Spicy Pineapple and Jerk Chicken Skewers Recipe
These Spicy Pineapple and Jerk Chicken Skewers combine tender, marinated chicken with the sweet tang of fresh pineapple and the smoky heat of jerk seasoning, grilled to perfection. Ideal for summer cookouts or a flavorful weeknight dinner, they bring a vibrant Caribbean flair to your plate with a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory notes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Caribbean
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs (680 g) chicken breast or thighs, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2–3 tablespoons jerk seasoning
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Skewers:
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 red onion, cut into chunks
- Wooden or metal skewers
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the olive oil, jerk seasoning, honey, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken cubes and toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse into the chicken. For a more intense flavor, marinate up to 4 hours.
- Prepare the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning during grilling. Thread the marinated chicken, pineapple chunks, red bell pepper pieces, and red onion chunks alternately onto the skewers, ensuring an even distribution of flavors and colors.
- Grill the Skewers: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the grill, cooking for about 8 to 10 minutes. Turn them occasionally to ensure all sides cook evenly, and watch for a slight char on the chicken, signaling it is thoroughly cooked and flavorful.
- Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and arrange them on a serving platter. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve with lime wedges to squeeze over for added zest. These skewers pair wonderfully with coconut rice, grilled corn, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken longer for deeper flavor absorption.
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier skewers or breast for leaner options.
- Adjust jerk seasoning quantity to control spice level.
- Serve with side dishes like coconut rice, grilled corn, or leafy greens for a balanced meal.
- Can be cooked indoors using a grill pan if outdoor grilling isn’t available.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: spicy chicken skewers, jerk chicken, pineapple chicken skewers, grilled chicken, Caribbean recipe, summer grilling, healthy chicken skewers