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Sambal Chicken Skewers

4.8

(89)

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Kebabs get a bad rap. (Decades of alternating zucchini coins and cherry tomatoes can do that.) This spicy, sticky glazed chicken features sambal oelek, a bright and punchy chile-packed condiment, giving these grilled skewers a very convincing comeback.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

½ cup (packed) light brown sugar
½ cup unseasoned rice vinegar
⅓ cup hot chili paste (such as sambal oelek)
¼ cup fish sauce (such as nam pla or nuoc nam)
¼ cup Sriracha
2 teaspoons finely grated peeled ginger
1½ pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1½"-2" pieces

Special Equipment

8 bamboo skewers soaked in water at least 1 hour

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Prepare grill for medium-high heat. Whisk brown sugar, vinegar, chili paste, fish sauce, Sriracha, and ginger in a large bowl. Add chicken and toss to coat. Thread 4 or 5 chicken pieces onto each skewer.

    Step 2

    Transfer marinade to a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until reduced by half (about 1 cup), 7-10 minutes.

    Step 3

    Grill chicken, turning and basting often with reduced marinade, until cooked through, 8-10 minutes.

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