Spicy Pineapple and Jerk Chicken Skewers Recipe
These Spicy Pineapple and Jerk Chicken Skewers combine tender, marinated chicken with juicy pineapple chunks for a flavorful, tropical twist on grilled skewers. With a perfect balance of heat from Jamaican jerk seasoning and a hint of sweetness from fresh pineapple, this easy-to-make dish is ideal for summer barbecues or quick weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Jamaican
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Jamaican jerk seasoning
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes or 1 small Scotch bonnet pepper, minced (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, cut into 1-inch chunks
- Skewers (soaked in water if wooden)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken cubes, olive oil, Jamaican jerk seasoning, chili flakes or minced Scotch bonnet pepper if using, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours, to infuse the flavors.
- Prepare the skewers: Alternate threading the marinated chicken pieces and fresh pineapple chunks onto the soaked skewers, ensuring even distribution for balanced grilling.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high temperature and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking and to create a nice sear on the skewers.
- Grill the skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, turning carefully until the chicken is cooked through, with slightly charred edges and the pineapple caramelized.
- Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish optionally with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice. Serve hot alongside rice, a fresh salad, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent burning.
- Adjust the amount of chili flakes or Scotch bonnet pepper according to your spice tolerance.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for juicier skewers.
- Leftover marinade should not be used as a sauce unless boiled for safety.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best tangy flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 2 skewers)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: jerk chicken skewers, spicy grilled chicken, pineapple chicken skewers, Jamaican jerk recipe, summer barbecue, tropical chicken skewers