Jerk Chicken Skewers

Jerk Seasoned Chicken Skewers

If you’re a fan of chicken satay or skewered food in general, you’re going to love these chicken skewers appetizers. They pair great with white wine like a not-too-sweet Riesling, or sparkling Rosé.

This recipe is full of flavor, and terrific to serve with a party cheese board or as part of a larger party buffet along with easy elegant hors d’oeuvres.

What You’ll Love

• Prepare them ahead of time and let them marinate for hours before cooking. That makes pre-party prep super easy.
• When you serve skewers for an appetizer it adds instant fun to the menu. They’re easy to hold and eat without getting your hands dirty.
• There’s so much flavor from the jerk seasoning mix, and it’s complemented by a simple herb dipping sauce.
• This chicken recipe isn’t limited to appetizers. Feel free to double or triple the recipe and serve them as an entrée for a dinner party alfresco.

Delicious Appetizer for a Party

If you think appetizers are the best food group, then you’re my kind of people!

I could literally live on appetizers for every meal. And these chicken skewers could make it possible! These are not only great for a cocktail party, they would be fantastic for a ladies luncheon, baby and bridal showers, or engagement parties too.

• They’re terrific for an appetizer and sangria party.
• The island spices make them perfect for a Tropical theme party.
• Add them to a Havana Nights theme party buffet.
• Add these to a casual summer cocktail party outside.

For more food on a stick, try delicious charcuterie skewers, these easy puff pastry cheese skewers and simple dessert skewers to round out a skewer party menu.

How to Make Chicken Skewers

You can make 10 skewers or cut the chicken down to half size and thread them onto 20 skewers, for smaller bites. 

Serve these for an appetizer party or make them the main meat dish for a casual cookout. Alternate chicken pieces with bell peppers and onions to make jerk chicken kabobs.

• Start with a pound and a half of boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 10 strips.
• Marinate the chicken in the jerk seasoning for at least 2 hours so they can absorb the flavor.
• Soak wooden skewers in a long baking dish filled with water, for about 15 to 30 minutes. This keeps the skewers from burning during cooking.
• Once the chicken is ready, thread the strips onto the skewers and cook as directed.

How to Make Jerk Seasoning

This recipe combines dry rub ingredients with sweet citrusy orange juice for a flavor explosion!

For the dry jerk spices you’ll need:

• sugar
• salt
• dried thyme
• paprika – use regular paprika, or smoked paprika for smokier flavor
• nutmeg
• crushed red pepper
• black pepper

Once you’ve combined the dry spices together, add the orange juice and whisk together until it’s mixed well. Make sure to use juice with No-Pulp.

Garlic & Herb Dipping Sauce

Dipping sauce makes everything better in my opinion! This simple dip is creamy and adds a cooling sense to the jerk spice.

Use it for the chicken skewers as well as vegetables and crudites.

• The base is a mixture of mayonnaise and sour cream. I always use the Light versions but not the fat free versions.
• The seasonings are salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and dried onion flakes. 
• Just combine all the ingredients in a serving bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least two hours so the flavors can fully develop.

More Chicken Appetizers

Try these other delicious recipes using chicken.

• Bacon wrapped chicken bites
• Teriyaki chicken on a stick with peanut dipping sauce
• Brown butter honey chicken wings