Rum-Spiced Pineapple Chicken Skewers with Cilantro-Lime Sauce
Grilled chicken skewers marinated in a spiced rum and pineapple blend, served with a zesty cilantro-lime dipping sauce. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes blends spiced rum, pineapple juice, brown sugar into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 pieces boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup spiced rum
- 1/3 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1/2 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 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 spiced rum, 1/3 cup pineapple juice, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until sugar dissolves.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb cut chicken thigh pieces to the marinade, tossing to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare the cilantro-lime sauce by blending 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 2 tbsp olive oil until smooth. Season with a pinch of salt if needed. Refrigerate until serving.
- Step 4: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread marinated chicken pieces evenly onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
- Step 5: Grill skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until chicken is cooked through and has grill marks (internal temp 165°F).
- Step 6: Serve hot skewers with a side of cilantro-lime sauce for dipping.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Rum-Spiced Pineapple Chicken Skewers with Cilantro-Lime Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Rum-Spiced Pineapple Chicken Skewers with Cilantro-Lime Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Rum-Spiced Pineapple Chicken Skewers with Cilantro-Lime Sauce?
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 Pineapple Chicken Skewers with Cilantro-Lime Sauce 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 Pineapple Chicken Skewers with Cilantro-Lime Sauce?
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.
