Spicy, Savory Chicken Skewers with Haitian Epis Glaze
Looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for grilling season? Look no further than these Spicy, Savory Chicken Skewers featuring a double dose of flavor: Haitian Epis and Noubess Hot and Spicy Sauce!
A Fiery Fusion
This recipe combines the rich, savory depth of traditional Haitian Epis with the fiery kick of Noubess Hot and Spicy Sauce. Noubess, known for its blend of fresh herbs, spices, and “world’s hottest peppers,” adds a whole new dimension of heat and complexity.
Simple Prep, Explosive Flavor
The beauty remains in the ease of preparation. Marinate your chicken in a mixture of epis, citrus, olive oil, and a generous helping of Noubess Hot and Spicy Sauce. The sauce infuses the chicken with its unique blend of flavors, promising a fiery delight in every bite.
The Glaze Gets an Upgrade
Don’t ditch the epis glaze entirely! Craft a fusion glaze by combining your prepared epis with a good amount of Noubess sauce. This glaze will caramelize on the grill, adding a smoky sweetness that complements the heat perfectly. Baste the skewers liberally for that sticky, finger-licking goodness we all love.
Spice it Up or Tone it Down.
The beauty of this recipe is its customizability. Noubess rates its sauce as a 9/10 on the heat scale, so adjust the amount you use to suit your preference. Want a real inferno? Go all in! Prefer a milder kick? Start with a smaller amount and add more to taste.
A Versatile Dish
These skewers are perfect for a summer cookout, a delicious appetizer, or even a light main course served with rice and salad. They’re also endlessly customizable! For a milder flavor, use less scotch bonnet pepper in the epis. Want to add some color? Thread bell peppers or red onion chunks onto the skewers with the chicken.
This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a backyard barbecue. Ready to get cooking?
Ingredients for the recipe of Chicken Skewers with Haitian Epis:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 ½-inch cubes
- 4 tbsp Haitian epis (green seasoning)—This blend of fresh herbs includes parsley, thyme, scallions, and scotch bonnet peppers. You can make a batch and use it to marinate poultry, fish, beef, or pork and for other dishes, such as stews, soups, and acres.
- ½ tsp smoked or sweet paprika (your choice)
- 1 1/2 tbsp coconut aminos – A substitute for soy sauce, it has a slightly sweet taste
- ½ to 1 tsp Noubess Hot and Spicy Sauce – Adjust the amount to your spice preference
- 2 tbsp olive oil, to help with moisture and for the chicken pieces not
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prep the Skewers and Marinade: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill. Whisk together epis, paprika, coconut aminos, and Noubess hot sauce in a bowl. Add the chicken cubes and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 or 24 hours for maximum flavor.
- Preheat the Grill: Aim for medium-high heat, around 375°F (190°C) for a nice sear.
- Assemble and Cook: Thread chicken cubes onto skewers. In a separate pan, boil the leftover marinade for 5 minutes to kill any bacteria. Grill the chicken skewers, turning every few minutes. Brush the chicken with the cooked marinade for extra flavor (optional). Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve and Enjoy! Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with the remaining cooked marinade for dipping.
Tips:
- For a vegetarian option, try marinating tofu or portobello mushrooms instead of chicken.
- Soak the chicken in the marinade for longer for an even deeper flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the grill. Cook the skewers in batches if necessary.
- Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve the chicken skewers with your favorite sides, like rice, grilled vegetables, or a salad.
Additional Serving Ideas and Dish Pairings
Serving:
- You can serve the chicken skewers on their own, or with a variety of sides. A platter with grilled vegetables, rice, or couscous is always a crowd-pleaser.
- If you’re going for a more casual vibe, you can serve the chicken skewers in pita bread with your favorite toppings, like lettuce, tomato, onion, and tzatziki sauce.
- Chicken skewers are also a great option for an appetizer or finger food. Simply cut them into bite-sized pieces and serve them with a dipping sauce.
Perfect Pairings:
- Sides:
- Grilled vegetables: Bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and squash are all great options for grilling. They add a pop of color and flavor to your meal.
- Rice: Plain white rice or rice and beans are great pairings for chicken skewers. They help soak up the juices from the chicken and keep you feeling full.
- Couscous: Couscous is a light and fluffy grain that is perfect for soaking up the flavors of your chicken skewers. It’s also a good option if you’re looking for a gluten-free side dish.
- Salad: A salad is a great way to add some freshness to your meal. A Greek salad or a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing are both good options.
- Dipping Sauces:
- Tzatziki sauce: This is a classic Greek yogurt-based sauce that is perfect for dipping chicken skewers. It’s cool and refreshing, and it helps to cut through the richness of the chicken.
- Hummus: Hummus is a delicious chickpea-based dip, another great option for dipping chicken skewers. It’s creamy and flavorful, and it pairs well with the savory flavors of the chicken.
- Chimichurri sauce: This is a parsley-based sauce that is popular in Argentina. It’s bright and flavorful, and it adds a nice contrast to the smoky flavors of the chicken.
- Peanut sauce: Peanut sauce is a delicious and versatile sauce that can be used for dipping chicken skewers, vegetables, or even spring rolls. It’s creamy, nutty, and slightly sweet, and it adds a unique flavor to your meal. I DON’T RECOMMEND THIS IF YOU ARE ALLERGIC TO NUTS.
- Marinade as a dipping sauce: You can also use the leftover marinade from the chicken skewers as a dipping sauce. This is a great way to add extra flavor to your chicken. Just be sure to bring it to a boil first to kill any bacteria. I hope this helps!
Chicken Skewer FAQs
1. Can I use other types of meat for these skewers?
Absolutely! These skewers are a very versatile recipe and can be adapted to your protein preference. Here are some substitutions:
- Shrimp: Large shrimp are a great option for grilling. Marinate them for the same amount of time as the chicken, but be careful not to overcook them, as they cook quickly.
- Steak: Cut steak into cubes for a heartier skewer. Adjust the marinating time based on the thickness of your cuts. Generally, thicker cuts will require a longer marinade.
- Tofu or Portobello Mushrooms: For a vegetarian option, marinate and grill firm tofu cubes or large portobello mushrooms. Portobello mushrooms have a meaty texture that pairs well with the flavors of the marinade.
2. I don’t have a grill; what should I do?
No worries! There are a few ways to cook your chicken skewers without a grill:
- Broiling: Preheat your broiler to high heat. Thread the chicken and place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil. Broil for 8-10 minutes per side or until cooked through.
- Pan-frying: Heat a large skillet with a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken skewers on all sides until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
- Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Thread the chicken and place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
3. How long should I marinate the chicken?
The chicken can be marinated for as little as 2 hours, but for the most flavorful results, marinate it for at least 4 hours, or up to 24 hours. The longer the chicken marinates, the deeper the flavor will be.
4. I have leftovers; how do I store them?
Leftover chicken skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in a skillet or oven until warmed through. Be aware that reheated chicken skewers may be a bit drier than when they were first cooked.
In conclusion, these spicy, savory chicken skewers are a breeze to make and bursting with flavor. The marinade is easily customized to your spice preference, and the recipe is adaptable to different proteins and cooking methods. With a variety of serving suggestions and perfect pairings, these chicken skewers are sure to become a new weeknight favorite! For more inspiration on Haitian cuisine, check out Caribbean Green Living. They have a wealth of information on traditional dishes and cooking techniques.
Spicy, Savory Chicken Skewers with Haitian Epis Glaze
Equipment
- Skewers bamboo or metal
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 ½-inch cubes
- 4 tbsp Haitian epis green seasoning
- ½ tsp smoked or sweet paprika your choice
- 1 1/2 tbsp coconut aminos
- ½ to 1 tsp Noubess Hot and Spicy Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Skewers and Marinade: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill. Whisk together epis, paprika, coconut aminos, and Noubess hot sauce in a bowl. Add the chicken cubes and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 or 24 hours for maximum flavor.
- Preheat the Grill: Aim for medium-high heat, around 375°F (190°C) for a nice sear.
- Assemble and Cook: Thread chicken cubes onto skewers. In a separate pan, boil the leftover marinade for 5 minutes to kill any bacteria. Grill the chicken skewers, turning every few minutes. Brush the chicken with the cooked marinade for extra flavor (optional). Use a meat thermometer to check for internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve and Enjoy! Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with the remaining cooked marinade for dipping.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, try marinating tofu or portobello mushrooms instead of chicken.
- Soak the chicken in the marinade for longer for an even deeper flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the grill. Cook the skewers in batches if necessary.
- Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve the chicken skewers with your favorite sides, like rice, grilled vegetables, or a salad.
Nutrition
Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on the products used.
Nutrition info is automatically generated and provided as a courtesy and as an estimate only.
