– **Title**: Spicy Beer BBQ Chicken Skewers with Avocado Corn and Feta Salsa
– **Ingredients**:
– **For the Chicken Skewers**:
– 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup beer (lager or pale ale)
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (preferably spicy)
– 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust for heat preference)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)
– **For the Avocado Corn and Feta Salsa**:
– 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– Juice of 1 lime
– Salt and pepper to taste
– **Instructions**:
1. **Marinate the Chicken**: In a large bowl, combine the beer, olive oil, BBQ sauce, hot sauce, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces, stirring to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours to marinate.
2. **Prepare the Salsa**: In a separate bowl, combine the corn, avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, and cilantro. Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and season with salt and pepper. Gently toss to combine. Cover and set aside to let the flavors meld.
3. **Preheat the Grill**: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using charcoal, allow the coals to become ashy.
4. **Skewer the Chicken**: Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator. Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
5. **Grill the Skewers**: Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
6. **Serve**: Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve the spicy beer BBQ chicken skewers hot, topped with the avocado corn and feta salsa. Enjoy with extra BBQ sauce on the side if desired.
This dish is perfect for barbecues and gatherings, combining the flavors of spicy beer-infused chicken with a refreshing and tangy salsa.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Using chicken breast gives the skewers a healthy twist. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs also work well for a juicier bite. You can even use shrimp or firm tofu for a different texture!
Beer: Lager or pale ale enhances the flavor, but if you don’t drink, try a non-alcoholic beer or chicken broth. I’ve had great results with both options.
Chili Powder: This adds a delicious kick! If you’re sensitive to spice, use less, or swap it for a milder paprika. I love experimenting with different chili powders for unique flavors!
Feta Cheese: For a different taste, goat cheese is a fantastic substitute. It’ll give a creamier consistency that pairs well with the freshness of the salsa.
How Do You Marinate Chicken for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating chicken is key to juicy and flavorful skewers. Start by mixing the marinade well to combine all the spices and the beer. Make sure every piece of chicken is coated.
- Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent air from getting in.
- The longer you marinate, the better the flavor. Overnight is best, but even 1 hour will help!
- Don’t forget to bring the chicken to room temperature before grilling for even cooking.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare Salsa Without Mashing the Avocado?
To keep your avocado chunky and fresh, follow these handy tips:
- Dice the avocado and add it to the bowl last to avoid it breaking up during mixing.
- Gently fold all other ingredients in around it rather than stirring vigourously.
- If you want extra lime flavor, squeeze it over the avocado before mixing for freshness.
Spicy Beer BBQ Chicken Skewers with Avocado Corn and Feta Salsa
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1.5 pounds chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup beer (preferably lager or pale ale)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes if wooden)
For the Avocado Corn and Feta Salsa:
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or grilled)
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Extra BBQ sauce for brushing (optional)
- Lime wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 1 hour for marinating the chicken, plus an additional 30 minutes for prep. Then, you’ll spend 15 minutes grilling. In total, plan for about 1 hour and 45 minutes, mainly for the chicken to soak up those delicious spices!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the beer, olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Once mixed, add your chicken pieces and stir well until they are all nicely coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for at least 1 hour, or overnight if you’re planning ahead. The longer, the better for flavor!
2. Prepare the Salsa:
While the chicken marinates, it’s time to make the salsa! In a medium bowl, gently toss together the corn, diced avocado, crumbled feta cheese, red onion, chopped cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Make sure to mix it gently to keep the avocado nice and chunky! Set this aside and let the flavors meld.
3. Prepare the Skewers:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Take the marinated chicken out of the fridge. Thread the chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, giving a little space between each piece for even cooking. It’s fine to alternate if you want to mix things up!
4. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the grill. Cook them for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally. You’ll want to look for nice grill marks and ensure the chicken is cooked through. If you like it extra saucy, brush some additional BBQ sauce on the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking.
5. Serve:
Once grilled, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. It’s time to serve! Arrange the chicken skewers on a plate alongside the avocado corn and feta salsa, and add some lime wedges for squeezing over the top. Enjoy every bite of this delicious, spicy treat!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use chicken thighs for a juicier option or even different proteins like shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian version. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as shrimp cooks faster while tofu may need a bit longer to absorb the flavors.
What If I Don’t Have Beer on Hand?
No worries! You can substitute the beer with equal parts chicken broth, apple cider, or even sparkling water. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!
How Should I Store Leftover Skewers and Salsa?
Store the leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The salsa can also be stored in the fridge but is best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, consume them within a day to avoid the avocado browning and affecting the flavor.
Can I Make the Salsa in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the salsa a few hours ahead of time! Just wait to add the avocado until you’re ready to serve to keep it fresh and vibrant. You can also add a bit of lime juice to the avocado to help prevent browning if you need to assemble it earlier.
