Smoky Pineapple Rum Glazed Grilled Chicken

By , Test Kitchen Director · 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

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.

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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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