Grilled Chicken & Veggie Skewers
Fresh and flavorful made with Serenity Spice Blends Balmy Spice
Embrace the goodness of local ingredients and a healthy lifestyle with our Grilled Chicken & Veggie Skewers, featuring the vibrant flavors of Serenity Spice Blends' Balmy Spice. This recipe brings together juicy chicken and fresh, colorful vegetables in a delightful, easy-to-make dish that celebrates the natural bounty of our region. Perfect for any meal, these skewers are a testament to the beauty of using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients to create wholesome and nutritious dishes. Let's dive into this recipe and discover how simple, healthy cooking can be a treat for both the palate and the soul.
Culinary Herb Guide: The Stars of Serenity Spice Blends - Balmy Spice
Rosemary
Taste: Rosemary has a robust, piney, and slightly minty taste with hints of citrus and camphor. Its strong, aromatic flavor can dominate dishes if used excessively, so it's best used in moderation.
Aroma: The aroma of rosemary is highly fragrant and woody, with a warm, balsamic undertone. It adds an inviting, comforting scent to culinary creations.
Pairs Well With: Thyme, Sage, Oregano, Marjoram, Parsley, Bay Leaf, Lavender
Hungarian Paprika
Taste: Hungarian paprika has a rich, sweet, and slightly fruity taste with varying degrees of heat, depending on the variety. It can range from mild and sweet to hot and spicy.
Aroma: The aroma of Hungarian paprika is robust and sweet, with a hint of smokiness in some varieties. It has a warm, inviting scent that adds depth to dishes.
Pairs Well With: Thyme, Rosemary, Sage, Oregano, Parsley, Garlic
Celery Seed
Taste: Celery seed has a warm, slightly bitter, and earthy flavor, reminiscent of fresh celery. It adds a unique depth to various dishes, making it a versatile spice in the kitchen.
Aroma: The aroma of celery seed is distinct and herbaceous, with a hint of spiciness. It brings a refreshing and vibrant scent to culinary creations.
Pairs Well With: Thyme, Parsley, Oregano, Sage, Rosemary, Dill, Bay Leaf
Onion Powder
Taste: Onion powder has a strong, concentrated onion flavor with a hint of sweetness and a subtle, savory undertone. It offers a rich, umami taste that enhances a variety of dishes.
Aroma: The aroma of onion powder is pungent and distinct, reminiscent of fresh onions but more intense. It adds a fragrant, savory scent to culinary creations.
Pairs Well With: Garlic Powder, Thyme, Rosemary, Oregano, Basil, Paprika, Parsley
Garlic Powder
Taste: Garlic powder has a strong, concentrated garlic flavor with a hint of sweetness and a savory, umami taste. It offers a rich, robust flavor that enhances a variety of dishes.
Aroma: The aroma of garlic powder is pungent and distinct, reminiscent of fresh garlic but more intense. It adds a fragrant, savory scent to culinary creations.
Pairs Well With: Onion Powder, Thyme, Rosemary, Oregano, Basil, Paprika, Parsley
Serenity Spice Blends: Balmy spice blend
Unlocking Flavor: The Benefits of Marinating Chicken with Dried Herbs
When it comes to creating mouth-watering dishes, marinating chicken is a tried-and-true method that can elevate your culinary creations to new heights. One of the best ways to enhance the flavor and tenderness of your chicken is by using dried herbs in your marinades. Here are some compelling reasons why dried herbs are a fantastic addition to your marinade repertoire:
1. Enhanced Flavor Profiles
Dried herbs are packed with concentrated flavors that can transform a simple marinade into a flavor powerhouse. Unlike fresh herbs, which can have a more subtle taste, dried herbs offer a burst of intense, aromatic notes that penetrate deep into the meat. This means every bite of your marinated chicken will be infused with the rich, savory goodness of herbs like thyme, rosemary, oregano, and basil.
2. Longer Shelf Life and Convenience
One of the main advantages of using dried herbs is their extended shelf life. Dried herbs can be stored for months without losing their potency, making them a convenient and cost-effective option for home cooks. You'll always have a variety of herbs on hand, ready to enhance your marinades, even when fresh herbs are out of season.
3. Improved Tenderness
Marinating chicken with dried herbs not only enhances its flavor but also helps tenderize the meat. The natural enzymes and acids present in the marinade work to break down the proteins in the chicken, resulting in a more tender and juicy texture. Dried herbs can amplify this effect, ensuring that your chicken is succulent and full of flavor.
4. Health Benefits
Dried herbs are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can boost the nutritional value of your meals. For example, dried rosemary contains compounds that may improve digestion and support the immune system, while oregano is packed with antioxidants that protect the body from free radicals. By incorporating dried herbs into your marinades, you're not only adding flavor but also contributing to your overall well-being.
5. Versatility
Dried herbs are incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide range of marinades. Whether you're aiming for a Mediterranean-inspired dish with rosemary and thyme, a Mexican twist with oregano and cumin, or an Italian flair with basil and garlic, dried herbs provide endless possibilities for flavor combinations. Experimenting with different herbs can help you discover new and exciting flavor profiles for your chicken dishes.
Savor the Last Bite
As someone who loves creating flavorful and healthy dishes, I've found that using dried herbs in my marinades has made a significant difference. Not only do they add a depth of flavor that fresh herbs sometimes can't achieve, but they also save me time and effort. My favorite marinade for chicken skewers includes our Serenity Spice Blends' Balmy Spice, which combines dried Hungarian paprika, celery seed, rosemary, onion powder, and garlic powder. This blend infuses the chicken with a rich, aromatic flavor that is simply irresistible.
Incorporating dried herbs into your marinades is a simple yet effective way to elevate your cooking. Their convenience, versatility, and health benefits make them an essential ingredient in any kitchen. So, next time you're preparing a chicken dish, reach for those dried herbs and enjoy the burst of flavor they bring to your meals!
Chicken & Veggie Skewer Ingredients:
Ingredients:
2 chicken breasts
8 mushrooms
½ red onion
1 red bell pepper
1 yellow bell pepper
1 small zucchini
1 tbsp avocado oil
2 tsp Balmy Spice Blend (Hungarian paprika, celery seed, rosemary, onion powder, garlic powder)
Pinch of pink Himalayan salt
Fresh ground black pepper
Directions:
1. Prep the Marinade: In a bowl, mix together the avocado oil, Balmy Spice Blend, pink Himalayan salt, and fresh ground black pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Dice the chicken breasts into large chunks. Add the chicken to the marinade, making sure each piece is well-coated. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or for even better flavor, overnight.
3. Prepare the Skewers: Soak 4-6 wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning while grilling.
4. Chop the Veggies: Cut the mushrooms, red onion, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and zucchini into large chunks.
5. Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken and chopped veggies onto the skewers, alternating the ingredients to create a colorful and appetizing presentation.
6. Grill to Perfection: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Cook the skewers on the grill, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender and slightly charred, about 10-12 minutes.
