Kyrgyz-style Grilled Chicken Skewers

Ingredients

In this adaptation, we incorporate the traditional Peruvian dish, Anticucho de pollo, into Kyrgyz cuisine by using a unique blend of spices commonly found in Kyrgyz cooking. The grilling technique remains the same, but the flavor profile is enhanced with the addition of local spices and herbs, giving the dish a distinct Kyrgyz twist. We alse have the original recipe for Anticucho de pollo, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces 500g (1.1 lb) boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 2g, 0g
• Protein: 32g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the vegetable oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, black pepper, and salt.
2. 2.
   Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and mix well to ensure all the chicken is coated. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers.
5. 5.
   Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
6. 6.
   Remove from the grill and let the skewers rest for a few minutes before serving.
7. 7.
   Serve the Kyrgyz-style Grilled Chicken Skewers hot with a side of fresh salad or flatbread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken — Ensure the chicken is cut into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Wooden skewers — Soaking the wooden skewers in water before grilling prevents them from burning during cooking.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the marinade.
• If you prefer a smokier flavor, grill the skewers over charcoal instead of a gas grill.
• Serve the skewers with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a burst of citrusy freshness.
• If using metal skewers, be cautious as they can get very hot during grilling.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the marinade according to your taste preferences.

Serving advice

Serve the Kyrgyz-style Grilled Chicken Skewers as a main course alongside a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or dill, for an added burst of flavor.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled chicken skewers on a platter, garnished with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of paprika. Serve with the side salad on the side for a visually appealing presentation.