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Charred Pineapple Jerk Chicken Skewers

These Charred Pineapple Jerk Chicken Skewers combine smoky, juicy chicken with caramelized pineapple, all coated in bold jerk seasoning. The sweet heat from the pineapple and Sriracha-spiced marinade gives every bite a tropical kick. Perfect for grilling season, these skewers are a crowd-pleaser at cookouts, BBQs, and weeknight dinners.

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken and Skewers:

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks about 1-inch pieces
  • 1 red bell pepper cut into 1-inch pieces (optional)
  • 1 red onion cut into chunks (optional)

For the Jerk Marinade:

  • 2 tablespoons Jamaican jerk seasoning store-bought or homemade
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 inch fresh ginger grated
  • 1 teaspoon Scotch bonnet or habanero chili minced (optional, for heat)
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

For Serving (optional):

  • Sliced green onions
  • Lime wedges
  • Fresh cilantro optional

Instructions
 

Prepare the Marinade:

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the jerk seasoning, brown sugar, olive oil, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, minced chili (optional), lime juice, and apple cider vinegar. This will form your jerk marinade.

Marinate the Chicken:

  • Add the cubed chicken to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover the bowl and marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).

Preheat the Grill:

  • While the chicken marinates, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F). Clean and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.

Assemble the Skewers:

  • Thread the marinated chicken cubes, pineapple, bell pepper, and onion (if using) onto skewers, alternating between the ingredients for a colorful presentation.

Grill the Skewers:

  • Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, turning the skewers to ensure they’re evenly charred and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Rest and Serve:

  • Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve hot, garnished with green onions, lime wedges, and fresh cilantro.