Smoky Pineapple Rum Glazed Grilled Chicken

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken thighs brushed with a smoky pineapple rum glaze, balancing sweet and savory flavors with a hint of spice. This caribbean-inspired grilling ready in about 30 minutes pairs pineapple juice, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup pineapple juice, 1/4 cup dark rum, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 8-10 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, toss 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 2 tbsp olive oil, ensuring each piece is well coated.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the chicken thighs for 5 minutes per side, brushing generously with the smoky pineapple rum glaze during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Grill until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the edges are slightly charred.
  4. Step 4: Remove the chicken from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with any remaining glaze drizzled on top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Pineapple Rum Glazed Grilled Chicken take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Smoky Pineapple Rum Glazed Grilled Chicken?

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 juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Pineapple Rum Glazed Grilled Chicken?

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 Smoky Pineapple Rum Glazed Grilled Chicken 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 Smoky Pineapple Rum Glazed Grilled Chicken?

Caribbean grilling 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.

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