It's almost summer!! Here in TN, we already have weather in the 80s! It has been raining, but we take advantage of the weather any chance we get!
Summertime grilling! These Spicy Grilled Chicken Skewers are quick to prepare and exploding with flavor. They make a wonderful, filling appetizer if you're in a rush or for those days when you know you will be outside grilling different foods and enjoying beverages all day!
Everyone I know enjoys either the act of grilling itself or eating perfectly grilled food! I personally like eating it, as mentioned in previous posts, I do not know my way around a grill. My husband always takes care of that part, and before him it was my Dad, brother, cousins, etc. I do however, LOVE preparing things for my husband to grill!
What is it about summer grilling that is so exhilarating? For me it's being outside and using all the fresh herbs that I love! The cilantro and mint are from a small herb garden my husband and I started. He truly has the green thumb and I just try to keep it afloat!
I love using my mortar and pestle any chance I get and for this one, it was a MUST! If you don’t have it, don’t worry because you will get the same results from a food processor and actually in less time! I really enjoy the smells of perfectly mashed herbs, garlic and pepper so very much!
This is another recipe inspired by my Dad's cooking! I remember grilling/eating similar chicken skewers with my siblings and cousins the day of my high school graduation. I've been trying to recreate these since then! (let't not talk about how long ago that actually was, lol)
These skewers are bold and spicy with the perfect hint of freshness from the herbs and lemon juice! I do recommend drizzling garlic yogurt sauce or your choice of creamy sauce to complement the spices. My husband used good ole ranch dressing when he took these to work the next day!
Spicy Grilled Chicken Skewers
Course: AppetizerCuisine: Indian4
servings5
minutes15
minutes20
minutesThese spicy grilled chicken skewers are very simple and scream SUMMERTIME! The recipe calls for fresh cilantro, fresh mint and garlic to create a fragrant and tasty marinade.
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless, chicken breast- cut into 1 inch cubes
2 tbps yogurt
4-5 sprigs of cilantro (stems and leaves) more or less based on your taste
3-4 fresh mint leaves
2 cloves of garlic- peeled
1-2 thai chili peppers (use 1 small jalapeno or serrano for milder flavor)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon cayenne (optional)
½ teaspoon ground mustard
2 teaspoon coriander
¼ teaspoon ginger powder
¼ teaspoon turmeric
¾ teaspoon salt (more or less based on your taste)
Extra cilantro and lemon wedges for garnish
Serve with Garlic yogurt sauce or ranch
Directions
- To make the marinade in a food processor- blend together, cilantro, mint leaves, garlic cloves, chili pepper(s), lemon juice, cumin, paprika, cayenne (if using), ground mustard, coriander, ginger powder, turmeric and salt. Puree until paste like texture then mix in your yogurt and move to a large bowl or a glass container with a lid (for easy refrigerator storage)
If using a mortar and pestle - first start with cilantro, mint leaves and garlic, mash until everything is broken up. Add the salt to help break it down further, continue to mash for a few minutes (this is work but OH MY GOSH, doesn’t it smell amazing!) Then add remaining dry spices and lemon juice. It takes time but will become paste like (see pictures above). Move this paste into a large bowl and mix in 2 tablespoon yogurt. - Mix chicken cubes into marinade and refrigerate for 4-5 hours (or overnight if preparing ahead of time)
- Thread the chicken cubes onto your skewers.
- Grill for 10-12 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165℉
- Serve with garlic yogurt sauce or your preferred dipping sauce!
