Grilled Chicken Skewers with a French Twist
A French Kick to Your Dinner Table: Chicken Kebabs and Herb-Laced Rice Pilaf
Step into the heart of Provence with these zesty chicken kebabs, seasoned with a punch of orange, black olives, fennel, and mustard. When it comes to poultry, nothing compares to the juicy richness of chicken thighs, and they truly shine on the high heat of a charcoal grill. To complete your French dining experience, serve these skewers alongside a vibrant herb-infused rice pilaf and a chilled French rosé.
- Serves: 6satisfied souls
- Skill Level: Moderate mastery
- Prep Time: 4 hours plus soaking time
The Star of the Show - Chicken Kebabs
The Star Ingredients:- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced into generous cubes- Kosher salt- 1 tablespoon coarse mustard- Zest and juice of 1 juicy orange- 6 absorbent bamboo skewers- 1 whole fennel bulb, trimmed and chopped into bite-sized pieces- 24 succulent black olives, such as kalamata- Optional: fresh parsley leaves for garnish (for those who adore a hint of green)
The Journey:1. Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish and generously season them with salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mustard, orange zest, and juice to create a fragrant marinade. Pour this over the chicken, cover, and let it mingle for 2 to 4 hours in the fridge.
- Prior to grilling, soak the skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Fire up the grill, preparing it for direct-heat grilling over medium heat. Thread the marinated chicken, fennel, and olives onto the soaked skewers. Discard the used marinade and aim for an even distribution among the kebabs.
- Grill the kebabs, turning once, until the meat is cooked through and the veggies are tender, with a delightful char, roughly 10 minutes. If necessary, move them off the heat to prevent over-browning. Transfer the finished kebabs to a serving platter, garnish with parsley if you wish, and unleash your inner Gallic gastronome!
Accompaniment: Herb and Lemon Rice Pilaf
The Perfect Match:- 2 cups long-grain rice (Basmati or Jasmine are champions)- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter- 1/2 teaspoon salt- 3 cups chicken broth or water- 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped- 1 teaspoon lemon zest- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice- (Optional) A dash of turmeric to achieve a bright yellow hue
The Process:1. Begin by rinsing the rice thoroughly. Let it drain in a fine mesh strainer under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and cook, occasionally stirring, until it's beautifully coated in butter and slightly toasted. This process should take around 3 minutes.
- Now pour the chicken broth, salt, chopped herbs, lemon zest, and lemon juice into the saucepan. Bring it to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and cook the rice until it's soft and all the liquid has been absorbed. This step should take about 15-20 minutes.
- If using turmeric, stir it in after removing the rice from heat. Allow the pilaf to rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes. Finish by fluffing it gently with a fork and serving it with elegance.
This aromatic pilaf is a match made in culinary heaven with the flavorful French chicken kebabs. For a different take on rice pilaf, consider experimenting with Saffron Rice for an exotic twist or Lebanese Rice with Vermicelli for a delightful textural element[1][3][5]. Enjoy your French culinary adventure!
- The chicken kebab recipe is categorized under 'uncooked dishes' due to its marination time of 4 hours.
- nutrition facts for the French Kebabs include protein from the chicken, vitamin C from the fresh parsley, and fiber from the fennel.
- Following the instructions, one can find themselves cooking a vibrant French Kick to Your Dinner Table with the dish ID 34fc1d032c78a8877a92ada9742ca5d1.
- After preparing the Herb and Lemon Rice Pilaf, leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and categorized as 'uncategorized' meals for dinner on another day.
