Rum-Spiked Pineapple Caribbean Chicken Skewers
Grilled chicken skewers marinated in a sweet and tangy rum-pineapple glaze with island spices for vibrant Caribbean flavor. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 27 minutes pairs fresh pineapple chunks, dark rum, lime juice 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 pieces boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8, soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1/4 cup dark rum, 2 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp ground allspice, 1/2 tsp ground ginger, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Whisk until sugar dissolves.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb cut boneless skinless chicken thighs and 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks to the marinade. Toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated chicken pieces and pineapple chunks alternately onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
- Step 4: Grill skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
- Step 5: Remove from grill, sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and serve warm with lime wedges.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Rum-Spiked Pineapple Caribbean 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-Spiked Pineapple Caribbean 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 fresh pineapple chunks from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Rum-Spiked Pineapple Caribbean 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-Spiked Pineapple Caribbean 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-Spiked Pineapple Caribbean 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.
