Marinate the chicken
To make chicken skewers tender, the first step is to marinate the chicken. Marinating helps to add flavor to the chicken and also helps to tenderize the meat. There are many different marinades that can be used, depending on your personal preference and the flavors you want to achieve. Some popular options include lemon and herb, soy and ginger, or a spicy barbecue marinade. To marinate the chicken, simply combine the marinade ingredients in a bowl or zip-top bag and add the chicken. Make sure the chicken is fully coated in the marinade and then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
Use a tenderizing marinade
If you want to take your chicken skewers to the next level of tenderness, consider using a tenderizing marinade. There are several ingredients that can help to tenderize meat, including acidic ingredients like lemon juice, vinegar, or buttermilk, as well as tenderizing enzymes like pineapple or papaya. These ingredients can help to break down the proteins in the chicken, resulting in a more tender and juicy skewer. To use a tenderizing marinade, simply mix the ingredients together and marinate the chicken as usual.
Don’t overcook the chicken
One of the biggest factors in making chicken skewers tender is not overcooking the chicken. Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough, so it’s important to cook it just until it reaches the proper temperature. The USDA recommends cooking chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). To ensure that your chicken stays tender and juicy, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Once the chicken reaches the recommended temperature, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful skewer.
Use the right cooking method
The cooking method you use can also impact the tenderness of your chicken skewers. Grilling is a popular method for cooking skewers, as it adds a smoky flavor and can help to keep the chicken tender. When grilling chicken skewers, it’s important to preheat the grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates to prevent sticking. Cook the skewers for about 4-6 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches the proper internal temperature. Another option is to cook the skewers in the oven or on the stovetop. This can be done using a grill pan, broiling in the oven, or pan-frying in a skillet. Whichever cooking method you choose, just be sure to cook the chicken until it is fully cooked but not overdone.
Slice the chicken against the grain
When it comes time to serve your chicken skewers, be sure to slice the chicken against the grain. Slicing against the grain helps to break up the muscle fibers in the meat, resulting in a more tender and easy-to-eat skewer. To slice against the grain, simply look for the direction that the muscle fibers are running and cut perpendicular to them. This will help to ensure that each bite of chicken is tender and delicious.
