Rum-Spiced Caribbean Pineapple Chicken Skewers
Juicy chicken skewers marinated in a sweet and spiced rum glaze with charred pineapple chunks for a tropical flavor burst. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 85 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes chicken breast, dark rum, brown sugar 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, cut into 1-inch cubes chicken breast
- 1 cup, cut into 1-inch pieces fresh pineapple chunks
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8, soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup dark rum, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp ground allspice, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 2 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until sugar dissolves.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb chicken breast cubes to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
- Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated chicken pieces alternately with 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
- Step 4: Grill skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F) and pineapple has charred grill marks.
- Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with lime wedges.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Rum-Spiced Caribbean Pineapple Chicken Skewers take to make?
Total time is about 85 minutes (70 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-Spiced Caribbean 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-Spiced Caribbean 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-Spiced Caribbean 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-Spiced Caribbean 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.
