Sweet and Spiced Caribbean-Inspired Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers

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

Tender chicken pieces marinated in a sweet-spicy sauce grilled alongside caramelized pineapple for a tropical and vibrant flavor. This Caribbean-inspired grilling recipe, ready in about 50 minutes, pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, fresh pineapple chunks, 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 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: 35 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp brown sugar, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp lime juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground allspice, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp vegetable oil, and 1/2 tsp salt to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1.5-inch pieces to the marinade, stirring to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread marinated chicken pieces and 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks alternately onto skewers.
  4. Step 4: Grill the skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until chicken is cooked through and pineapple is caramelized with browned edges. Remove and let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sweet and Spiced Caribbean-Inspired Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (35 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 Sweet and Spiced Caribbean-Inspired Grilled 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 chunks from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sweet and Spiced Caribbean-Inspired Grilled 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 Sweet and Spiced Caribbean-Inspired Grilled 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 Sweet and Spiced Caribbean-Inspired Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers?

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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