Spiced Rum-Glazed Caribbean Pineapple Chicken

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

Grilled chicken thighs glazed with a sweet and spicy rum sauce, paired with caramelized pineapple for a tropical flair. This Caribbean-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs bone-in chicken thighs, dark spiced rum, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, 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: 20 min Serves 6 Caribbean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup dark spiced rum, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground allspice, and 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon until sugar dissolves.
  2. Step 2: Place 6 bone-in chicken thighs in a large resealable bag and pour half of the rum glaze over them. Seal and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Brush grill grates with 2 tbsp olive oil. Grill chicken thighs for 6-7 minutes per side, brushing occasionally with remaining rum glaze, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and edges are caramelized.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, grill 6 pineapple rings for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and caramelized.
  6. Step 6: Serve the grilled chicken thighs topped with pineapple rings and a drizzle of any remaining glaze warmed gently on the stove.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Rum-Glazed Caribbean Pineapple Chicken take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 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 Spiced Rum-Glazed Caribbean Pineapple 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 bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Rum-Glazed Caribbean Pineapple 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 Spiced Rum-Glazed Caribbean Pineapple Chicken for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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-Glazed Caribbean Pineapple Chicken?

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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