Ginger-Garlic Muscovado Chicken Skewers
Elevate your grilling game with these Ginger-Garlic Muscovado Chicken Skewers. The combination of dark muscovado sugar, fresh ginger, and aromatic garlic creates a mouthwatering marinade that infuses each tender piece of chicken with a rich, sweet-savory flavor. Perfect for summer barbecues or quick weeknight dinners, these skewers can also be adapted for pork or even whole chicken breasts. Serve alongside fluffy steamed rice and vibrant green beans for a balanced and delicious meal that the whole family will love.
4
Servings
200
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Muscovado sugar (dark)
2 tablespoons (none)
Garlic cloves
3 (finely chopped)
Gingerroot (fresh)
3 cm (grated)
Sherry wine
3 tablespoons (none)
Dark soy sauce
2 tablespoons (none)
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
500 g (chopped into 1 inch cubes)
Wooden skewer
as needed (soaked for 40 minutes before using)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine muscovado sugar, chopped garlic cloves, grated ginger, sherry wine, and dark soy sauce to create the marinade. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved.
2
Cut boneless skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes.
3
Place the chicken cubes in the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate overnight for optimal flavor. If you’re short on time, marinate for at least 2 hours.
4
Once marinated, preheat your BBQ grill or oven to 210 degrees C.
5
Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto soaked wooden skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece for even cooking.
6
Grill the skewers on the BBQ for approximately 5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 75 degrees C. If using an oven, cook for the same time, turning halfway through.
7
Serve the skewers hot with a side of steamed rice and fresh crunchy green beans.
Nutrition Information
5
Fat
15
Carbs
20
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Ginger-Garlic Muscovado Chicken Skewers?
They are grilled chicken pieces marinated in a blend of dark muscovado sugar, fresh ginger, garlic, sherry, and soy sauce.
What is dark muscovado sugar?
It is an unrefined cane sugar with a high molasses content, providing a deep, smoky flavor and moist texture.
Can I substitute light muscovado sugar for dark?
Yes, though the flavor will be slightly less intense and the color of the chicken will be lighter.
Is this recipe lactose-free?
Yes, the recipe contains no dairy products and is categorized as lactose-free.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. If you are in a hurry, a minimum of 2 hours is recommended.
What type of chicken should I use?
This recipe calls for 500g of boneless skinless chicken breasts.
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes, chicken thighs are a great alternative as they stay juicy and flavorful when grilled.
What is the purpose of sherry wine in the marinade?
Sherry wine adds depth, acidity, and a nutty note that balances the sweetness of the sugar.
What can I substitute for sherry wine?
You can use dry white wine, rice wine, or apple juice if you prefer an alcohol-free option.
Can I use regular soy sauce instead of dark soy sauce?
You can, but dark soy sauce provides a richer color and a more intense savory flavor to the glaze.
How do I prepare the wooden skewers?
Soak the wooden skewers in water for at least 40 minutes before use to prevent them from burning on the grill.
What size should I cut the chicken cubes?
The chicken should be cut into approximately 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes for even cooking.
What is the recommended cooking temperature?
Preheat your BBQ grill or oven to 210 degrees Celsius.
How long do the skewers take to cook on the BBQ?
They take approximately 5 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 75 degrees C.
Can I cook these skewers in the oven?
Yes, cook them at 210 degrees C for about 10 minutes, turning them halfway through.
What internal temperature is safe for chicken?
Chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 75 degrees Celsius (165 degrees Fahrenheit).
What should I serve with these chicken skewers?
They pair perfectly with fluffy steamed rice and crunchy green beans.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 20 grams of protein per serving.
How much fat is in this dish?
Each serving contains 5 grams of fat.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it is a high-protein, relatively low-calorie meal that is also lactose-free.
Can I use this marinade for pork?
Yes, this ginger-garlic muscovado marinade works very well with pork tenderloin or pork shoulder cubes.
Can I use whole chicken breasts instead of skewers?
Yes, you can marinate and grill whole breasts, though cooking times will need to be increased.
Do I need to leave gaps between the chicken on the skewers?
Yes, leaving a small gap ensures that heat can circulate and the chicken cooks evenly.
Can I use ground ginger instead of fresh gingerroot?
Fresh ginger is preferred for flavor, but you can substitute 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger for every 1 cm of fresh ginger.
How do I finely chop the garlic?
Peel the cloves and mince them with a knife or use a garlic press for a finer texture.
Can I make this recipe on a stovetop grill pan?
Yes, a grill pan over medium-high heat will produce similar char marks and flavor as a BBQ.
Is there a lot of sugar in this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of muscovado sugar across 4 servings, which adds flavor and caramelization without excessive sweetness.
Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken in the marinade for up to 3 months; thaw completely in the fridge before grilling.