Labor Day

Delicious marinated spicy chicken recipe – a spring feast! Spring is a season full of color and freshness, and nothing evokes this energy better than a marinated chicken recipe that combines intense flavors and natural ingredients. This recipe will not only impress your guests but will also bring a touch of originality to your menu. It is a perfect alternative to traditional grills with sausages or pork, offering a combination of tastes that will delight your taste buds. Total preparation time: 1 day (including marinating) Preparation time: 30 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes Number of servings: 4 Ingredients needed: - 500 g chicken breast (recommended for juiciness) - 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice - 4 tablespoons olive oil or sunflower oil - 1 tablespoon chili paste (adjustable according to preferences) - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1/2 teaspoon saffron (optional, for a special flavor) - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - 2-3 garlic cloves, crushed - Salt, to taste - 3 tablespoons soy sauce Nutritional information (per serving): - Calories: approximately 350 kcal - Protein: 30 g - Fat: 22 g - Carbohydrates: 5 g Recipe preparation: 1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by ensuring that all ingredients are at hand. Wash the chicken breast well under cold running water and dry it with a kitchen towel. Cut it into cubes or strips, depending on your preference, but make sure the sizes are uniform for even cooking. 2. Marinating the meat: In a large bowl, combine the lemon juice, oil, chili paste, cumin, saffron, cinnamon, crushed garlic, and salt. Mix the ingredients well until you achieve a homogeneous marinade. Add the chicken breast and ensure it is well coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit in the fridge overnight. This step is essential as marinating allows the meat to absorb all the flavors, making it juicy and flavorful. 3. Cooking the meat: The next day, take the chicken out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes. Heat a large skillet or grill over medium heat. Add a little oil, then add the marinated chicken (drain the marinade but keep it for later). Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until it is well cooked and has a golden color. 4. Finishing the dish: After the chicken is cooked, add the reserved marinade and 3 tablespoons of soy sauce. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes so that the flavors combine. At this stage, you can adjust the spiciness by adding more chili paste if desired. 5. Serving: This spicy chicken recipe can be served with fresh green salad for a touch of freshness or with al dente pasta, lightly drizzled with olive oil and grated Parmesan. Another delicious option is to heat flatbreads in a skillet, sprinkle them with grated cheese, and top with the chicken for a tasty and comforting dish. Useful tips: - Adjusting the spice level: If you are not a fan of very spicy food, you can reduce the amount of chili paste or replace it with a sweet tomato paste. - Vegetarian option: This marinade is also excellent for tofu or grilled vegetables. Simply replace the chicken with well-drained tofu cut into cubes or seasonal vegetables (eggplant, zucchini, peppers). - Creative serving: You can use the spicy chicken as a filling for tacos, adding avocado, tomatoes, and sour cream for an intense flavor. Frequently asked questions: - Can I use other types of meat? Yes, this marinade works great with pork or beef, but the cooking time will change. - How can I make the chicken more tender? Marinating is key. Make sure to respect the overnight marinating time. - Can I freeze marinated chicken? It is recommended not to freeze marinated meat as the texture may be affected. Cook it fresh for the best results. Delicious combinations: This spicy chicken pairs perfectly with a dry white wine, which will balance the spiciness and add a note of freshness. An arugula salad with cherry tomatoes and feta cheese will perfectly complement this dish, bringing a contrast of flavors and textures. In conclusion, this marinated spicy chicken recipe is not only a delicious choice but also a fantastic way to celebrate spring, offering a feast of flavors and colors on your table. I invite you to try it and share the joy of this dish with your loved ones!