Tiki-Inspired Spiced Rum-Glazed Chicken Skewers with Mango Chutney
Juicy chicken skewers marinated in a spiced rum glaze and served with a tangy homemade mango chutney for a tropical appetizer or main dish. This caribbean-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes blends spiced rum, soy sauce, brown sugar into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 1.5 lbs, cut into 1-inch pieces boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup spiced rum
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 large, peeled and diced mango
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped red onion
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh cilantro
- 8, soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup spiced rum, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground ginger, and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes until sugar dissolves.
- Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs cut chicken thigh pieces to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 3 hours.
- Step 3: While chicken marinates, prepare mango chutney by combining 1 large diced mango, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate.
- Step 4: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Step 5: Thread marinated chicken pieces onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, discarding any leftover marinade.
- Step 6: Grill chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly charred.
- Step 7: Serve hot with a generous spoonful of mango chutney on the side.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tiki-Inspired Spiced Rum-Glazed Chicken Skewers with Mango Chutney take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Tiki-Inspired Spiced Rum-Glazed Chicken Skewers with Mango Chutney?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Tiki-Inspired Spiced Rum-Glazed Chicken Skewers with Mango Chutney?
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 Spiced Rum-Glazed Chicken Skewers with Mango Chutney 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 Spiced Rum-Glazed Chicken Skewers with Mango Chutney?
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.
