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chili oil chicken skewers

Chili Oil Chicken Skewers with Homemade Spicy Oil

Juicy chicken thigh skewers basted with aromatic homemade chili oil for incredible heat and flavor
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Soaking Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2.5 lbs chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 6 wooden skewers soaked in water
  • 2 tablespoons poultry seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup neutral oil
  • ¼ cup crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2 teaspoons Sichuan peppercorns optional
  • 1 small cinnamon stick optional
  • 2 star anise optional
  • 2-3 cloves garlic sliced
  • 1- inch knob fresh ginger sliced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce optional
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds optional

Method
 

  1. Heat neutral oil to 300-325°F. Add cinnamon and star anise, then garlic and ginger. Cook until fragrant, 3-4 minutes.
  2. Remove from heat, add red pepper flakes and Sichuan peppercorns. Stir in soy sauce, salt, and sesame seeds. Steep 15-20 minutes.
  3. Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces and season with poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Rest 15-20 minutes.
  4. Soak skewers 30 minutes. Thread chicken onto skewers, leaving gaps between pieces.
  5. Grill over medium-high heat 12-15 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes and basting with chili oil each turn.
  6. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Rest 2-3 minutes, then serve with remaining chili oil.

Notes

Monitor oil temperature carefully to prevent burning spices
Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts for skewers
Baste frequently with chili oil for maximum flavor
Chili oil can be made days ahead and improves with time

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