Apricot and Ginger Glazed Chicken Skewers Recipe

**Why You’ll Love This Recipe**

1. **Flavor Explosion**: The combination of sweet apricot preserves and zesty ginger creates a mouthwatering glaze that elevates the humble chicken to gourmet status.

2. **Quick and Easy**: With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a total cooking time of 8 minutes, these skewers are perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

3. **Healthy and Nutritious**: Each skewer packs approximately 20g of protein and is low in carbs, making it a great option for health-conscious eaters.

4. **Versatile Serving Options**: Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, preparing a family dinner, or looking for a fun appetizer, these chicken skewers fit the bill perfectly.

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**Introduction**

Are you ready to take your taste buds on a delightful adventure? Picture this: tender chicken marinated to perfection, skewered, and grilled to juicy goodness, all drizzled with a luscious apricot and ginger glaze. Sounds tempting, right? Welcome to the world of Apricot and Ginger Glazed Chicken Skewers! This recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience that will have your friends and family raving about your culinary skills. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this dish is simple enough to whip up yet impressive enough to serve at any gathering. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your skewers, and let’s get cooking!

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**Ingredients**

– **For the Chicken Skewers**:
– 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
– 8 skewers (wooden or metal)

– **For the Marinade**:
– 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
– 2 teaspoons onion powder
– Kosher salt (to taste)
– Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

– **For the Sauce**:
– 1/2 cup apricot preserves
– 2 and 1/2 tablespoons pure honey
– 7 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
– 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
– 3 teaspoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– Kosher salt (to taste)
– Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

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**Detailed Step-by-Step Directions**

1. **Marinate the Chicken**: Start by placing the diced chicken breasts in a bowl. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper over the chicken. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated. This step is crucial for infusing flavor into the meat.

2. **Prepare the Skewers**: If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least five minutes to prevent burning on the grill. Once soaked, thread four pieces of marinated chicken onto each skewer, ensuring they are packed closely but not too tight.

3. **Refrigerate**: Cover the skewers with plastic wrap and let them marinate in the refrigerator for a minimum of two hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a more flavorful dish.

4. **Make the Sauce**: While the chicken is marinating, it’s time to prepare the apricot and ginger glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the apricot preserves, honey, finely chopped garlic, ground ginger, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring until well combined. Allow it to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.

5. **Grill the Skewers**: Once the chicken has marinated and the sauce is ready, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

6. **Serve**: Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and drizzle the apricot and ginger sauce generously over the top. Serve immediately and watch as your guests devour these delicious skewers!

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**Different Ways to Present and Serve the Recipe**

1. **Platter Presentation**: Arrange the skewers on a large serving platter, garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. This adds a pop of color and makes for an eye-catching centerpiece.

2. **Dipping Sauce**: Serve the apricot and ginger sauce in a small bowl on the side for dipping. This allows guests to control how much sauce they want on their skewers.

3. **With Sides**: Pair the skewers with a refreshing salad, grilled vegetables, or a side of rice for a complete meal. The contrast of flavors and textures will elevate your dining experience.

4. **Appetizer Style**: Cut the skewers into smaller pieces and serve them as bite-sized appetizers at your next party. They’re perfect for mingling and will be a hit among guests.

5. **Taco Night Twist**: Use the glazed chicken skewers as a filling for tacos. Add some fresh avocado, shredded cabbage, and a squeeze of lime for a fun twist on taco night.

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**How to Store and How Long It Lasts**

If you have leftovers (which is rare with these delicious skewers!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat them on the grill for a few minutes, which will help retain their juicy texture.

For longer storage, you can freeze the marinated chicken skewers before cooking. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag and they will last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and follow the grilling instructions.

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**FAQs**

1. **Can I use other meats instead of chicken?**
Yes! You can substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu for a different flavor profile.

2. **Can I make the sauce ahead of time?**
Absolutely! The sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving.

3. **What can I serve with these skewers?**
They pair well with rice, salads, grilled vegetables, or even in tacos.

4. **How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?**
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

5. **Can I grill these skewers indoors?**
Yes! If you have a grill pan, you can cook them on the stovetop. Just ensure proper ventilation.

6. **Is this recipe gluten-free?**
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

7. **Can I marinate the chicken overnight?**
Yes, marinating overnight will enhance the flavors even more.

8. **What type of skewers should I use?**
You can use either wooden or metal skewers. If using wooden, soak them in water first.

9. **Can I add vegetables to the skewers?**
Yes! Bell peppers, onions, and zucchini make great additions to the skewers.

10. **How spicy is this recipe?**
The recipe is not spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the marinade for a kick.

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Now that you have all the details, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking! Your taste buds will thank you for this delightful Apricot and Ginger Glazed Chicken Skewers recipe. Enjoy!