WORLD FAVORITES: GRILLED CHICKEN ONION SKEWERS WITH SALAD AND CROUTONS

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If there ever is something that truly transcends all boundaries, both cultural and geographical, it is the love for chicken! And one of the easiest and most popular methods of cooking chicken is grilling. The combination of grilled chicken skewers with a salad has gained wide popularity over the past few decades in the culinary industry

History

The emergence of grilling as a widespread cooking method can be linked to certain events in history. The very beginning can be traced back to man’s taming of fire. Till the 1940’s grilling was limited to picnics and campsites. But with the end of the Second World War, and reorganization of urban accommodation into suburbs, backyard grilling gained widespread popularity.

Skewered grilled meat is synonymous with several Middle Eastern countries such as Lebanon, Bahrain and Abu Dhabi. It gradually attained popularity all over the world for its ease of cooking, and the fact that it eliminated the need for cutlery.

Health benefits of Grilled chicken onion skewers with salad and croutons

Chicken is a great source of protein, vitamin B and several essential minerals such as selenium, iron, and phosphorus. It helps in tissue repair, blood circulation, and is essential for building lean muscle mass. The minerals present in chicken also speed up metabolism, strengthen the immune system, and help improve thyroid function.

Grilled chicken is healthier compared to other methods of cooking chicken, such as frying, since it uses less oil. Consequently, the final product has less fat and calories than fried chicken.

The vegetables present in salads supply essential minerals and aid in the general functioning of the body.

Croutons are generally a source of carbohydrates with traces of minerals such as selenium. These act as an energy source, and also keep blood glucose levels at optimum levels, aiding speedy digestion.

Ingredients and preparation

Preparation time- 5 minutes

Cooking time- 30 minutes

Serves: 4 people

Level of cooking: Moderate

Ingredients:

·         Chicken- 3 pounds

• Red wine vinegar- ½ cup
• Minced garlic clove- 1 no
• Coarse salt- 1 ½ teaspoons
• Honey- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon
• Extra virgin olive oil- 2 tablespoons
• Freshly ground pepper
• Large red onion- 1 no, cut into 8 wedges, root left intact

Direction

·         Ensure that the oven is preheated to 375 degrees. Prepare the marinade by stirring together vinegar, garlic, salt, honey, and oil in a large bowl. Season with pepper. Add the chicken and onion to the bowl and let it stand at room temperature for 15 minutes. Toss the contents occasionally to get the right consistency.

·          Thread the chicken and onion wedges onto the skewers. Grill over a medium flame for 16 to 18 minutes, turning the skewers halfway through and brushing the marinade on until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the onions are charred.

Green salad Ingredients

·         Raw lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pineapples, cucumber and carrots

·         Salt and pepper to season

·         Salad dressing of choice

·         Croutons

Directions:

·         Slice the vegetables into desired shape and size

·         Season with salt and pepper according to taste

·         Drizzle with salad dressing and serve

·         Serve croutons with salad for crunch

Nutritional information for grilled chicken skewers

·         Calories: 147

·         Fat: 8.36g                   

·         Carbs: 0g                                

·         Protein: 16.79g                                                                      

Happy cooking!!