Tiki-Inspired Charred Chicken Skewers with Pineapple Glaze
Juicy grilled chicken skewers brushed with a sweet and tangy pineapple glaze, inspired by the flavors of Tiki culture. This asian fusion-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 30 minutes pairs pineapple juice, 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, cut into 1-inch cubes boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 6 soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
- 2 tbsp for garnish chopped green onions
- 1 tbsp for garnish toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup pineapple juice, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, and 2 tbsp vegetable oil until sugar dissolves.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb cubed chicken thighs to the marinade, coating well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
- Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread marinated chicken pieces onto 6 soaked wooden skewers.
- Step 4: Grill chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, basting occasionally with leftover marinade, until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred at edges.
- Step 5: Transfer skewers to a serving plate and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tiki-Inspired Charred Chicken Skewers with Pineapple Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Tiki-Inspired Charred 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 pineapple juice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Tiki-Inspired Charred 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 Tiki-Inspired Charred 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 Tiki-Inspired Charred Chicken Skewers with Pineapple Glaze?
Asian Fusion bbq & smoked 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.
