Chick Chick Boom! BBQ Coca Cola Chicken Skewers that Rock!

Finding inspiration for weeknight dinners can be a challenge, even for someone like me-who cooks for a living. With my daughters home for the summer and their desire (demand) for a 'hot meal' everyday, only adds to the pressure.

My solution?

A Weekly PrePlanned Menu.

I like to plan my menu around the weekly sales paper. This way I save money by matching my recipes to whats on sale-instead of buying full price items for a recipe. I also love that most of our grocery stores promote locally grown fruits and vegetables, which is a great way to cook -and eat in season.

So, what was on sale this week?

One of my favorite cuts of chicken, boneless skinless chicken thighs, and store brand barbeque sauce. Both ingredients are perfect for my BBQ Coca Cola Chicken Skewers recipe. What makes this weeknight dinner recipe a winner, besides the great taste, is that it's Quick, Easy & Versatile. You can use chicken breast or thighs-along with your choice of barbeque sauces with the same delicious results.

Enjoy & Happy Cooking!

Chef Jenn

BBQ Coca Cola Chicken Skewers

Yields about 8 servings

Ingredients:

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

1 tablespoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

3 large garlic cloves, minced

1 jalapeno, seeded and minced

1 tablespoon sweet paprika

1 tablespoon smoked paprika

1 tablespoon olive or vegetable oil

½ cup Coca Cola

2 cups of your favorite BBQ sauce

Garnish

6 scallions, white and green parts, chopped

Directions:

Preheat grill to 400*F.

Soak 2 dozen wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes.

Trim chicken of excess fat and cut into 2-inch cubes. Set aside.

In a large bowl combine the salt pepper, garlic, jalapeno, all of the paprika, oil and cola. Mix with a rubber spatula until the ingredients are blended.

Add the cubed chicken and mix until well coated with the spice mixture.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes up to overnight.

Thread the chicken onto the soaked skewers.

Place the chicken on the hot grill and cook until browned and slightly charred, about 10 each side.

Brush the top of skewers with barbeque sauce; turn and cook until sauce has browned, about 2 minute. Turn and brush the second side with sauce; cooking an additional 2 minutes or until chicken has browned.

Remove the chicken skewers from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Garnish with chopped scallions and serve with remaining barbeque sauce on the side.

Enjoy!

For more recipes like these, please pick up a copy of Chef Jennifer's cookbooks; Field Peas to Foie Gras: Southern Recipes with a French Accent, and Dinner Deja Vu: Southern Recipes with a French Accent.