Peruvian Grilled Chicken Skewers
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
366 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
South American, Peruvian
Peruvian Grilled Chicken Skewers
Description
This recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into pieces and marinated in a flavorful blend including garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, brown sugar, olive oil, soy sauce, lime juice, and fresh ginger. The marinade combines savory, sweet, smoky, and tangy elements to season the meat evenly.
After marinating for 30 minutes to 4 hours, the chicken is threaded onto soaked wooden skewers and grilled over medium-high heat. Frequent turning and basting with reserved marinade create a golden, slightly charred exterior while locking in moisture. The grilling method imparts a hint of smokiness and caramelization to the chicken.
These skewers work well served alongside fresh salads, rice, or grilled vegetables, providing a balanced and flavorful protein option for a meal or gathering.
Ingredients
For the marinade/basting sauce:
- 3 garlic finely minced, medium cloves
- 1 teaspoon cumin ground
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes crushed
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice fresh
- 2 tablespoons ginger finely minced, fresh
For the chicken:
- 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
Instructions
- Trim chicken of excess fat and cut into approximately 1-inch wide pieces. Set aside.
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a medium-size bowl and stir to mix. Add chicken to a large zip lock bag along with half of the marinade/sauce. Reserve the remaining marinade and set it aside.
- Massage the bag with the chicken to evenly coat the chicken with marinade. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours.
- Heat a gas grill to medium-high or start a medium-hot charcoal grill. Thread chicken onto skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes, so they don't catch on fire.)
- Clean grill surface and oil with spray or brush with a tongs and an oil-dipped paper towel. Place skewers on grill and cook, turning one-quarter turn every 3-4 minutes until golden, about 10-12 minutes. Brush with the remaining sauce, turning frequently until chicken is charred in spots. The exact timing will vary, depending on the temperature of your grill. Remove the chicken skewers from the grill, tent with foil and let rest for 5 minutes.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Marinate chicken for a minimum of 30 minutes and up to 4 hours to allow flavors to penetrate effectively.
- Use medium-high heat on the grill and turn skewers every 3-4 minutes for even cooking and good char.
- Reserve some marinade for basting while grilling to enhance flavor and keep the chicken moist.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 366 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 366kcal | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 5g | 2% |
| Protein | 51g | 102% |
| Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 142mg | 47% |
| Sodium | 454mg | 19% |
| Potassium | 887mg | 19% |
| Fiber | 0g | 0% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 265IU | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 20mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1.7mg | 9% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.