Spicy Grilled Chicken Strips: A Flavorful Delight for Your Next BBQ
Are you looking to add some zest to your next barbecue? These Spicy Grilled Chicken Strips are the perfect solution, bringing a flavorful punch to the grill with minimal effort. The tender chicken breasts, marinated in a delightful blend of spices, create a dish that’s not only spicy but also rich in depth, offering a unique grilling experience. This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be prepared ahead of time, making it an ideal choice for picnics, family gatherings, or a weeknight dinner. Whether served hot off the grill or cold in a salad, these chicken strips are bound to be a crowd-pleaser.
In this recipe, the marinade is the star. It has been tested with various meats, including turkey, pork fillets, prawns, and even tuna steaks. For fish, simply cut the marinating time to 1 hour to ensure a quick yet flavor-packed result. To complement the spice of the chicken, you can serve it with a refreshing side of yogurt-cucumber-mint dip or a tangy sour cream dip with a hint of lime and paprika. Ready in just 23 minutes, this is one dish you won’t want to miss!
Ingredients & Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to make this deliciously spicy grilled chicken, along with the nutritional information per serving.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken breasts | 2 pieces |
| Onion | 1 small |
| Fresh ginger | 1 tablespoon (minced) |
| Garlic clove | 1, crushed |
| Ground coriander | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground cumin | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Cayenne pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red wine vinegar | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Tomato puree | 3 tablespoons |
| Tomato paste | 3 tablespoons |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 362.8 kcal |
| Fat | 13.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 131.7 mg |
| Sodium | 442.7 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 4.9 g |
| Fiber | 1.4 g |
| Sugar | 1.4 g |
| Protein | 53.2 g |
Instructions: How to Make Spicy Grilled Chicken Strips
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by slicing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into thin strips, approximately 1 inch wide. These thin strips ensure quick cooking and allow the marinade to infuse the chicken with maximum flavor. Place the chicken strips into a mixing bowl.
Step 2: Prepare the Marinade
In a blender or food processor, combine the onion, fresh ginger, garlic, ground coriander, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, cayenne pepper, red wine vinegar, tomato puree, and tomato paste. Blend all the ingredients until you achieve a smooth paste. This marinade will coat the chicken, infusing it with a flavorful and spicy kick that will be sure to impress.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Pour the marinade over the chicken strips, ensuring that all the pieces are well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the chicken for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you have the time. The longer the chicken marinates, the more intense the flavor will become. For a quicker alternative, you can let the chicken marinate for just 1 hour, but overnight is ideal for maximum flavor.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to its highest setting. If you’re grilling outdoors, spread the marinated chicken strips directly onto the grill rack, leaving the marinade on the chicken—don’t wipe it off! Grill the chicken for about 8-10 minutes, turning frequently to ensure it cooks evenly. The chicken should have dark grill marks and some areas will appear slightly blackened, which adds to the flavor profile.
Alternatively, if you’re grilling indoors, place a wire rack on a baking sheet lined with foil to catch any drips. Preheat the broiler to high heat and cook the chicken strips for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The chicken will be done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and it will be slightly charred on the outside.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken strips are grilled to perfection, serve them hot off the grill or allow them to cool and serve them cold for picnics or salads. For a refreshing contrast to the spicy chicken, pair it with a cooling dip made from yogurt, cucumber, and mint, or prepare a tangy sour cream dip with lime juice and paprika for an extra kick.
Recipe Idea: Chicken Kebabs
To take this recipe to the next level, try making Chicken Kebabs. Cube the marinated chicken and thread it onto wooden skewers. Be sure to soak the skewers in water for at least an hour before threading to prevent them from burning during grilling. Cook the kebabs on the grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until cooked through. This twist on the original recipe is perfect for parties or family gatherings.
Tips for Perfect Spicy Grilled Chicken Strips
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Marinade Time: While 4 hours of marinating will yield great results, allowing the chicken to marinate overnight will enhance the flavor even more. The spices and acidity from the vinegar work their magic on the chicken, making it tender and flavorful.
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Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the marinade. Alternatively, you can add more cayenne for an extra kick if you enjoy your food on the spicier side.
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Grilling Alternatives: If you don’t have a grill or prefer to cook indoors, using a grill pan on the stovetop can give you the same charred effect. Alternatively, broiling the chicken in the oven works just as well and is a convenient option for year-round cooking.
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Side Dips: For the perfect accompaniment, consider a tangy dip made with sour cream, lime juice, and a sprinkle of paprika. The cool creaminess of the sour cream will balance the heat of the chicken beautifully.
Conclusion
These Spicy Grilled Chicken Strips are the ideal dish to spice up your next barbecue, offering a deliciously simple yet flavorful meal. The marinade, with its blend of spices and tangy tomato base, infuses the chicken with layers of flavor, making it a standout dish at any gathering. Whether served hot or cold, this recipe is versatile, easy to prepare, and sure to please your guests. So fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy some truly irresistible chicken strips!
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