Rum-Glazed Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken skewers marinated and glazed with a sweet and tangy rum sauce, grilled to caramelized perfection with pineapple chunks. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs dark rum, brown sugar, soy sauce 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup dark rum, 3 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp lime juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground ginger, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until sugar dissolves.
  2. Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs cut chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated chicken pieces and 1 cup pineapple chunks alternately onto the 6 soaked wooden skewers.
  4. Step 4: Grill skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, basting occasionally with reserved marinade, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and pineapple edges are caramelized.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving warm.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Rum-Glazed Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Rum-Glazed Grilled Pineapple 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 Grilled Pineapple 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 Grilled Pineapple 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 Grilled Pineapple 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.

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