This spicy chicken recipe makes a great appetizer for a smaller gathering, or a satisfying light entree when paired with some grilled summer vegetables and a crispy green salad. This flavor-packed recipe can also be doubled or tripled for larger crowds.
Prep time: 10 minutes (+ marinating time)
Cook time: 15-20 minutes
Serves: 4-6 (2-3 skewers per person)
Ingredients
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, pounded to ½” thick and cut into 1” strips
3 T. soy sauce
2 T. sesame oil
1½ T. hot sauce
1 T. pure maple syrup
2 T. fresh lime juice
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 T. fresh ginger piece, finely minced
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
Additional equipment: 12 9” wooden or metal skewers
Peanut Dipping Sauce
¾ c. low-sodium chicken stock
1/3 c. peanut butter
1 T. soy sauce
1 T. pure maple syrup
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 T. fresh lime juice
1 t. garlic powder
¼ c. fresh cilantro, chopped
¼ c. roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Place wooden skewers, if using, in a bowl of water until ready to prepare chicken. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, hot sauce, maple syrup, lime juice, garlic, and fresh ginger. Season with a salt and black pepper, as desired, and add the chicken strips. Cover and store in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight. Turn chicken at least once while marinating.
- To prepare the peanut sauce, combine the chicken stock, peanut butter, soy sauce, maple syrup, cayenne pepper, lime juice, and garlic powder in a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer gently, stirring frequently, until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, around 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer to a serving container. Top with fresh cilantro and roasted peanuts and set aside.
- To prepare chicken, clean the grates on a gas grill with a stiff wire brush and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Close lid and preheat grill to medium. (To prepare indoors, spray a grill pan with non-stick cooking spray and set heat to just below medium-high).
- Thread chicken strips onto prepared skewers and place over direct medium heat. Close the cover and cook, turning once, until nicely browned and cooked through, approximately 4-6 minutes per side. (If cooking indoors, increase cooking time to 5-7 minutes per side).
Remove from heat and serve immediately with the peanut dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy!
