Sheet Pan Pineapple Jerk Chicken with Caribbean Spices
Juicy chicken thighs marinated in vibrant Caribbean jerk spices roasted alongside sweet pineapple chunks for a bright, flavorful dinner. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes pairs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, pineapple chunks, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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
- 6 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 1/2 cups pineapple chunks
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp allspice
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 small scotch bonnet pepper, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp lime juice
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves, 1 tsp allspice, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1 small finely chopped scotch bonnet pepper, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp lime juice to create the jerk marinade.
- Step 2: Add 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs to the marinade and rub thoroughly to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight to develop flavor.
- Step 3: Preheat oven to 425°F. Arrange the marinated chicken thighs skin-side up on a large sheet pan and scatter 1 1/2 cups pineapple chunks around the chicken.
- Step 4: Roast for 30-35 minutes until the chicken skin is crisp and internal temperature reaches 165°F. The pineapple will caramelize lightly and add sweetness.
- Step 5: Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes before serving, spooning pan juices over chicken and pineapple for a juicy finish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sheet Pan Pineapple Jerk Chicken with Caribbean Spices take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 Sheet Pan Pineapple Jerk Chicken with Caribbean Spices?
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 pineapple chunks from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sheet Pan Pineapple Jerk Chicken with Caribbean Spices?
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 Sheet Pan Pineapple Jerk Chicken with Caribbean Spices 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 Sheet Pan Pineapple Jerk Chicken with Caribbean Spices?
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.