Spiced Bahamian Jerk Chicken Skewers with Pineapple Glaze
Tender chicken marinated in fiery Bahamian jerk spices, grilled on skewers, and finished with a sweet and tangy pineapple glaze. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 85 minutes pairs jerk seasoning, olive oil, pineapple juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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
- 1 lb, cut into 1-inch cubes boneless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp jerk seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 cup, cut into 1-inch chunks fresh pineapple
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 8, soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, toss 1 lb cubed boneless chicken thighs with 2 tbsp jerk seasoning, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
- Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken cubes and 1 cup pineapple chunks alternately onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
- Step 3: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup pineapple juice, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tbsp lime juice. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5-7 minutes until the glaze thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 4: Grill the skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, basting frequently with the pineapple glaze, until the chicken is cooked through and caramelized.
- Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 3 minutes before serving these spicy, sweet skewers bursting with Bahamian flavors.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Bahamian Jerk Chicken Skewers with Pineapple Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 85 minutes (70 min prep + 15 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 Spiced Bahamian Jerk Chicken Skewers with Pineapple Glaze?
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 jerk seasoning from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Bahamian Jerk Chicken Skewers with Pineapple Glaze?
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 Spiced Bahamian Jerk Chicken Skewers with Pineapple Glaze 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 Spiced Bahamian Jerk Chicken Skewers with Pineapple Glaze?
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.
