Rick Bayless is chef of Frontera Grill and Topolobampo in Chicago, creator of Frontera gourmet foods, cookbook author and host of Mexico - One Plate at a Time.

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RICKMAIL - sign up for our email list From the Kitchen of Chef Rick Bayless

Recipes from the Test Kitchen - Entrees & Sauces

Chicken Skewers with Chipotle Peanut Salsa

Serves 6 to 8 as an appetizer

We've put a Mexican spin on chicken satays which we think works whether you're at home or tailgating at your favorite stadium.  It also works if you're looking for a different way to serve chicken during the week.  The marinade only needs 15 minutes and the skewers take 4 to 6 minutes to cook.  The salsa and marinade can be made several days ahead, and the chicken skewers are delicious served either hot or room temperature.  I'm pairing this with the Chipotle Peanut Salsa from Season 7 of Mexico One Plate at a Time.

Ingredients

 4 garlic cloves
1 1/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch strips
8-inch wooden skewers
1 teaspoon sugar
1 to 2 canned chipotles en adobe, seeded if you wish
2 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
salt
1 1/2 cups Chipotle Peanut Salsa

Directions

Heat a small dry skillet over medium and roast the unpeeled garlic, turning occasionally until blackened in spots and soft, about 15 minutes.  Cool, then pull off the papery skin from the garlic.

Place the chicken strips between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound to flatten.  Thread a wooden skewer through the center of each piece every inch to make sure that the piece is secure.  There's no need to soak the skewers since the satays cook so quickly.  Place the skewers on a non-reactive rimmmed baking sheet.   

Place the garlic in a blender or food processor along with the sugar, chipotles, oil, lime juice and a 1/2 teaspoon salt and process until smooth.  

About 15 minutes before you're ready to grill the chicken, brush the marinade over both side of the skewers.  

Remove from the marinade and place on a very hot grill or grill pan.  Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side.

Place the skewers on a decorative platter, and serve the chipotle peanut salsa on the side for your guests to enjoy.
 

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