Brochetas Recipe

Make the marinade

In a medium bowl whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, smoked paprika, ground cumin, minced garlic, black pepper, salt and chopped cilantro (if using). Taste and adjust salt, honey or lime to balance sweet-salty-acid.

Reserve 3 tablespoons of the marinade in a small separate bowl for basting while grilling. This keeps a portion of the sauce uncontaminated by raw meat.

If using wooden skewers, soak them in warm water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and place in a shallow dish or zipper bag.

Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken, toss to coat, then refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Longer (up to 4 hours) is fine but avoid overnight to prevent texture change from acid.

While chicken marinates, prep vegetables: cut bell peppers, onion, and zucchini into even pieces so everything cooks uniformly. Leave cherry tomatoes whole.

Thread chicken and vegetables onto skewers, alternating pieces: chicken, pepper, onion, zucchini, tomato, repeat. Leave a little space between pieces so hot air and grill heat circulate and they cook evenly. Use all skewers until ingredients are used.

Preheat grill to medium-high (about 400–450°F / 200–230°C). If using a broiler, position the rack 6 inches from heat and preheat broiler. Oil the grill grates or brush skewers lightly with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.

Place brochetas on the grill. Cook for 10–14 minutes total, turning every 3–4 minutes. Brush occasionally with the reserved marinade during the first half of cooking. Chicken should register 165°F (74°C) at the thickest piece. Vegetables should be tender-crisp with char marks.

If using a broiler, place skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil 4–6 minutes per side, watching closely so vegetables do not burn.

When cooked, transfer brochetas to a plate and let rest 3–5 minutes so juices redistribute.

Squeeze fresh lime wedges over the brochetas, sprinkle with cilantro leaves if desired, and serve immediately. Offer extra reserved marinade (warmed) or yogurt-based sauce on the side if desired.