Grilled Yucatan Chicken Skewers with Tropical Papaya-Tomatillo Salsa
Experience the vibrant flavors of Yucatan with these succulent chicken skewers marinated in zesty citrus and spices. The juicy, tender chicken thighs are grilled to perfection and served alongside a refreshing, tropical papaya-tomatillo salsa that adds a sweet and tangy contrast. This dish is ideal for summer barbecues and outdoor gatherings, promising to tantalize your taste buds. The salsa, full of fresh ingredients, not only complements the skewers but also brings a burst of color to your plate. Gather your friends and family for a delightful culinary adventure with these delicious skewers and immerse yourself in the vibrant tastes of Mexico.
N/A
Servings
350
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken thighs
9 (trimmed)
wooden skewers
36 (soaked)
fresh orange juice
1/4 cup (juiced)
fresh lime juice
1/2 cup (juiced)
fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons (juiced)
chili powder
1/4 cup (none)
cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
1 teaspoon (freshly ground)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
olive oil
1/4 cup (none)
papaya
1 large (peeled, seeded and coarsely chopped)
tomatillos
4 (husks removed and rinsed)
red onions
2 tablespoons (finely diced)
jalapeño
1 tablespoon (minced)
honey
1 teaspoon (none)
freshly ground black pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
For the salsa, combine coarsely chopped papaya, tomatillos, red onions, minced jalapeño, lime juice, cilantro, honey, and a pinch of salt and black pepper in a food processor. Pulse for about 30 seconds until well mixed.
2
With the motor running, drizzle in the olive oil through the feed tube and continue processing until the mixture is emulsified and smooth. Set aside.
3
For the marinade, combine fresh orange juice, fresh lime juice, lemon juice, chili powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, and olive oil in a food processor. Blend for 30 seconds until smooth.
4
In a large zip-lock plastic bag, place the chicken thighs and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible. Massage the marinade into the chicken and refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
5
Preheat your grill or broiler to medium-high heat. Thread two skewers through each piece of marinated chicken, ensuring they are flat for even cooking.
6
Grill the chicken skewers for about 4 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and charred. Baste with extra marinade once on each side for added flavor.
7
Remove from the grill, let rest for a few minutes, and serve the skewers accompanied by the tropical salsa for a refreshing finish. Enjoy with your favorite margaritas!
Nutrition Information
21g
Fat
10.5g
Carbs
32.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Grilled Yucatan Chicken Skewers?
Grilled Yucatan Chicken Skewers are succulent chicken thighs marinated in a zesty citrus and spice blend, grilled to perfection, and served with a sweet and tangy papaya-tomatillo salsa.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 9 boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed, which remain juicy and tender when grilled.
How long should the chicken marinate?
For maximum flavor, the chicken should be marinated for 4 to 6 hours, or even overnight.
What is in the Yucatan marinade?
The marinade consists of fresh orange juice, lime juice, lemon juice, chili powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, and olive oil.
How do I prepare the papaya-tomatillo salsa?
Pulse papaya, tomatillos, red onions, jalapeño, lime juice, cilantro, honey, and seasoning in a food processor, then slowly drizzle in olive oil to emulsify.
Why should I use two skewers per piece of chicken?
Using two skewers helps the chicken stay flat on the grill, ensuring even cooking and making it easier to flip.
Do I need to soak the wooden skewers?
Yes, the recipe suggests using 36 soaked wooden skewers to prevent them from burning on the grill.
What is the calorie count for this dish?
One serving of these chicken skewers contains approximately 350 calories.
Is this recipe high in protein?
Yes, each serving provides 32.5 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 10.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is the salsa spicy?
The salsa contains one tablespoon of minced jalapeño, which provides a mild heat that is balanced by the sweet papaya and honey.
What are tomatillos?
Tomatillos are small, green, husk-covered fruits used in Mexican cuisine to provide a tart, tangy flavor to salsas.
How do I prepare tomatillos for the salsa?
Remove the paper-like husks and rinse the tomatillos thoroughly to remove any sticky residue before chopping.
Can I cook these skewers if I don't have an outdoor grill?
Yes, you can use a broiler set to medium-high heat to achieve a similar charred effect.
What is the fat content of this dish?
The recipe contains 21 grams of fat per serving.
Should I baste the chicken while it's cooking?
Yes, basting the chicken with extra marinade once on each side adds extra flavor and moisture.
How long does it take to grill the skewers?
Grill the chicken for about 4 minutes on each side until fully cooked and slightly charred.
What should I serve with these chicken skewers?
These skewers are excellent served with the included tropical salsa and your favorite margaritas.
What gives the salsa its tropical flavor?
The combination of fresh papaya and honey provides the distinct tropical sweetness in the salsa.
Can I use a blender instead of a food processor?
Yes, both the salsa and the marinade can be prepared in a blender if a food processor is not available.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
This recipe uses 16 ingredients in total, including the chicken, citrus, spices, and salsa components.
Is there honey in this recipe?
Yes, one teaspoon of honey is used in the salsa to balance the acidity of the lime and tomatillos.
What spices are used for the Yucatan flavor?
The signature Yucatan flavor comes from a blend of chili powder, cayenne pepper, and citrus juices.
How should the red onion be prepared for the salsa?
The red onion should be finely diced to ensure it blends well with the other salsa ingredients.
Does the recipe use fresh citrus?
Yes, it specifically calls for fresh orange, lime, and lemon juices for the best flavor.
Can I make the salsa ahead of time?
Yes, the salsa can be prepared and set aside, allowing the flavors to meld before serving.
Is the chicken supposed to rest after grilling?
Yes, letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after removal from the grill helps the juices redistribute.
What is the purpose of the olive oil in the salsa?
Olive oil is drizzled into the running food processor to emulsify the mixture and create a smooth consistency.
How much chili powder is used?
The marinade uses 1/4 cup of chili powder to provide depth and color.
What is the best way to marinate the chicken?
Use a large zip-lock plastic bag, remove as much air as possible, and massage the marinade into the meat.