Why You’ll Love This Sticky Garlic Chicken Skewers with Summer Corn Salsa
Sticky Garlic Chicken Skewers with Summer Corn Salsa are a delightful dish that combines sweet and savory flavors. The tender chicken, marinated in a sticky garlic sauce, pairs perfectly with the fresh, vibrant summer corn salsa. This dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a great choice for summer barbecues, family gatherings, or even a cozy dinner at home. The combination of juicy chicken and crunchy corn salsa will leave your taste buds dancing with joy!
What You’ll Need for Sticky Garlic Chicken Skewers with Summer Corn Salsa
To create this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need a few key ingredients that come together beautifully.
Complete Ingredients List
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6-8 skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes)
- 2 ears of fresh corn, kernels removed (or 1 cup canned/frozen corn)
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Substitutions & Alternatives
If you have dietary restrictions, there are plenty of substitutions. For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. You can replace honey with maple syrup for a vegan version. If you’re allergic to garlic, try using shallots for a milder flavor. Feel free to add other veggies to the corn salsa, like avocado or cucumber, for extra freshness!
How to Make Sticky Garlic Chicken Skewers with Summer Corn Salsa
Making Sticky Garlic Chicken Skewers with Summer Corn Salsa is simple and fun! Follow these steps to create a delicious meal.
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and olive oil. Add the chicken cubes and stir to coat. Cover and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Corn Salsa
While the chicken marinates, prepare the summer corn salsa. In a separate bowl, combine corn, diced red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and set aside to let the flavors meld.
Step 3: Assemble the Skewers
Once the chicken is marinated, thread the chicken cubes onto skewers. If using wooden skewers, ensure they have been soaked in water to prevent burning on the grill.
Step 4: Grill the Skewers
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Serve hot with the summer corn salsa on the side.
Serving Suggestions for Sticky Garlic Chicken Skewers with Summer Corn Salsa
How to Serve Sticky Garlic Chicken Skewers with Summer Corn Salsa
Serve the skewers hot off the grill, garnished with fresh cilantro. For a beautiful presentation, arrange the skewers on a platter with the corn salsa in a bowl nearby. This makes it easy for guests to help themselves!
Perfect Pairings & Toppings
These skewers pair wonderfully with a refreshing salad or grilled vegetables. You can also serve them with a side of rice or quinoa for a complete meal. For an extra kick, drizzle some sriracha or your favorite hot sauce over the skewers.
Storing & Preserving Sticky Garlic Chicken Skewers with Summer Corn Salsa
Best Storage Methods
Store any leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The corn salsa can also be stored separately in the fridge for the same amount of time.
Reheating or Freezing Tips
To reheat, simply warm the skewers in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. If you want to freeze them, wrap the skewers tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months.
Tips for Perfect Sticky Garlic Chicken Skewers with Summer Corn Salsa Every Time
Avoid These Common Mistakes
One common mistake is not marinating the chicken long enough. For the best flavor, aim for at least 30 minutes. Also, avoid overcrowding the skewers, as this can prevent even cooking.
Helpful Tricks for Success
For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of sesame oil to the marinade. If you want a bit of crunch, grill some sliced zucchini or mushrooms alongside the skewers. This adds variety and makes your meal even more colorful!
Fun Variations of Sticky Garlic Chicken Skewers with Summer Corn Salsa
Flavor Variations or Recipe Twists
Feel free to experiment with different proteins! Shrimp or tofu can be great alternatives to chicken. You can also add spices like paprika or cayenne for a spicy twist.
Dietary-Friendly Adjustments
To make this dish vegan, substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh. For a gluten-free version, ensure all sauces are gluten-free. You can also use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a low-carb option.
FAQs
What If My Sticky Garlic Chicken Skewers with Summer Corn Salsa Doesn’t Turn Out Right?
If your skewers are dry, it may be due to overcooking. Always check the chicken’s internal temperature to ensure it’s cooked but still juicy. If the salsa is too bland, add more lime juice or salt to enhance the flavor.
Can I Prepare This in Advance?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken a day ahead and store it in the fridge. The corn salsa can also be made in advance and stored in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.
What Ingredients Can I Swap?
You can swap soy sauce for coconut aminos for a soy-free option. Honey can be replaced with agave syrup for a vegan alternative. Feel free to mix and match veggies in the salsa to suit your taste!
PrintSticky Garlic Chicken Skewers with Summer Corn Salsa
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Sticky Garlic Chicken Skewers with Summer Corn Salsa are a delightful dish that combines sweet and savory flavors, perfect for summer barbecues and family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6–8 skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes)
- 2 ears of fresh corn, kernels removed (or 1 cup canned/frozen corn)
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and olive oil. Add the chicken cubes and stir to coat. Cover and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
- While the chicken marinates, prepare the summer corn salsa. In a separate bowl, combine corn, diced red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Once the chicken is marinated, thread the chicken cubes onto skewers. If using wooden skewers, ensure they have been soaked in water to prevent burning on the grill.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Serve hot with the summer corn salsa on the side.
☀️ Best Summer Kitchen Deals
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Replace honey with maple syrup for a vegan version.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- To reheat, warm the skewers in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer with salsa
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Sticky Garlic Chicken, Skewers, Summer Corn Salsa, Grilling, Barbecue