Spicy Pineapple and Jerk Chicken Skewers Recipe
These Spicy Pineapple and Jerk Chicken Skewers are a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken marinated in authentic Jamaican jerk seasoning, complemented by sweet pineapple chunks. Perfect for grilling, they offer a delightful balance of spicy, sweet, and smoky flavors, ideal for summer cookouts or a tropical-inspired meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Caribbean
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Jamaican jerk seasoning
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 small Scotch bonnet or habanero pepper, finely chopped (optional for extra heat)
For Serving:
- Skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)
- Lime wedges
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, Jamaican jerk seasoning, soy sauce, honey, and finely chopped Scotch bonnet or habanero pepper if using. Add the chicken cubes and toss well to coat evenly. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 hours in the refrigerator to allow flavors to develop.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces and pineapple chunks alternately onto the skewers, ensuring a balanced distribution of flavors and colors.
- Grill the Skewers: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking and a slight char. The chicken should be cooked through, juicy, and nicely caramelized.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked skewers to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for a zesty finish. These skewers pair wonderfully with steamed rice, fresh salad, or a tropical slaw.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Adjust the amount of Scotch bonnet or habanero pepper depending on your preferred spice level.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Marinating longer than 2 hours can intensify the flavor but avoid marinating overnight to prevent the chicken from becoming mushy.
- Can be cooked under a broiler or on a grill pan if an outdoor grill is unavailable.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 3-4 skewers)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: jerk chicken, pineapple skewers, grilled chicken, Caribbean recipe, spicy chicken skewers, tropical chicken, summer grilling