Grilled Chicken Skewers with Squash Blossoms, Fresh Pineapple, and Pumpkin Seed Guajillo Lime Marinade

Name: Grilled Chicken Skewers with Squash Blossoms, Fresh Pineapple, and Pumpkin Seed Guajillo Lime Marinade
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 46 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Fusión mexicana a la parrilla
Ingredients: 21 oz skinless chicken breast, cubed; 9 oz fresh pineapple; 4 oz squash blossoms; 5.5 oz red onion; 1.5 oz pumpkin seeds; 0.7 oz dried guajillo chiles; 4 tbsp lime juice; 3 tbsp olive oil; 4 cloves garlic; 1 tbsp honey; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/3 cup fresh cilantro; 1/2 cup hot water

Original grilled chicken skewers marinated in a silky toasted pumpkin seed, guajillo chile, and lime sauce, layered with squash blossoms, fresh pineapple, and red onion for an aromatic, juicy, lightly smoky cookout dish.

30 minPrep

16 minCook

46 minTotal

4Servings

Gluten-FreeDairy-FreeHigh Protein

Ingredients

Adjust servings

600 g skinless chicken breast, cubed (1.25 inch)
250 g fresh pineapple (diced)
120 g squash blossoms (limpias and without pistilo)
160 g red onion (en trozos large for brocheta)
45 g pumpkin seeds (tostadas)
20 g dried guajillo chiles (without semillas)
60 ml lime juice (freshly squeezed)
45 ml olive oil (divided)
12 g garlic (pelado)
15 ml honey (for equilibrar the adobo)
2 g ground cumin
1 g dried oregano
6 g salt (or to taste)
1 g black pepper (freshly ground)
12 g fresh cilantro (chopped, for terminar)
120 ml hot water (for hidratar the chiles)

Nutrition facts

per serving

332 kcal

Calories

35 g

Protein

13 g

Carbs

15 g

Fat

2 g

Fiber

11 g

Net carbs

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

Tree Nuts

Instructions

1
1. Soak the guajillo chiles in the hot water for 10 minutes until softened. Meanwhile, toast the pumpkin seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring, until fragrant and nutty.
2
2. Blend the softened chiles with the toasted pumpkin seeds, lime juice, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil, garlic, honey, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper until smooth and thick. If needed, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of the soaking water to help it blend.
3
3. Place the chicken in a bowl and coat with two-thirds of the pumpkin seed, guajillo, and lime marinade. Reserve the remaining third for basting at the end. Marinate the chicken for 15 minutes in the refrigerator.
4
4. In another bowl, toss the fresh pineapple, red onion, and squash blossoms with the remaining 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil so they do not stick to the grill.
5
5. Thread the skewers, alternating marinated chicken, red onion, fresh pineapple, and squash blossoms until all ingredients are used. Press gently so the skewers are compact but not overcrowded.
6
6. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, about 425 °F / 220 °C. Clean and lightly oil the grates.
7
7. Grill the skewers for 12 to 16 minutes at 425 °F / 220 °C, turning every 3 to 4 minutes so the chicken, pineapple, red onion, and squash blossoms cook evenly and develop grill marks.
8
8. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, baste the skewers with the reserved marinade for deeper flavor. Cook until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165 °F / 74 °C.
9
9. Remove the skewers from the grill, rest for 3 minutes, and finish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Chef tips

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes before assembling. Squash blossoms are delicate, so place them between pieces of chicken or onion to protect them from direct heat.

Substitutions

You can swap the chicken breast for boneless chicken thighs. If squash blossoms are unavailable, use orange bell pepper strips, though the profile will be different. Honey can be replaced with agave syrup.

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 image
Ninja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
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TempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
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Illustrative image
T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
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