Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
340 | 8g | 2g | 30g |
sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
25g | 1g | 60g | 0.4g |
Why I Love Canadian Maple Mustard Glazed BBQ Chicken Skewers
Imagine sinking your teeth into tender pieces of chicken breast, coated in a glossy and flavorful glaze that carries a delightful sweet-and-spicy kick. Yes, I’m talking about a Canadian recipe that has won my heart (and stomach) over time and again — the Maple Mustard Glazed BBQ Chicken Skewers!
Why the Maple Mustard Glaze is the Star of This Show
As someone who has a soft spot for Tex-Mex flavors from my native Texas, I feel a warm connection with this BBQ chicken skewers recipe. It taps into the timeless magic of combining sweet, spicy, and savory flavors all together. The star here, undoubtedly, is the glaze that perfectly fuses pure maple syrup and Dijon mustard. This glaze cannot help but remind me of the renowned chef Marcus Samuelsson’s knack for blending different flavors into an exquisite harmony.
Pairings and Similar Dishes
Just like my other beloved Southern classics that pair so perfectly with a variety of sides, these Maple Mustard Glazed BBQ Chicken Skewers can mingle harmoniously with a diverse range of dishes. Whether it’s a fresh coleslaw, roasted corn on the cob or even a simple green salad, these skewers are truly versatile. You could also use the same glaze on grilled salmon or pork chops, echoing the technique used in similar dishes like Food Network’s Maple Glazed Pork Chops.
Last but not least, as an elementary teacher on weekdays, the practicality of this recipe resonates with me. Not only is it a crowd-pleaser for both adults and kids alike, but it is also easy to prepare and cook. In short, it’s the perfect recipe for those weeknight dinners or weekend BBQ parties.
What You’ll Need
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup pure maple syrup
- 4 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 12 skewers (soaked if they are wooden)
Method
Step One
Start by soaking your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
Step Two
While the skewers are soaking, move onto preparing the chicken. Season your boneless and skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste. Once seasoned, cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces.
Step Three
In a bowl, combine 1 cup of pure maple syrup, 4 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 minced cloves of garlic, 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh rosemary, and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, if using. Mix these ingredients together well.
Step Four
Add the seasoned and cut chicken to this marinade. Make sure all the chicken pieces are well-coated in the marinade. Allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight if possible to let the flavours infuse.
Step Five
When you’re ready to grill, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the pre-soaked skewers.
Step Six
Place the skewers onto a preheated barbecue grill. Cook over medium heat, turning frequently and basting with the left over marinade, until the chicken is cooked through and nicely glazed. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
Combine the remaining marinade in a small saucepan and bring to a boil on the stove. This will defuse any bacteria from the raw chicken and makes a safe, delicious sauce to drizzle over the cooked skewers.
Step Seven
Once the chicken is cooked and the skewers are nicely caramelised, remove from the grill. Drizzle the cooked skewers with the boiled marinade before serving.
Step Eight
Serve your maple mustard glazed BBQ chicken skewers hot, and enjoy!