Description
Succulent spicy honey garlic chicken skewers deliver bold Mediterranean flavors with a tropical twist. Fresh mango salsa complements grilled chicken, offering hungry guests a delightful culinary experience you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs (700 g) chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ¼ cup (60 ml) honey
- 3 tbsps soy sauce
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 1 tbsp sriracha or hot sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- Wooden skewers
- 1 large ripe mango, peeled and diced
- ½ red bell pepper, diced
- ¼ red onion, finely chopped
- 1 small jalapeno, finely diced
- 2 tbsps fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt
- Extra cilantro
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Marinade Creation: Whisk honey, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, sriracha, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a large bowl until perfectly blended.
- Chicken Preparation: Submerge chicken pieces completely in marinade, coat thoroughly, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours to maximize flavor infusion.
- Salsa Assembly: Combine diced mango, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeno, and cilantro in a mixing bowl. Add lime juice and salt, gently tossing to create a vibrant, fresh salsa.
- Skewer Arrangement: Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving small spaces between pieces to ensure consistent heat distribution and optimal cooking.
- Cooking Techniques: Choose from three methods – grill at medium-high for 4-5 minutes per side, use a grill pan rotating frequently, or bake in oven at 400F for 18-20 minutes, finishing with a 2-3 minute broil for crispy exterior.
- Serving Presentation: Arrange skewers on a decorative platter, garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges, and serve alongside mango salsa for a delightful, interactive dining experience.
Notes
- Optimize Marination Time: Aim for the sweet spot of 1-2 hours to maximize flavor absorption without compromising meat texture, preventing protein breakdown.
- Balance Spice Levels: Adjust cayenne and sriracha quantities based on personal heat tolerance, starting with smaller amounts and gradually increasing for customized intensity.
- Prevent Skewer Burning: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading chicken to prevent charring and potential bitter taste during grilling.
- Ensure Proper Chicken Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 165°F, guaranteeing safe consumption while maintaining juicy, tender meat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg