Ww 3 Points – Cuban Chicken Skewers (Mix and Match Recipe)

There’s something magical about the aroma of grilled chicken, infused with citrus and warm spices, that instantly transports me to sunnier climes. I remember a trip to Miami years ago, where the air buzzed with Latin rhythms and the scent of street food wafted from every corner. One evening, I stumbled upon a small paladar grilling skewers of marinated chicken and vibrant peppers, the kind of simple, honest cooking that speaks directly to the soul. That experience, the smoky char, the tangy marinade, the juicy chicken – it’s a memory I’ve cherished and tried to recreate in my own kitchen countless times. This recipe, with its bright Cuban-inspired flavors, is my homage to that unforgettable meal, a perfect example of how a few well-chosen ingredients can create something truly special and satisfying.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 2-8 hours marinating)
• Cook Time: 6 to 8 minutes
• Total Time: 28 minutes (excluding marinating)
• Servings: 8
• Yield: 8 skewers
• Dietary Type: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring these vibrant Cuban chicken skewers to life:

• For the Marinade:
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 2 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon table salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• For the Skewers:
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 12 medium jalapeno peppers, halved lengthwise, seeded (handle with care, avoiding contact with seeds and skin directly!)
  • Olive oil flavored cooking spray (approximately 5 one-second sprays per serving)

Equipment Needed

You won’t need a vast arsenal of tools for this recipe, just a few essentials:

• A resealable plastic food storage bag (large size recommended)
• A plate (to catch any potential drips in the refrigerator)
• A grill or grill pan
• Metal or wooden skewers (if using wooden, remember to soak them!)
• Tongs

Instructions

Let’s get these delicious skewers ready for the grill!

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large resealable plastic food storage bag, combine the orange juice, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic cloves, ground cumin, paprika, table salt, and dried oregano. Give it a good swirl or shake to ensure everything is well combined. This vibrant mixture is the heart of our Cuban flavor profile.
2. Marinate the Chicken and Peppers: Add the cut chicken breasts and the halved jalapeno peppers to the bag with the marinade. Seal the bag securely, ensuring as much air as possible is expelled. Gently turn the bag to ensure all the chicken and peppers are evenly coated in the flavorful marinade.
3. Chill and Marinate: Place the sealed bag on a plate. This is a crucial step to prevent any leaks onto your refrigerator shelves. Position the plate on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator. Allow the mixture to marinate for at least 2 to 8 hours. The longer it marinates, the deeper the flavors will penetrate the chicken and peppers.
4. Preheat Your Grill: When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. You want to ensure you have a nice, hot surface for searing.
5. Assemble the Skewers: If you are using wooden skewers, now is the time to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before you begin assembling. This important step will prevent them from charring and burning on the grill. Once soaked (or if using metal skewers), thread the marinated chicken pieces and pepper halves onto the skewers. Aim for approximately 4 pieces of chicken and 3 halves of pepper per skewer, alternating them for visual appeal and even cooking.
6. Prepare for Grilling: Lightly coat the assembled skewers with olive oil flavored cooking spray, using about 5 one-second sprays per serving. This will help prevent sticking and encourage that beautiful char.
7. Grill to Perfection: Carefully place the skewers onto the preheated grill or grill pan. Grill the skewers, turning them often, to ensure even cooking and a beautiful char on all sides. Continue grilling until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and is cooked through. This should take approximately 6 to 8 minutes.
8. Serve Immediately: Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and serve them immediately. They are best enjoyed piping hot, straight off the grill!

Expert Tips & Tricks

To elevate your Cuban chicken skewers from good to outstanding, consider these professional insights:

• Jalapeno Handling: The note about not touching the seeds with bare hands is paramount! Jalapenos contain capsaicin, which can cause a burning sensation on the skin and eyes. Wearing gloves when seeding them is highly recommended, and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
• Uniformity is Key: When cutting the chicken into pieces, aim for uniform 1-inch cubes. This ensures that all pieces cook at the same rate, preventing some from being overcooked while others are still underdone.
• Don’t Overcrowd: When grilling, avoid overcrowding the skewers on the grill. This can lead to uneven cooking and steaming rather than grilling. Grill in batches if necessary.
• Resting the Chicken: While these skewers are best served immediately, if you do find yourself with leftovers that need to be cooled slightly before storing, allowing them to rest for a minute or two off the direct heat before serving can help the juices redistribute, making the chicken even more tender.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Cuban chicken skewers are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. They make a fantastic appetizer, a light and flavorful main course, or even as part of a larger tapas-style spread.

Serving: Serve them hot off the grill, perhaps with a drizzle of extra lime juice, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, or alongside a simple salad of black beans and rice, or a refreshing mango salsa. The vibrant colors and aromas are sure to impress.

Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over medium-low heat, or briefly in the oven, being careful not to overcook the chicken. They can also be enjoyed cold as part of a salad or sandwich filling.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for these flavorful skewers:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	147.4 kcal
Calories from Fat
Total Fat	2.2 g	3%
Saturated Fat	0.5 g	2%
Cholesterol	65.8 mg	21%
Sodium	220.2 mg	9%
Total Carbohydrate	3.9 g	1%
Dietary Fiber	0.8 g	3%
Sugars	2.2 g	8%
Protein	26.8 g	53%

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is fantastic as is, there’s always room for personalization:

• Spice Level Adjustment: If you find jalapenos too spicy, you can substitute them with milder peppers like Anaheim or even bell peppers for a milder flavor and vibrant color. Conversely, if you love heat, keep some of the jalapeno seeds in!
• Citrus Swap: While orange and lemon juice provide the signature tang, you could experiment with lime juice for an even more intense citrus kick, common in many Cuban dishes.
• Protein Alternatives: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a richer, more succulent result, though cooking times may need to be slightly adjusted. Shrimp or firm tofu would also work beautifully with this marinade.
• Herbacious Additions: Consider adding a pinch of dried coriander or a few fresh cilantro leaves to the marinade for an extra layer of herbaceous complexity.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make these skewers ahead of time?
A: Yes, the chicken and peppers can marinate for up to 8 hours, making it a great make-ahead option for busy weeknights or parties.

Q: What should I serve with these Cuban chicken skewers?
A: They pair wonderfully with rice and beans, a fresh green salad, or even tucked into warm tortillas for a quick and easy meal.

Q: My grill is not working, can I cook these indoors?
A: Absolutely! A grill pan on the stovetop or even baking them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, will also yield delicious results.

Q: How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
A: The chicken should be opaque throughout and no longer pink in the center. You can also use an instant-read thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Q: Can I use wooden skewers if I don’t have time to soak them?
A: It’s highly recommended to soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning. If you forget, you risk them catching fire on the grill. Metal skewers are a great alternative if you’re short on time.

Final Thoughts

These Cuban Chicken Skewers are more than just a recipe; they’re an invitation to a culinary adventure. The blend of zesty citrus, warm spices, and the smoky char from the grill creates a symphony of flavors that is both comforting and exciting. They are a testament to the fact that delicious, healthy eating doesn’t require complicated techniques or exotic ingredients. Gather your loved ones, fire up the grill, and let the irresistible aroma of these skewers fill your home. I encourage you to give them a try and savor the bright, bold taste of Cuba right in your own kitchen. Don’t forget to share your culinary triumphs!