Rum-Spiked Pineapple Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Lime Dip
Juicy grilled chicken skewers marinated in a sweet rum and pineapple glaze, served with a fresh cilantro lime dipping sauce. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes blends cut into 1-inch cubes chicken breast, pineapple juice, dark rum 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 cubes chicken breast
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 8, soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup pineapple juice, 1/4 cup dark rum, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 2 minced garlic cloves until sugar dissolves.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb cubed chicken breast to the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
- Step 3: Thread marinated chicken cubes and 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks alternately onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
- Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
- Step 5: Meanwhile, mix 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a small bowl to make the dipping sauce.
- Step 6: Serve the hot chicken skewers with the cilantro lime dip on the side.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Rum-Spiked Pineapple Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Lime Dip 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-Spiked Pineapple Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Lime Dip?
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-Spiked Pineapple Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Lime Dip?
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 Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Lime Dip 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 Chicken Skewers with Cilantro Lime Dip?
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.
