Mexican-style Chicken Satay

Ingredients

While the original Indonesian Satay is typically marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and lemongrass, our Mexican-style Chicken Satay incorporates traditional Mexican spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika. The marinade is also enhanced with lime juice and garlic, giving it a tangy and zesty kick. Additionally, instead of using peanut sauce, we serve our satay with a refreshing avocado salsa. We alse have the original recipe for Satay, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips 500g (1.1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lime juice 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
• For the Avocado Salsa: For the Avocado Salsa:
• 2 ripe avocados, diced 2 ripe avocados, diced
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 16g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 7g, 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
2. 2.
   Add the chicken strips to the marinade and toss until they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Thread the marinated chicken strips onto the soaked wooden skewers.
5. 5.
   Grill the chicken skewers for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and slightly charred.
6. 6.
   While the chicken is grilling, prepare the avocado salsa. In a separate bowl, combine the diced avocados, chopped red onion, minced jalapeno pepper, fresh cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Gently toss to combine.
7. 7.
   Once the chicken skewers are cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
8. 8.
   Serve the Mexican-style Chicken Satay with the avocado salsa on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken — Make sure to slice the chicken into thin strips to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
• Avocado — Choose ripe avocados for the salsa to achieve a creamy texture and rich flavor.
• Lime juice — Freshly squeezed lime juice is recommended for the marinade and salsa to add a tangy and citrusy taste.
• Jalapeno pepper — Adjust the amount of jalapeno pepper according to your desired level of spiciness.
• Wooden skewers — Soaking the wooden skewers in water prevents them from burning during grilling.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
• If you don't have a grill or grill pan, you can also cook the chicken skewers in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 15-20 minutes.
• Serve the Mexican-style Chicken Satay with warm tortillas or as a filling for tacos for a complete Mexican meal.
• Feel free to customize the avocado salsa by adding diced tomatoes, corn, or black beans for additional flavors and textures.
• If you prefer a milder salsa, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeno pepper before mincing.

Serving advice

Serve the Mexican-style Chicken Satay as an appetizer or main course. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor. Pair it with Mexican rice and a side of refried beans for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled chicken skewers on a platter, placing the avocado salsa in a separate bowl alongside them. Sprinkle some chopped cilantro over the chicken skewers for a vibrant and appetizing presentation.