The holidays are just around the corner, which means it’s time to start planning your festive menu. These Cranberry Apple Glazed Chicken Skewers are the perfect appetizer or main dish to impress your guests. With their vibrant, fruity glaze and juicy, tender chicken, these skewers are a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and oh-so-satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Apple Glazed Chicken Skewers
These Cranberry Apple Glazed Chicken Skewers are a true flavor sensation, and you’ll love them for so many reasons. First, the combination of tart cranberries and sweet apples creates a glaze that’s both tangy and irresistibly delicious. The chicken is marinated in a blend of spices, ensuring it’s incredibly moist and flavorful. Plus, the skewer format makes these the perfect handheld appetizer or main dish – perfect for any holiday gathering. With their festive colors and cozy, comforting flavors, these skewers are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you’ll need boneless, skinless chicken thighs, fresh cranberries, apple cider, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a few warm spices like cinnamon and allspice. The combination of these ingredients creates a glaze that’s both sweet and tart, with a depth of flavor that complements the juicy chicken perfectly.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cranberries: If you don’t have access to fresh cranberries, you can use frozen cranberries or even substitute with pomegranate arils for a similar flavor profile.
- Chicken: And if you prefer white meat, feel free to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs.
How to Make Cranberry Apple Glazed Chicken Skewers
Begin by chopping the chicken into bite-sized pieces and threading them onto skewers. In a saucepan, combine the cranberries, apple cider, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and spices. Simmer this mixture until the cranberries have burst and the glaze has thickened. Preheat your grill or broiler to high heat. Brush the chicken skewers with the cranberry apple glaze, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Grill or broil the skewers, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze has caramelized, creating a crispy, golden exterior. Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove the skewers from the heat and give them one final brushing with the remaining glaze. Serve the Cranberry Apple Glazed Chicken Skewers hot, garnished with fresh thyme or rosemary for a beautiful, festive presentation.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Added Texture: For a pop of color and extra texture, you can add diced apples to the glaze mixture.
- Chicken Variety: You can also experiment with different types of chicken, such as using a combination of thighs and drumsticks.
- Serve Alongside: To make these skewers even more versatile, consider serving them alongside roasted sweet potatoes or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Bake Instead: If you don’t have access to a grill or prefer not to broil, you can bake the skewers in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze has caramelized.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Roasted sweet potatoes or a fresh salad.
Storage: These Cranberry Apple Glazed Chicken Skewers will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making them a great make-ahead option for your holiday gatherings.
Reheat: You can reheat the skewers just before serving.
Make-Ahead: You can assemble the skewers in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Just be sure to brush them with the glaze right before grilling or broiling for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information
Each serving of these Cranberry Apple Glazed Chicken Skewers is packed with protein from the chicken and provides a good source of vitamins and minerals. The combination of sweet and savory flavors makes this dish a satisfying and nutritious addition to your holiday menu.
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbs: 20 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen cranberries in this recipe. The cooking process will be the same, and the end result will be just as delicious.
Can I make the glaze in advance?
Absolutely! The glaze can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it before brushing it onto the chicken skewers.
Can I bake the chicken skewers instead of grilling or broiling?
Definitely! If you don’t have access to a grill or prefer not to broil, you can bake the skewers in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze has caramelized.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts in place of the thighs. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly, but the recipe will work just as well with white meat.
How can I make these skewers ahead of time?
You can assemble the skewers in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Just be sure to brush them with the glaze right before grilling or broiling for the best flavor and texture.
Try These Next
- Sweet And Savory Maple Glazed Chicken Skewers
- Cranberry Glazed Chicken With Rosemary Butter
- Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken Skewers
Cranberry Apple Glazed Chicken Skewers
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: 🍗 Chicken & Poultry Creations
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cranberry Apple Glazed Chicken Skewers are perfect for a sweet and savory meal. They are easy to prepare and great for grilling!
Ingredients
– 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup fresh cranberries
– 1/2 cup apple juice
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Skewers (soaked in water if wooden)
Instructions
1. 1. In a saucepan, combine cranberries, apple juice, honey, soy sauce, and garlic powder. Cook over medium heat until cranberries burst and sauce thickens, about 10 minutes.
2. 2. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
3. 3. Thread chicken onto skewers.
4. 4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
5. 5. Brush chicken skewers with cranberry apple glaze.
6. 6. Grill skewers for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally and brushing with more glaze until chicken is cooked through.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in some of the glaze for a few hours before grilling. Serve with a side of vegetables or rice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: chicken, skewers, cranberry, apple, grilling