Indulge in the harmonious union of sweet and savory flavors with these delectable apple cider grilled chicken skewers. The tangy Gouda cheese sauce adds a creamy dimension, making this recipe an ideal fit for the cozy Fall season. With its effortless preparation and versatility to pair with various side dishes, consider adding these cider grilled chicken skewers to your culinary repertoire. What sets these skewers apart is the depth of flavor achieved through a blend of ingredients, including apple cider, sugar, vinegar, garlic, onion, thyme, ginger, red pepper flakes, and cinnamon. Each bite delivers a rich, well-rounded experience that will leave you wanting more of this incredible apple cider chicken marinade.
How to Make a Gouda Cheese Sauce
This apple cider grilled chicken skewers recipe boasts a truly show-stopping sauce, which gets a perfect balance of creamy and tangy from an intriguing combination of milk, cream, vinegar, Velveeta, parmesan, and spices. The key to this luscious concoction lies in the harmonious union of these ingredients, carefully blended together in a pan until smooth and hot. Notably, the Velveeta plays a crucial role by imparting a silky texture to the Gouda cheese-based sauce, while its distinct flavor provides an unexpected yet delightful contrast that elevates the overall taste experience.
What Kind of Cider to Use
In this recipe for apple cider grilled chicken skewers, either the flat or sparkling variety of apple cider works well. Don’t worry too much about the brand or type – any will do. If you’re having trouble finding apple cider in your area, a good-quality apple juice is a suitable substitute. For added complexity, consider swapping out the apple cider for pear cider, also known as Perry, to give the dish a unique twist.
How to Marinate the Chicken
The marinating process is pivotal in this apple cider chicken recipe, and it’s a step that requires a thoughtful blend of ingredients. Fortunately, most of these are staples you likely have on hand. Feel free to let the chicken sit for 24 hours if you’re patient, but at minimum, aim for four hours to allow the flavors to meld together. You can even reserve some marinade as a glaze to brush over the skewers during their time on the grill. The result is a dish that’s bursting with flavor, thanks in large part to the marinade. Adding a rich and creamy Gouda cheese sauce takes it to the next level. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider slicing up some apples (wedges or rings) and marinating them alongside the chicken. As apple cider plays such a prominent role in this recipe, the sweet and crunchy texture of the apples would be a natural complement. Simply add the apple pieces to the marinade for an added layer of depth.
A Closer Look at Gouda Cheese
While creamy Gouda is an excellent choice for our apple cider grilled chicken skewers, it’s not the only option that can elevate this dish. In fact, there are several cheeses that can provide a similar rich and creamy flavor profile. For instance, Monterey Jack, Edam, Gruyere, mild Cheddar, or Havarti cheese could all be suitable alternatives if you’re having trouble finding Gouda in your area.
But what makes Gouda so special? This beloved cheese has a long history that dates back nearly 1000 years. Originating from the Netherlands, it’s one of the most well-loved cheeses globally, known for its mild, creamy, and sweet flavor profile.
Interestingly, despite being named after the city of Gouda, the majority of this cheese is actually produced industrially today. In fact, only around 300 Dutch farmers still make this cheese by hand, preserving a centuries-old tradition. The town square in Gouda has played a significant role in the trading of this cheese throughout history.
So whether you’re able to get your hands on creamy Gouda or choose one of its many alternatives, the key is finding a cheese that complements the flavors of our apple cider grilled chicken skewers and adds a delightful richness to each bite.
Apple Cider Grilled Chicken Skewers with Gouda Cheese Sauce Recipe
Apple Cider Grilled Chicken Skewers with Gouda Cheese Sauce
Bella Bucchiotti brings a taste of autumn to your plate with these scrumptious apple cider grilled chicken skewers. The harmonious blend of sweet cider and savory chicken is elevated by a rich Gouda cheese sauce, making for a truly satisfying Fall recipe. With only 30 minutes of prep time required, this dish is perfect for a quick yet impressive meal. Simply marinate the chicken for four hours, grill to perfection in just 20 minutes, and serve with creamy Gouda for an unforgettable culinary experience.
Instructions
To begin the process of marinating and grilling the chicken, start by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl until well combined. Next, combine all the marinade ingredients (except for the chicken) in a small saucepan, including the cornstarch slurry. Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until it begins to thicken. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. Once cooled, pour 1 cup of the marinade into a separate container and set aside as the glaze for the chicken. The remaining marinade should be poured over the chicken in a container with a lid, making sure the chicken is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours before cooking.When it’s time to cook the chicken, remove it from the refrigerator and thread the pieces onto grill skewers. Lightly season both sides of the skewers with salt. Preheat your grill on high and oil the grates. Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for several minutes on each side, brushing them generously with the reserved marinade every time you flip them. Continue to flip and brush the skewers until the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove from heat and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.To accompany the grilled chicken, prepare the Gouda cheese sauce by heating milk, cream, seasonings, and butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Once hot, add in Velveeta and whisk until melted. Slowly add in Gouda and Parmesan cheeses, whisking constantly to ensure smoothness. Add apple cider vinegar and continue whisking until the cheese has melted and the sauce is well combined. If too thick, add a bit more milk; if not thick enough, cook for a few minutes longer. Remove from heat and serve immediately.