Spiced Rum and Pineapple Grilled Chicken Skewers
Juicy chicken skewers marinated in a spiced rum and pineapple blend, grilled to smoky perfection with a tangy tropical finish. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 27 minutes pairs spiced rum, pineapple juice, soy sauce 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, cut into 1-inch cubes boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup spiced rum
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 8 wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup spiced rum, 1/4 cup pineapple juice, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp ground ginger until sugar dissolves.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb cubed boneless skinless chicken thighs to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated chicken cubes and 1 cup pineapple chunks alternately onto 8 skewers.
- Step 4: Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred at edges.
- Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute. Serve with extra pineapple or a fresh salad.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Rum and Pineapple Grilled 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 Spiced Rum and Pineapple Grilled 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 spiced rum from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Rum and Pineapple Grilled 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 Spiced Rum and Pineapple Grilled 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 Spiced Rum and Pineapple Grilled 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.
