Grilled sesame chicken kebabs with onion, ricotta and spearmint
Grilled Sesame Chicken Kebabs with Onion, Ricotta, and Spearmint feature juicy chicken thighs marinated in a rich blend of herbs and creamy ricotta, then grilled to perfection. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a crunchy finish, making this dish ideal for summer BBQs or any time of year.
Cook time 20 min
Prep time 10 min
Ingredients:
2 tbsp olive oil1 onion
11.99 oz chicken thighs
1 egg
1 tbsp ricotta cheese
1 tbsp spearmint
2 tbsp fresh parsley
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp sesame seeds
Grilled Sesame Chicken Kebabs with Onion, Ricotta, and Spearmint is a delightful and nutritious dish that combines a range of flavors and textures to create a well-balanced meal. This recipe merges the savory taste of seasoned chicken thighs with the freshness of herbs and a hint of creamy ricotta, all brought together by the nutty crunch of sesame seeds. It's perfect for a summer BBQ or as a tasty and healthy option for dinner any time of the year.
Instructions:
- Finely chop the onion.
- Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces if not already done.
- Finely chop the spearmint and parsley.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until they become soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Allow the cooked onions to cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the egg, ricotta cheese, spearmint, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the cooled, cooked onions to this mixture.
- Add the chicken pieces to the bowl with the marinade.
- Mix thoroughly to ensure that all the chicken pieces are well coated with the marinade.
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. If you have more time, marinate for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- If you're using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning during grilling.
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Brush the grill grates or grill pan with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the prepared chicken skewers on the grill.
- Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char. The total cooking time will be about 10-12 minutes.
- In a small dry pan over medium heat, add the sesame seeds.
- Toast them for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and fragrant.
- Be careful not to burn the seeds.
- Once the chicken kebabs are grilled, remove them from the heat.
- Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the hot kebabs.
- Serve the grilled sesame chicken kebabs with a side of your favorite salad, rice, or flatbread.
- Garnish with additional fresh parsley or spearmint if desired.
Grilled Sesame Chicken Kebabs with Onion, Ricotta, and Spearmint are sure to become a favorite in your household. The tender, juicy chicken paired with the aromatic herbs and the crispiness of sesame seeds creates a dish that's both satisfying and flavorful. Whether you’re serving it to guests at a summer barbecue or as a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Don't forget to garnish with extra fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon for an extra burst of freshness.
Grilled sesame chicken kebabs with onion, ricotta and spearmint FAQ:
Grill the chicken kebabs for about 4-5 minutes on each side, totaling approximately 10-12 minutes. Ensure the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char.
You can use chicken breast as a substitute, but keep in mind it may require slightly less cooking time as it is leaner. Alternatively, diced firm tofu can be used for a vegetarian option.
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Additionally, the juices should run clear, and there should be no pink meat.
Yes, you can marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor. Marinating overnight is also safe, but be cautious as it may intensify the flavors significantly.
Store any leftover kebabs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them on the grill or in the oven until heated through.
Cooking Tips:
- Marinate the chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in the olive oil, salt, black pepper, and some finely chopped parsley for at least 30 minutes before threading them onto the skewers.
- Use metal skewers: Metal skewers are recommended for grilling as they help cook the chicken evenly by transferring heat directly to the center of the kebabs.
- Soak wooden skewers: If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
- Uniform size: Cut the chicken thighs and onion into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
- Don't skip the ricotta: The ricotta cheese not only adds creaminess but also helps in binding the kebabs together.
- Grill on medium-high heat: This ensures the chicken is cooked through without being burnt on the outside. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked chicken.
Nutrition Facts
4 ServingsCalories 250kcal
Protein 18g
Carbohydrates 3.72g
Fiber 1.17g
Sugar 1.68g
Fat 24g
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