Chicken skewers with bread and red orange salad with kale and feta

Delicious chicken skewers with bread and red orange salad, with kale and feta

Total preparation time: 30 minutes
Marinating time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10-15 minutes
Servings: 2

Welcome to the world of flavors! Today, I present you with an enticing recipe, full of taste and vibrant colors: chicken skewers with bread and a fresh salad of red oranges, kale, and feta. This combination will not only delight your taste buds but also add a touch of elegance to your table. Cooking is an art, and every recipe has its story. This recipe is inspired by the tradition of combining meat and vegetables on skewers, a popular practice in many cultures that brings friends and family together around the table. Let's get started!

Ingredients

For the skewers:
- 2 sprigs of rosemary (leaves only)
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
- 2 pieces of chicken breast (120g each)
- 2 thick slices of whole grain bread
- 8 fresh bay leaves

For the salad:
- 2 red oranges
- 100g kale or spinach (chopped or whole, as preferred)
- 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 20g feta cheese

Preparation

Step 1: Marinating the chicken

Start by preparing the marinade for the chicken. In a mortar, add the rosemary leaves along with a pinch of coarse salt. Use a pestle to grind the ingredients into a fragrant paste. This will add an intense flavor to your skewers.

Once you have a smooth paste, transfer it to a bowl. Add the crushed garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, white wine vinegar, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to combine all the flavors.

Step 2: Preparing the meat and bread

When the marinade is ready, cut the chicken breast and bread into cubes about 2 cm in size. Add these cubes to the bowl with the marinade and mix well, ensuring that each piece is evenly coated with the delicious mixture.

Step 3: Assembling the skewers

Now comes the fun part! Thread onto each skewer, alternating between a piece of bread, a piece of chicken, and a bay leaf. Continue until all 4 skewers are filled. Make sure you have enough pieces of bread and chicken for each skewer.

Step 4: Cooking the skewers

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium to high heat. Place the skewers in the skillet. To make them crispier, place a plate on top and weigh it down with a heavy object (for example, your mortar) to press them down. This trick helps achieve a perfectly crispy texture.

Cook the skewers for 4-5 minutes on each side, until the chicken is fully cooked and the bread turns golden. In the meantime, you can prepare the salad!

Step 5: Preparing the salad

Peel the oranges and slice them. In a bowl, drizzle the kale with olive oil and the juice from half a lemon. Mix well to combine the flavors.

Now, you can assemble your salad. Place the kale on two plates, add the slices of red orange, the crispy skewers, and sprinkle feta cheese on top. Serve with lemon wedges for an extra touch of freshness.

Serving suggestions and variations

This recipe is perfect for a summer outdoor dinner or an elegant meal with friends. You can also add other ingredients to the salad, such as avocado, olives, or nuts, for added texture and flavor. Additionally, the skewers can be made with other types of meat, such as lamb or fish, offering a variety of options for different tastes.

Nutritional information

This recipe provides a balanced meal, rich in protein from the chicken and packed with vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. Whole grain bread adds fiber, while feta cheese offers calcium and protein. Approximately 600-700 calories per serving, depending on the amount of oil and cheese used.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of meat?
Absolutely! These skewers can easily be adapted with lamb, fish, or tofu for a vegetarian option.

2. How can I make the skewers spicier?
Add more cayenne pepper or try spices like smoked paprika or chili powder.

3. What drinks pair well with this dish?
A dry white wine or a refreshing citrus-based cocktail would be the perfect choice to complement this meal.

Personal note

I recommend trying to add a bit of honey or maple syrup to the marinade for a sweet and tangy twist to your skewers. This will perfectly contrast with the salty flavors of the feta cheese and make this recipe truly memorable.

I hope this recipe has inspired you to get cooking and enjoy a flavorful meal full of aromas! Every bite tells a story, and today you are the narrator. Bon appétit!