Indonesian Chicken Skewers Recipe

Chicken breast: Cut into cubes, this is the main protein for the skewers.

Soy sauce: Adds a salty and umami flavor to the marinade.

Peanut butter: Provides a creamy texture and nutty taste.

Garlic: Minced to infuse the marinade with a pungent aroma.

Lime juice: Adds a tangy and fresh citrus flavor.

Honey: Brings a subtle sweetness to balance the savory elements.

Ground coriander: Adds a warm, citrusy spice.

Ground cumin: Contributes an earthy and slightly smoky flavor.

When marinating the chicken, make sure to coat each piece thoroughly with the marinade. This ensures that the flavors penetrate deeply, resulting in a more flavorful and tender skewer. Additionally, if you have the time, let the chicken marinate for a few hours or even overnight in the refrigerator. This extended marination process allows the spices and aromatics to infuse more effectively, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

• chicken breast - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a suitable alternative for chicken breast in skewers.

• soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce and has a similar umami flavor.

• peanut butter - Substitute with almond butter: Almond butter provides a similar creamy texture and nutty flavor, making it a good substitute for peanut butter.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor compared to garlic but still add a nice aromatic quality to the dish.

• lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice has a similar acidity and citrus flavor, making it a good alternative to lime juice.

• honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a similar sweetness and can be used as a direct substitute for honey.

• ground coriander - Substitute with ground caraway seeds: Ground caraway seeds have a similar earthy and citrusy flavor, making them a good substitute for ground coriander.

• ground cumin - Substitute with ground caraway seeds: Ground caraway seeds can also be used as a substitute for ground cumin due to their similar flavor profile.

• Allow the chicken skewers to cool completely after grilling or broiling. This prevents condensation and sogginess when stored.

• Place the cooled chicken skewers in an airtight container. If stacking, separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

• Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the chicken fresh and flavorful.

• For longer storage, wrap each skewer individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This ensures they remain intact and easy to grab.

• Place the wrapped skewers in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.

• Freeze the chicken skewers for up to 2 months. This maintains their taste and texture.

• To reheat, thaw the skewers in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing preserves moisture and flavor.

• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This ensures even warming without drying out.

• Alternatively, reheat on a grill or stovetop for a few minutes on each side. This revives the grilled flavor and texture.

• Serve with a fresh squeeze of lime juice or a side of peanut sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken skewers on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Cover the skewers with another piece of foil to prevent them from drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is warmed through.

• Microwave Method: Place the chicken skewers on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are evenly heated.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or vegetable oil. Place the chicken skewers in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is thoroughly warmed.

• Grill Method: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cover. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is hot and has a slight char.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is warmed through and crispy on the outside.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine the marinade ingredients and chicken cubes.

• Whisk: Useful for thoroughly mixing the marinade ingredients to ensure a smooth consistency.

• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting the chicken breast into cubes.

• Chef's knife: A sharp knife for efficiently cutting the chicken breast into uniform cubes.

• Measuring spoons: Essential for accurately measuring the soy sauce, peanut butter, lime juice, honey, coriander, and cumin.

• Garlic press: Handy for mincing the garlic cloves quickly and efficiently.

• Skewers: Used to thread the marinated chicken cubes for grilling or broiling.

• Grill: An outdoor cooking appliance for grilling the skewers to achieve a smoky flavor.

• Broiler: An alternative to the grill, used for cooking the skewers indoors under high heat.

• Tongs: Useful for turning the skewers occasionally to ensure even cooking.

• Timer: Helps keep track of the marinating time and cooking duration to prevent overcooking.

Prepare the marinade in advance: Mix the soy sauce, peanut butter, garlic, lime juice, honey, coriander, and cumin the night before to save time.

Use pre-cut chicken: Purchase chicken breast that is already cut into cubes to skip the chopping step.

Quick marination: If short on time, marinate the chicken for 15 minutes at room temperature instead of 30 minutes in the fridge.

Pre-soak skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water while preparing the marinade to prevent burning on the grill.

Batch grilling: Grill multiple skewers at once to cook all the chicken in one go.