Discover how to elevate your culinary creations with this delightful recipe featuring can apple juice, offering a sweet and convenient way to add vibrant flavor to everyday meals. This straightforward preparation is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick, crowd-pleasing dish.
Key Ingredients for Sparkling Apple Glazed Chicken Skewers
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup can apple juice (100% juice, unsweetened recommended for better control)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for at least 30 minutes)
- Optional garnish: sesame seeds, chopped fresh parsley
How to Make Sparkling Apple Glazed Chicken Skewers
Experience the magic of transforming simple ingredients into an incredibly delicious and satisfying meal. These skewers are remarkably easy to assemble, boast a sweet and savory flavor profile thanks to the can apple juice glaze, and come together in under 45 minutes, making them ideal for any occasion. Get ready for a taste sensation that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together the can apple juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Add the cubed chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, for optimal flavor infusion.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the chicken is marinating, prepare your bell peppers and red onion by cutting them into bite-sized pieces, similar in size to the chicken cubes. This ensures even cooking on the skewers. If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water during this time to prevent them from burning.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken cubes and vegetable pieces onto the prepared skewers, alternating between chicken and vegetables. Leave a small space between each piece to allow for even cooking and glazing. Aim for a visually appealing arrangement.
- Preheat the Grill or Oven: If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using the oven, preheat it to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Cook the Skewers:
- Grilling: Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for about 8-10 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender and slightly charred. Brush with any remaining marinade during the last few minutes of grilling.
- Oven Baking: Place the assembled skewers on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. You can also broil for the last 2-3 minutes to achieve a nice char.
- Glaze and Serve: While the skewers are cooking, you can gently simmer any leftover marinade in a small saucepan until it thickens into a glaze. Brush this glaze over the skewers during the last few minutes of cooking or drizzle it over before serving. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Why You’ll Love This Sparkling Apple Glazed Chicken Skewers
These Sparkling Apple Glazed Chicken Skewers are a guaranteed winner for their incredibly tender, juicy chicken complemented by the vibrant sweetness of the apple-infused glaze. The combination of savory soy sauce, sweet honey, and tangy rice vinegar creates a perfectly balanced marinade that truly sings with the natural fruitiness of the can apple juice. This recipe is a fantastic way to save money compared to ordering takeout, offering restaurant-quality flavor right in your own kitchen with minimal fuss and common pantry staples.
The tender chicken, infused with the distinct flavor of apple, alongside the slightly crisp, caramelized vegetables, creates a delightful textural and taste experience. Unlike simple grilled chicken, this dish offers a layered complexity that is both comforting and exciting. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this wonderfully simple yet sophisticated meal – they’ll be begging for the recipe!
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover apple glazed chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the skewers have cooled completely before storing to prevent condensation.
- Reheating:
- Oven: For the best texture, reheat the skewers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Stovetop: You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes per side, being careful not to overcook the chicken.
- Microwave: While convenient, microwaving can sometimes make the chicken a bit rubbery. If using a microwave, reheat in short intervals, checking for doneness.
- Freezing: While not ideal for optimal texture, you can freeze fully cooked skewers once cooled. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container. They should last for up to 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Final Thoughts
This recipe beautifully showcases the incredible versatility of can apple juice, transforming it into a flavorful glaze for delicious chicken skewers. It’s a simple, budget-friendly way to create a meal that’s both impressive and incredibly satisfying, so give it a try!
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Sparkling Apple Glazed Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the can apple juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Add the cubed chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, for optimal flavor infusion.1 cup can apple juice, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 clove garlic, minced, 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger, 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- While the chicken is marinating, prepare your bell peppers and red onion by cutting them into bite-sized pieces, similar in size to the chicken cubes. This ensures even cooking on the skewers. If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water during this time to prevent them from burning.1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces, 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces, 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Thread the marinated chicken cubes and vegetable pieces onto the prepared skewers, alternating between chicken and vegetables. Leave a small space between each piece to allow for even cooking and glazing. Aim for a visually appealing arrangement.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes, 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces, 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces, 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
- If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using the oven, preheat it to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Grilling: Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for about 8-10 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender and slightly charred. Brush with any remaining marinade during the last few minutes of grilling.
- Oven Baking: Place the assembled skewers on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. You can also broil for the last 2-3 minutes to achieve a nice char.
- While the skewers are cooking, you can gently simmer any leftover marinade in a small saucepan until it thickens into a glaze. Brush this glaze over the skewers during the last few minutes of cooking or drizzle it over before serving. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.1 cup can apple juice, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 clove garlic, minced, 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger, 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil, Optional sesame seeds, Optional chopped fresh parsley