Chicken skewers with mushrooms

Chicken and Mushroom Skewers - A Simple and Delicious Recipe

If you're looking for a skewer recipe that impresses both in flavor and presentation, you've come to the right place! These chicken and mushroom skewers are not only easy to prepare but also bursting with flavor. Over time, skewers have become a popular choice for outdoor meals, perfectly suited for grilling or picnics. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s get started!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Marinating time: 1 hour (ideal)
Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 55 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

- 350-400 g boneless chicken breast
- 100 g canned champignon mushrooms
- 4-5 pickled pepperoncini
- 3-4 small tomatoes
- 2 onions (one white, one red)
- 7-8 cloves of garlic
- 7-8 green onions
- a few sprigs of parsley
- 3-4 pickles
- 1 small orange (or tangerine)
- 1 teaspoon seasoning base
- 1 teaspoon dried dill/parsley
- ½ teaspoon granulated garlic
- juice from half an orange
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, steak seasoning

Preparation:

Step 1: Marinating the chicken

We begin by marinating the chicken breast, an essential step for achieving tender and flavorful meat. Cut the chicken breast into cubes about 2-3 cm in size. In a bowl, mix the olive oil, juice from half an orange, salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and steak seasoning. Then, add the chicken cubes to the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes, but ideally for an hour. This marinating process will add rich flavor and help tenderize the meat.

Step 2: Preparing the vegetables

While the chicken marinates, it’s time to prepare the vegetables. Peel the onions and cut them into larger pieces. You can quarter the tomatoes and cut the pickles into large chunks. If the mushrooms are larger, cut them in half; leave the smaller ones whole. The green onions can be used whole, bent for a rustic appearance. Arrange all the chopped ingredients on a tray, ready to be threaded onto the skewers.

Step 3: Assembling the skewers

Now comes the fun part! Take the skewers and alternate threading pieces of chicken, tomatoes, pickles, peppers, mushrooms, onions, and garlic onto each skewer. I recommend alternating the meat pieces more frequently to ensure an even distribution of flavors. Use wooden or metal skewers, but if you’re using wooden ones, make sure to soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.

Step 4: Cooking the skewers

Preheat the grill to medium heat. Place the skewers on the grill and let them cook for 20-25 minutes, turning them only once to achieve even browning. Check occasionally to ensure they don’t burn. If you prefer a smokier flavor, you can use hardwood to enhance the aroma.

Step 5: Serving

Once the skewers are done, remove them from the grill and place them on a platter. Garnish with fresh herbs, radishes, and orange slices for a pop of color and freshness. These skewers can be served with a green salad or a side of rice. You can accompany them with a garlic yogurt sauce or a spicy sauce, depending on your preferences.

Helpful Tips:

1. Marinade: If you want to add a touch of innovation, you can experiment with different marinades, such as soy sauce or honey, to change the flavor profile.
2. Vegetables: Don’t limit yourself to onions, tomatoes, and pickles; you can add zucchini or eggplant to enrich the skewers.
3. Cooking: If you don’t have access to a grill, you can cook the skewers on a grill pan or even in the oven at 200°C for 20-25 minutes.
4. Leftovers: If you have leftover skewers, you can use them the next day in salads or sandwiches for a quick and delicious meal.

Nutritional Benefits:

These chicken skewers are not only tasty but also healthy! Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, while the vegetables add essential fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Additionally, olive oil is an important ally for heart health, thanks to its monounsaturated fatty acids.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use a different type of meat? Absolutely! You can use pork or beef, but the cooking time will vary.
2. How can I make these skewers vegan? You can replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh and add more vegetables.
3. What drinks pair well with the skewers? Fresh lemonade or a dry white wine are excellent choices to accompany these skewers.

In conclusion, chicken and mushroom skewers are a perfect choice for a tasty, quick, and healthy meal. Experiment with the ingredients and don’t hesitate to add your personal touch! Enjoy your meal!