Smoky Tiki-Style Pineapple Chicken Skewers

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken skewers marinated in a smoky tiki-inspired sauce with pineapple juice, soy, and spices for a sweet and savory tropical BBQ flavor. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 27 minutes pairs fresh pineapple juice, low sodium soy sauce, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup fresh pineapple juice, 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground ginger, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 2 tbsp olive oil until sugar dissolves.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb chicken thigh pieces to the marinade, stirring to coat fully. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours to absorb flavors.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 425°F). Thread chicken pieces evenly onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
  4. Step 4: Grill skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until chicken is cooked through and edges have smoky char marks.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 3 minutes. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving with rice or tropical slaw.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Tiki-Style Pineapple 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 Smoky Tiki-Style Pineapple 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 juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Tiki-Style Pineapple 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 Smoky Tiki-Style Pineapple 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 Smoky Tiki-Style Pineapple 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.

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