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Spicy Chicken Skewers Recipe

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3.8 from 7 reviews

These spicy chicken skewers are packed with bold flavors from a marinade featuring olive oil, soy sauce, hot sauce, and a blend of spices like smoked paprika and cayenne pepper. Perfectly grilled or oven-baked to juicy perfection, they make a quick and delicious meal or appetizer with a fiery kick.

Ingredients

Chicken and Marinade

  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as sriracha or your favorite brand)
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for sweetness)
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

Equipment

  • Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, hot sauce, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
  2. Marinate Chicken: Add the cubed chicken pieces into the marinade, tossing to coat thoroughly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours to deepen the flavors.
  3. Preheat Cooking Appliance: If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  4. Skewer the Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked wooden or metal skewers, leaving a bit of space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
  5. Cook the Skewers: For grilling, place skewers on the grill and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through with appealing grill marks. For oven-baking, arrange skewers on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through to cook evenly.
  6. Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
  7. Rest and Serve: Remove skewers from heat and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch or blue cheese dressing, and enjoy the spicy, juicy chicken skewers.

Notes

  • Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper amount to control spiciness according to your preference.
  • For a sweeter flavor, do not omit the honey in the marinade.
  • Chicken thighs remain juicier and more flavorful than breasts, but either can be used.
  • Ensure even spacing on skewers for uniform cooking.
  • Use a meat thermometer to verify doneness for safety.