Indonesian chicken skewers are a delightful blend of savory and slightly sweet flavors, perfect for a quick and tasty meal. The marinade, rich with soy sauce, peanut butter, and aromatic spices, infuses the chicken with a depth of flavor that is both exotic and comforting. These skewers are ideal for grilling or broiling, making them a versatile option for any occasion.
Some ingredients in this recipe might not be staples in every household. Soy sauce and peanut butter are relatively common, but ground coriander and ground cumin might require a trip to the spice aisle. Additionally, fresh lime juice and honey are essential for achieving the perfect balance of flavors in the marinade.
Ingredients for 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.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
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.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
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.
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How To Store or Freeze Your Skewers
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.
How To Reheat Leftovers
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.
Essential Tools for This Recipe
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.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
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.
Indonesian Chicken Skewers Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 500 g chicken breast, cut into cubes
- 3 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoon peanut butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, peanut butter, garlic, lime juice, honey, coriander, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken cubes to the marinade and let sit for at least 30 minutes.
- Thread marinated chicken onto skewers.
- Grill or broil skewers for about 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
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