Chicken Surabaja
Juicy chicken breasts are marinated in a tangy soy and lemon sauce, then skewered and grilled to perfection, perfect for flavorful outdoor or indoor grilling gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, lemon juice, chopped garlic, and white pepper to create the marinade.
- Pierce the chicken breasts onto the skewers evenly.
- Brush the chicken with the marinade and let sit for at least 15 minutes.
- Preheat grill or broiler.
- Cook the skewered chicken until cooked through and slightly charred, about 8-10 minutes per side.
- Meanwhile, melt butter and mix with remaining soy sauce and lemon juice to serve as a dipping sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional lemon if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense flavor, marinate the chicken for a few hours or overnight. If you don’t have soy sauce, you can use tamari or coconut aminos as a substitute. Consider adding some crushed red pepper for heat or mixing in honey for a sweet touch. Ensure the chicken is evenly cooked by cutting the breasts into uniform pieces before skewering.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Surabaja hot off the grill with a side of rice or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Stir-Fried Oriental Vegetables With Chicken for a delightful combination. Consider drizzling extra dipping sauce over the chicken for added richness, and garnish with lemon wedges for a fresh finish.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Chicken Surabaja can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in short intervals until warmed through, or reheat on a grill for added flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Surabaja contains roughly 563 calories, with 13g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (174% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (75% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (69% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1832mg per serving (80% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts. They will add a richer flavor and remain juicy during cooking. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
What can I serve with Chicken Surabaja?
Chicken Surabaja goes well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with steamed rice, a fresh green salad, or grilled vegetables. For a more complete meal, pair it with dishes like Barbecued Spareribs - Chinese Style or Lemon Turkey Stir-Fry.
Can I make the marinade in advance?
Absolutely! The marinade can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just give it a good stir before using it, and remember to marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes before grilling.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).