Perfectly Marinated Skewered Chicken

As summer kicks off, grilled chicken skewers—or sosaties, as they’re known here in Mzansi—are a go-to for any braai. Whether you're hosting a backyard get-together or a game-day braai for a big rugby or soccer match, skewers bring great flavour and easy preparation, making it an ideal dish for outdoor entertaining. Sosaties’ versatility and simple cooking style make them perfect for everything from casual family gatherings to lively parties with friends, where the grill becomes the heart of the event.

Top Flavour Profiles for Grilled Chicken Skewers

To make your grilled chicken unforgettable, try these flavour combinations:

• Sweet and Savoury: For a crowd-pleasing twist, marinate chicken with honey, soy sauce, and garlic. This blend caramelises beautifully on the grill, creating a sweet, savoury coating that complements the natural richness of the chicken.

• Spicy and Zesty: For those who enjoy a little heat, try a mix of chili powder, cumin, and lime juice. This zesty, spicy marinade adds a vibrant kick that pairs well with the lively atmosphere of any game-day braai.

• Tangy and Herbaceous: A lemon juice, rosemary, and thyme marinade offers a fresh, tangy flavour, ideal for a lighter, herb-infused skewer that highlights the chicken’s natural taste. Robertsons brings you all of these flavours. Click here to see our range.

Essential Marinades for Perfect Sosaties

Creating a delicious marinade is key to making flavourful skewered chicken. Here are three great options:

• Classic Lemon Herb Marinade: Blend 1/4 cup olive oil, the juice of two lemons, three minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons each of fresh rosemary and thyme, plus salt and pepper to taste.

• Spicy BBQ Marinade: For a bold, smoky flavour, combine 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon hot sauce, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon smoked paprika.

Top Flavour Profiles for Grilled Chicken Skewers

• Sweet and Tangy Marinade: Mix 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, two minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon grated ginger.

Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible, to allow the flavours to penetrate fully. Each piece will be infused with rich flavour that will come to life on the grill.

How to Marinate and Grill Chicken for a Winning Braai

To maximise flavour and make prep easy for game day, follow these steps:

• Prepare the Marinade: Choose your marinade and mix the ingredients in a bowl or resealable bag.

• Cut and Skewer the Chicken: Slice the chicken into even pieces, ensuring even cooking, and thread onto skewers.

• Marinate: Submerge the skewers in the marinade, coat each piece, then seal and refrigerate.

• Marinate Time: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

• Grill Time: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, remove excess marinade, and grill until cooked through.

Grill Master Tips for Perfectly Cooked Skewered Chicken

For juicy, flavourful chicken skewers, keep these grilling tips in mind:

• Preheat Your Grill: A preheated grill (medium-high heat) is essential for a good sear, locking in flavour and achieving those beautiful grill marks.

• Keep It Clean: Clean grill grates help prevent sticking and make turning skewers easier.

• Turn with Care: Rotate skewers periodically to cook evenly and avoid burning. Aim for 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken pieces.

• Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 75°C.

By following these grilling techniques, you can serve up juicy, flavourful skewered chicken that will be a hit at any summer event.

Take Your Grilled Chicken to the Next Level with Robertsons

Grilled chicken skewers are a staple for summer entertaining, bringing bold flavour and simplicity to every braai. With the right marinades and some key grilling tips, your skewers will be a hit, whether you’re hosting a casual braai or cheering on your favourite team with family and friends. Robertsons’ spices and herbs provide the ideal seasoning for grilled sosaties, adding depth and character to your marinades.

Visit Whatsfordinner today for more mouth-watering meal inspiration.