Tiki-Style Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers
Juicy chicken marinated in pineapple juice and ginger, grilled with caramelized pineapple rings for a sweet-savory island-inspired centerpiece. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 55 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, pineapple juice, coconut sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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 bone-in chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tbsp coconut sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 4 pineapple rings
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup pineapple juice, 2 tbsp coconut sugar, 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tsp grated ginger, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until sugar dissolves.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb bone-in chicken thighs to the marinade, turning to coat thoroughly, then refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Step 3: Thread 4 pineapple rings onto skewers, alternating with chicken pieces, and brush with 1/4 cup coconut oil.
- Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high (375°F). Grill skewers for 10 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until chicken reaches 165°F and pineapple edges are caramelized and golden.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tiki-Style Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (35 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 Tiki-Style 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 bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Tiki-Style 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 Tiki-Style 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 Tiki-Style Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers?
American 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
