Cypriot Chicken Kebabs

This is a healthy and tasty recipe from the American Institute for Cancer Research. It is low in calories, fat and sodium and high in protein. Paired with fresh summer produce like zucchini, red bell pepper and cherry tomatoes, these chicken kebabs are full of nutrition and flavor.

The secret is all about the combination of simple marinade and eastern Mediterranean mint dressing. Serve with a simple garden salad.

Recipe

• 12 oz. chicken breast, boneless, skinless, cut into 12 even pieces
• 1 zucchini, cut into 8 slices
• 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into 8 pieces
• 8 cherry tomatoes

Marinade

• 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp. Dijon mustard (spicy brown may be substituted)
• ½ tsp. dried oregano
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Dressing

• 12 fresh mint leaves
• 1 cup frozen peas, cooked
• 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ¼ tsp. cumin
• Juice of one lemon

Whisk together marinade ingredients and set aside one tablespoon for basting later. In shallow dish, cover chicken with marinade until well coated. Cover and marinate in refrigerator for at least two hours.

Using four kabob skewers, arrange three pieces of chicken and two pieces each of zucchini, pepper and tomatoes per skewer. For easier grilling, start and end each skewer with chicken.

Coat grill lightly with oil to prevent sticking. Place skewers on medium-hot grill. Turn frequently and brush with reserved marinade. Cook for 18 to 25 minutes or until juices run clean. Cooking time will depend on size of chicken pieces and temperature.*

In meantime, for dressing, place ingredients in food processor or blender. Puree and set aside.

After removing kabobs from grill, let stand five minutes. Serve with dressing on side.

Makes 4 servings.

Per serving:

Calories: 200

Total fat: 8 g

Saturated fat: Less than 1 g

Carbohydrate: 10 g

Protein: 21 g

Fiber: 3 g

Sodium: 105 mg

*An alternative cooking method is to pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. Place skewers on shallow baking dish on center rack. Bake 10 minutes. Baste and turn over, baste and bake for additional 10 to 15 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.

Source: American Institute for Cancer Research