Introduction
This delicious chicken skewers recipe combines a unique blend of savory and sweet flavors, making it perfect for a barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner. Marinated in a rich sauce with hints of garlic and ginger, these chicken thighs are grilled to perfection. Let’s dive into the ingredients and the preparation process to create this tasty dish.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
1 tablespoon water
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks
1 1/2 tablespoons canola oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
Prep Time
2 hours (marination time)
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Yield: Approximately 4 servings
With this combination of ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll be well on your way to grilling up a meal that’s sure to impress! Enjoy the blend of flavors and the satisfying experience of cooking your own delicious chicken skewers.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine hoisin sauce, ketchup, honey, chili garlic sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, grated ginger, and water. Reserve 1/3 cup of this mixture and set aside for later use.
Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, add the remaining sauce mixture to the cut chicken pieces. Mix well to ensure all the chicken is coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or up to 8 hours, turning the chicken occasionally for even flavor distribution.
Prepare the Skewers
After marinating, remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the used marinade. Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.
Season the Skewers
Brush the skewers with canola oil and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Preheat the Grill
Preheat the grill to medium heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
Cook the Chicken
Place the skewers on the grill. Cook the chicken, turning occasionally, until it is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, approximately 10 minutes.
Glaze the Skewers
Brush the chicken skewers with the reserved sauce mixture and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize slightly.
Serve
Remove the skewers from the grill and serve immediately, garnished with thinly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
Notes
Marination Time
For optimal flavor, aim for longer marination time within the specified range.
Wooden Skewers
If using wooden skewers, soaking them in water helps to prevent them from getting too charred on the grill.
Serving Suggestions
These skewers pair well with rice, a side salad, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Storage
Leftover cooked chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before consuming.
Cook techniques
Marinating
Marinating involves soaking the chicken pieces in a flavorful liquid mixture, which allows the flavors to penetrate the meat. In this recipe, the chicken is marinated for at least 2 hours or up to 8 hours to enhance its taste and tenderness.
Skewering
Skewering is the process of threading marinated chicken onto skewers, making it easy to grill. If using wooden skewers, it’s essential to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Grilling
Grilling is a cooking technique that uses direct heat for cooking food. Preheat the grill to medium heat and place the skewers on it, turning occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Brushing
Brushing the skewers with the reserved sauce mixture during the last minutes of cooking adds flavor and moisture to the chicken, creating a deliciously sticky glaze.
Garnishing
Garnishing involves adding finishing touches to the dish for visual appeal and additional flavor. In this recipe, the skewers are garnished with thinly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.
FAQ
How long should I marinate the chicken?
You should marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours but can extend it up to 8 hours for deeper flavor absorption.
Can I use other types of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with other meats such as pork, beef, or shrimp, but cooking times may vary based on the type of meat used.
What should I do if I don’t have wooden skewers?
If you don’t have wooden skewers, you can use metal skewers or grill the chicken directly on the grill grates, using a grill basket if necessary.
How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer for the most accurate reading.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it for marinating and brushing the skewers.
Conclusion
The grilled chicken skewers infused with the savory and sweet flavors of the marinade offer a delightful meal that is sure to impress both family and friends. The combination of hoisin sauce, honey, and chili garlic sauce brings a unique taste, while the addition of ginger and garlic elevates the dish. Whether served as an appetizer or main course, these skewers are a fantastic option for any gathering.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Teriyaki Salmon Skewers
Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic to create a teriyaki marinade for salmon pieces, then grill until cooked through and flaky.
Vegetable Stir-Fry
Use the same marinade to toss with a mix of bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas for a quick and flavorful vegetable dish.
Pork Tenderloin with Honey Mustard Glaze
Marinate pork tenderloin in a blend of Dijon mustard, honey, and garlic before roasting or grilling for a succulent main course.
Asian-Inspired Tofu Skewers
Cube firm tofu and marinate in a mix of hoisin sauce, chili garlic sauce, and sesame oil before grilling for a delicious vegetarian option.
Spicy Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Use the marinade with chicken breast, grill the pieces, and then serve in lettuce leaves with fresh vegetables and a drizzle of spicy peanut sauce.
