Mahogany Broiled Chicken with Smoky Lime Sweet Potatoes and Cilantro Chimichurri

Brendan Murphy on September 11, 2013

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup chopped cilantro leaves
  • 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 large cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper, divided
  • 5 tablespoons dark brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons bottled hoisin sauce
  • 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 cup plus 1 1/2 teaspoons lime juice, divided
  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast halves, cut in 1-inch cubes
  • 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut in 1/2-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon chopped canned chipotle pepper
  • 1 teaspoon adobo sauce (from canned chipotle)
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon lime zest
  • Cilantro sprigs, for garnish

Directions:

1.  In a small bowl, mix together chopped cilantro, olive oil, minced garlic, 1/4 teaspoon of the salt and 1/8 teaspoon of the pepper; set aside.

2.  In medium bowl, mix together brown sugar, mustard, hoisin sauce and vinegar. Reserve 2/3 of this mixture. To remainder, add 1/2 cup lime juice and stir in chicken; cover and refrigerate.

3.  Place sweet potatoes in a heavy saucepan and cover with boiling water. Cook, covered, over medium-high heat until tender, about 15 minutes. Reserve 1/4 cup cooking liquid, then drain potatoes in colander. Return potatoes to reserved cooking water and add butter, chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons lime juice, cumin, lime zest, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and remaining 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Mash potatoes.

4.  Preheat the broiler. Thread chicken on 8 bamboo skewers that have been soaked in water for 30 minutes. Broil about 6 inches from heat, basting with reserved mahogany sauce until done, about 8 minutes. To serve, divide potatoes among 4 plates; top each with 2 skewers of chicken and drizzle with cilantro chimichurri sauce. Garnish with cilantro sprigs. 4 Servings