Chicken and Vegetable Skewers with Cilantro Marinade

What is it about eating food off a stick that makes us smile?  These chicken and vegetable skewers with cilantro marinade are perfect for the grill but can also be made in the oven for those dark and stormy nights.  Feel free to adapt the vegetables to what you like and have available.  These skewers would be great with small red potato halves just be sure to parboil them before skewering.  The cilantro marinade is equally amazing on any type of meat or even roasted potatoes.

Chicken and Vegetable Skewers with Cilantro Marinade

Cilantro Marinade

2 tbs extra virgin olive oil

3 cloves garlic, pressed

2 tbs fresh cilantro, finely chopped

1/4 tsp ground cumin

1/4 tsp ground coriander

1/4 tsp sea salt

1/8 tsp smoked paprika

Place all ingredients into a mortar and pestle or small food processor.

Pound or process until a paste consistency is reached.

Slather onto desired meats and/or vegetable.

Allow to marinate for at least 4 hours.

Chicken and Vegetable Skewers

makes 4 skewers

4 large skewers

4 boneless skinless chicken thighs

1 medium onion

1 red bell pepper

3 medium tomatoes

Cut each thigh into 4 equal pieces.

Cut the onion into eight wedges and then each wedge in half.

Cut the red pepper into 16 equal pieces

Cut each tomato into quarters.

Each skewer should consist of 4 pieces each of chicken, onion and pepper and 3 pieces of tomato.

Feel free to add any other vegetables you like.  

Mushrooms, parboiled red potatoes and zucchini all work wonderfully.

Slather the skewers with the cilantro marinade.

Allow to marinate at least 4 hours.

Grill over moderate heat for 20 to 30 minutes turning often or bake at 375 for 30 to 45 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.