
Grilled Chicken Skewers with Sweet Potato, Red Onion, and Guava Chipotle Lime Glaze
Original grilled chicken skewers marinated with mild spices, threaded with pre-blanched sweet potato and red onion, then grilled and brushed with a glossy guava, chipotle, and lime glaze. The result is a balanced sweet, smoky, and citrusy combination, perfect for a distinctive grill meal.
Ingredients
- 600 g skinless chicken breast (cut into 1.25-inch cubes)
- 300 g sweet potato (peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 180 g red onion (cut into skewer-size chunks)
- 120 g guava paste (cut into small cubes)
- 45 ml lime juice (divided)
- 45 ml olive oil (divided)
- 5 g ground chipotle (divided)
- 9 g garlic (finely minced)
- 2 g ground cumin
- 2 g smoked paprika
- 8 g salt (divided)
- 2 g black pepper (divided)
- 60 ml water (for the glaze)
- 12 g fresh cilantro (chopped)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
No declared allergens
Instructions
- 1
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
- 2
Place the sweet potato cubes in a pot of boiling water with a pinch of the salt. Cook for 5 minutes until just barely tender. Drain and let them cool enough to handle.
- 3
In a large bowl, mix 30 ml (2 tbsp) olive oil, 30 ml (2 tbsp) lime juice, half of the minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, 2.5 g (1 tsp) ground chipotle, 5 g (3/4 tsp) salt, and 1 g (1/2 tsp) black pepper. Add the chicken and toss well to coat. Marinate for 15 minutes.
- 4
Meanwhile, make the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the guava paste, 15 ml (1 tbsp) lime juice, 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil, 60 ml (1/4 cup) water, the remaining garlic, 2.5 g (1 tsp) ground chipotle, 3 g (1/2 tsp) salt, and 1 g (1/2 tsp) black pepper. Cook over low heat for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring, until thick and glossy. Set aside.
- 5
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, about 425°F to 450°F (220°C to 230°C). Clean and lightly oil the grates.
- 6
Assemble the skewers, alternating chicken, sweet potato, and red onion until all ingredients are used.
- 7
Grill the skewers for 6 minutes on the first side. Turn and cook 5 minutes more. Brush with the guava glaze and continue cooking 2 to 3 minutes more, turning once and adding another layer of glaze, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- 8
Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for 3 minutes. Sprinkle the fresh cilantro over the top and serve immediately.
Chef tips
Parboiling the sweet potato before skewering helps it cook at the same rate as the chicken without burning on the outside. For a smokier flavor, keep a small indirect heat zone on the grill and finish the skewers there after glazing.
Substitutions
You can substitute boneless chicken thigh for the breast. Guava paste can be replaced with thick guava jam, using slightly less water. If you do not have lime, use key lime or regular lime juice in the same amount.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageTempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
Illustrative imageVictorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef’s Knife
Chopping, slicing and cutting strips
- The knife I use most when cooking
- Chops, slices and cuts into strips
- Keep it sharp and hand-dry it
Illustrative imageTeakhaus Teak Cutting Board
Stable base for chopping
- Stable surface for chopping
- Gentle on your knife edge
- Hand-wash and let it dry
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