Grilled Chicken Skewers with Green Chile Sauce

Ingredients

In this adaptation, we have replaced the traditional Japanese yakitori sauce with a spicy green chile sauce, which is a staple in New Mexican cuisine. The marinade for the chicken has been modified to include Southwestern spices like cumin and chili powder, giving it a distinct New Mexican flavor profile. Additionally, the grilling technique remains the same, but the choice of ingredients and flavors has been adjusted to suit the target cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Seseri yakitori, so you can check it out.

• 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lime Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4-6 green chiles, roasted, peeled, and seeded 4-6 green chiles, roasted, peeled, and seeded
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• Juice of 1 lime Juice of 1 lime
• 1 teaspoon honey 1 teaspoon honey

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 4g, 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the olive oil, ground cumin, chili powder, minced garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. 2.
   Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss until evenly coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for maximum flavor.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. 5.
   Grill the chicken skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and slightly charred.
6. 6.
   Meanwhile, prepare the green chile sauce by blending the roasted green chiles, cilantro, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper in a blender or food processor until smooth.
7. 7.
   Serve the grilled chicken skewers with the spicy green chile sauce on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken — Ensure that the chicken is cut into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking.
• Green chiles — If you can't find fresh green chiles, you can use canned or frozen ones. Just make sure to adjust the roasting step accordingly.

Tips & Tricks

• Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
• For an extra kick of heat, add a diced jalapeno pepper to the green chile sauce.
• Serve the skewers with a side of Mexican rice and grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
• If you prefer milder flavors, remove the seeds from the green chiles before blending them into the sauce.
• Make extra green chile sauce and use it as a condiment for tacos, burritos, or grilled meats.

Serving advice

Serve the Southwestern chicken skewers with the spicy green chile sauce on the side. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges for an added burst of flavor. These skewers make a fantastic appetizer or main course and pair well with a side of Mexican rice and grilled vegetables.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled chicken skewers on a platter, placing the spicy green chile sauce in a small bowl alongside them. Drizzle some of the sauce over the skewers for an enticing presentation. Sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves over the top to add a pop of color.