Bon Appetit Cook the Cover - Sambal Chicken Skewers

The past two Bon Appetit covers have been gorgeous representations of summer - June's Spaghetti with Parsley Pesto and this month's Sambal Chicken Skewers.

The vibrant green pesto was packed with fresh parsley and chives, and this fiery red marinade showcases hot chile paste and Sriracha. The heat is balanced nicely with brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced ginger, and fish sauce. I'm betting this marinade would work equally well with steak or shrimp skewers.

Chile Marinade

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are cut into pieces, bathed briefly in the sauce, and threaded on bamboo or metal skewers. The marinade is then reduced down to a glaze and the glaze is brushed on the chicken during grilling.

Only about 10 minutes on the grill

These kebabs come together quickly with only a few ingredients, one bowl and one pan, and about 10 minutes on the grill. Serve them with grilled asparagus and a refreshing salad, and pair with a crisp white wine or icy cold beer, and you'll be set for a relaxing summer evening on the patio. Deliciously moist and flavorful...but you better like it hot, baby!

Sambal Chicken Skewers

Sambal Chicken Skewers

Bon Appetit, June 2013

Serves 4

Ingredients

1/2 cup (packed) light brown sugar

1/2 cup unseasoned rice vinegar

1/3 cup hot chili paste (such as sambal oelek)

1/4 cup fish sauce (such as nam pla or nuoc nam)

1/4 cup Sriracha

2 teaspoon finely grated peeled ginger

1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1 1/2-inch–2-inch pieces

Preparation

• 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 metal skewers, or bamboo skewers that have been soaked in water for at least an hour.
• Transfer marinade to a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until reduced by half (about 1 cup), 7–10 minutes.
• Grill chicken, turning and basting often with reduced marinade, until cooked through, 8–10 minutes.

Sambal Chicken Skewers

I'm really enjoying using my new grill this summer with a charcoal starter and hardwood lump charcoal and The Bon Appetit Primer: 25 New Tips, Tricks and Recipes for Grilling a Better Chicken is loaded with tempting recipes like Chicken Under a Brick, Beer Can Chicken, and Grilled Citrus Chicken.