Spicy Chicken Skewers
Spicy chicken skewers feature tender chicken breasts marinated in a tangy, spicy sauce with red peppers, perfect for grilling and entertaining alike.
Ingredients
- vegetable cooking spray ⓘ
- 1/4 cup minced onion ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons dry sherry
- 1 pound boned, skinned chicken breasts ⓘ
- 2 small red bell peppers
- 2 teaspoons sesame seed
Instructions
- Coat a small skillet with vegetable cooking spray and place over medium heat until hot.
- Add minced onion and crushed red pepper to the skillet and sauté for 3 minutes or until tender. Remove from heat.
- Stir in brown sugar, black pepper, white wine vinegar, soy sauce, and sherry. Set aside.
- Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces and thread onto skewers alternating with red bell pepper pieces.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Brush the skewers with the prepared marinade.
- Grill skewers for about 5-7 minutes per side or until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
- Serve hot garnished with sesame seeds if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for a few hours before grilling. You can substitute the dry sherry with apple cider vinegar if needed. If you want a milder dish, reduce the crushed red pepper or use sweet paprika instead. Experiment with different vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for variety.
Serving Suggestions
These spicy chicken skewers are perfect for summer barbecues and pair well with a fresh salad or rice. Consider serving alongside a tangy dip like tzatziki or a cool cucumber salad for balance. They also complement dishes like Chicken And Vegetable Twist for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place skewers on a grill or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally until heated through. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Chicken Skewers contains roughly 355 calories, with 16g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (105% of the Daily Value), iron (63% of the Daily Value), and calcium (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. At about 355 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a richer flavor and remain juicier during grilling. Just ensure they are boned and skinless for this recipe, and adjust the cooking time as needed since they may take slightly longer to cook through.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the low-sodium soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Ensure all other ingredients, especially condiments, are labeled gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
What other vegetables can I use for skewers?
You can use a variety of vegetables such as zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms. Just ensure they are cut into similar sizes to the chicken pieces for even cooking. Feel free to experiment with seasonal veggies for added flavor and color.
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).