Description
These smoky chicken skewers feature tender boneless thighs marinated in aromatic spices and seared to perfection on a hot pan. Served with a flavorful smoky aïoli, they make a perfect appetizer or main dish bursting with rich, smoky, and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Skewers
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 500g/1lb 2oz)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp fennel seed, crushed
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp sweet smoked paprika (pimenton)
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 1 tsp red wine vinegar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 15 skewers (soak wooden skewers in water for 10 mins if using wooden)
Smoky Aïoli
- 8 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 tsp paprika
- A squeeze of lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for 10 minutes to prevent burning during cooking. Cut the chicken thighs into 3cm (about 1¼ inch) pieces and place them in a large bowl.
- Marinate Chicken: Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, crushed fennel seed, ground cumin, sweet smoked paprika, crushed garlic clove, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper to the chicken pieces. Toss well to coat the chicken evenly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours to develop flavors.
- Thread Chicken: Thread 2 to 3 pieces of marinated chicken onto each skewer, distributing the pieces evenly.
- Heat Pan: Pour the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil into a frying pan or rub it onto a griddle pan. Heat the pan over medium-high heat until hot.
- Cook Skewers: Place the skewers on the hot pan and sear the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char. You may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Keep Warm: Transfer cooked skewers to a warm oven to keep warm while cooking the remaining batches.
- Prepare Smoky Aïoli: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, crushed garlic cloves, paprika, and a squeeze of lemon juice until smooth.
- Serve: Serve the hot chicken skewers with the smoky aïoli on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning on the pan.
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the smoky and spiced flavor.
- If desired, you can grill the skewers outdoors instead of pan-searing.
- The smoky aïoli adds a creamy and flavorful complement to the spiced chicken.
- Ensure chicken is cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus up to 24 hours marinating time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: smoky chicken skewers, grilled chicken, smoky aïoli, spiced chicken skewers, healthy chicken recipe, easy chicken recipe
