Introduction
Grilled chicken skewers are a delightful and versatile dish perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer barbecue or a cozy family dinner. This recipe features a savory marinade that infuses the chicken with flavor, complemented by a creamy peanut sauce that adds a touch of richness. Ideal for serving at gatherings or simple weeknight meals, this dish is sure to impress.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Chicken Marinade:
– 1/4 cup reduced sodium soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Juice from one lime
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 teaspoon Sriracha
– 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
– 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
For the Peanut Sauce:
– 2 tablespoons powdered peanut butter (such as PB2)
– 1 tablespoon reduced sodium soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon water
– 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/8 teaspoon Sriracha
– 1 teaspoon brown sugar
– 1/8 teaspoon sesame oil
Prep Time
30 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 3-4 hours (including marinating)
Yield: Serves 4
Enjoy these marinated chicken skewers with peanut sauce as a flavorful, satisfying dish that brings a taste of adventure to your dining table!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Marinade
In a large bowl, combine 1/4 cup of reduced sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, the juice from one lime, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of Sriracha, 1/8 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, and 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
Marinate the Chicken
Place 1 1/2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks, into the marinade. Ensure the chicken pieces are well-coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours, or overnight to enhance flavor.
Prepare the Skewers
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill. After soaking, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers.
Cook the Chicken
Preheat the grill to medium heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for approximately 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a slight char.
Prepare the Peanut Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of powdered peanut butter, 1 tablespoon of reduced sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of water, 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/8 teaspoon of Sriracha, 1 teaspoon of brown sugar, and 1/8 teaspoon of sesame oil until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Serve
Drizzle the prepared peanut sauce over the grilled chicken skewers or serve it on the side for dipping.
Notes
Marinating Time
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
Soaking Skewers
Soaking wooden skewers is important to prevent burning, especially on a gas or charcoal grill.
Adjusting Spice Levels
Feel free to adjust the Sriracha and red pepper flakes to customize the spiciness of the marinade and sauce according to your taste preferences.
Using Other Proteins
This marinade can also work well with shrimp or firm tofu as alternative proteins. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Cook techniques
Preparing the Marinade
Combine all marinade ingredients in a large bowl, ensuring a thorough mix to blend flavors effectively before adding the chicken.
Marinating the Chicken
Place chicken pieces in the marinade, making sure they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 3-4 hours, or overnight for a deeper flavor.
Soaking Skewers
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for around 30 minutes. This helps prevent burning while grilling.
Grilling the Chicken
Preheat the grill to medium heat. Cook the skewers for about 10 minutes, turning them occasionally for even cooking and a slight char.
Preparing the Peanut Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together all peanut sauce ingredients until achieving a smooth consistency.
Serving
Drizzle the peanut sauce over the grilled chicken skewers or serve it on the side for dipping.
FAQ
Can I use regular soy sauce instead of reduced sodium?
Yes, you can use regular soy sauce, but it may increase the overall saltiness of the dish.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinate the chicken for at least 3-4 hours; overnight is ideal for maximum flavor infusion.
Can I use an oven instead of a grill?
Yes, you can bake the chicken skewers at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
What can I substitute for powdered peanut butter?
You can use regular peanut butter, but you may need to adjust the quantity of water to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
How can I adjust the heat level of the peanut sauce?
You can increase the amount of Sriracha or add other spicy ingredients, like chili flakes, to suit your taste.
Conclusion
The marinated chicken skewers paired with the creamy peanut sauce create a delightful balance of flavors that is both savory and slightly sweet. The infusion of lime and cilantro in the marinade elevates the dish, making it perfect for grilling on a warm evening or serving at a casual gathering. This recipe not only packs a punch in taste but also makes for an appealing dish that is sure to impress.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Spicy Tofu Skewers
Replace chicken with firm tofu, marinating in the same mixture for a vegetarian option that retains the delicious flavors of the original recipe.
Grilled Vegetable Skewers
Add bell peppers, zucchini, and red onions marinated in the same marinade for a colorful and healthy side dish.
Asian-Style Shrimp Skewers
Swap chicken for shrimp, adjusting the marination time to about 30 minutes before grilling for a seafood twist.
Peanut Sauce for Salad Dressing
Use the peanut sauce as a dressing over mixed greens, shredded carrots, and sliced cucumbers for a fresh and crunchy salad.
Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Use the marinated chicken as a filling for lettuce wraps, adding shredded cabbage and chopped peanuts for extra crunch.
Rice Bowl with Grilled Chicken
Serve the grilled chicken skewers over a bed of jasmine rice topped with peanut sauce and steamed broccoli for a complete meal.
Vegetable Stir-Fry with Peanut Sauce
Incorporate mixed vegetables such as snap peas and bell peppers, tossing them with peanut sauce for a quick and delicious stir-fry.
Chicken Tacos with Peanut Sauce
Fill corn tortillas with grilled chicken, fresh cabbage, and a drizzle of peanut sauce for a unique taco night.
