubes boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 2 tbsp jerk seasoning
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8, soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup dark rum, 2 tbsp jerk seasoning, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until smooth.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb cubed boneless skinless chicken thighs to the marinade, tossing well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread marinated chicken cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
- Step 4: Grill the chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, brushing occasionally with leftover marinade, until chicken is cooked through and has a slight char on edges.
- Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving these rum-glazed jerk chicken skewers with lime wedges on the side.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Rum-Glazed Caribbean Jerk Chicken Skewers take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 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 Rum-Glazed Caribbean Jerk 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 dark rum from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Rum-Glazed Caribbean Jerk 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 Rum-Glazed Caribbean Jerk 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 Rum-Glazed Caribbean Jerk Chicken Skewers?
Caribbean 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.
