Indian-spiced chicken kebabs with cilantro-mint chutney (and chipotle rice)

My friends Sarah and Zac gave me The Bon Appetite Cookbook as a wedding/housewarming gift.  I couldn’t be happier.  I’ve tried many recipes already (french onion soup, chipotle mashed potatoes…) and I have been pleased with all of them.  I chose to make this recipe first because I enjoy flavorful foods with an ethnic flare. I think this recipe delivers (for the most part).  The chicken was tender and deliciously spicy.  The chutney on the other hand left something to be desired.  Did I mention I hate mint?  And the cilantro, jalapeno, and lemon juice did nothing to mask the flavor.  Bummer.  I served the recipe with chipotle rice, which couldn’t be easier to make.  J threw a chipotle smoked in banana leaves in the rice cooker with a little salt.  Mmm….chipotle.  Oh yes, and the obligatory green vegetable, straight from our CSA box.

The recipe can be found below or at the epicurious website here.

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“Indian-spiced chicken kebabs with cilantro-mint chutney”

(~24, 2 inch cubes.  This barely served three people.  I’d recommend doubling the amount of chicken.)

Chutney

• 1/2 cup (packed) fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 cup (packed) fresh cilantro leaves
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 1/2 tbsp minced ginger
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
• 2 tbsp plain yogurt

Chicken

• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 3 tbsp tikka paste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (I used a couple more)
• 2 tsp minced ginger
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 small white onion, diced (this wasn’t in the recipe, but I thought it was a nice addition)
• 1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into cubes

• 24 6″ bamboo skewers, soaked in water 30 minutes
• limes

FOR CHUTNEY: Blend mint, cilantro, lemon, ginger, jalapeno, and yogurt in blender or processor until smooth.  Cover and refrigerate.

FOR CHICKEN: Whisk yogurt, tikka paste, olive oil, garlic, ginger, onion, and pepper in bowl.  Add chicken and coat. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours (up to 12 hours).

…And here is where I stopped following the recipe.  The recipe wants you to:

Preheat broiler.  Thread 1 chicken piece onto each skewer.  Cover exposed part of skewer with foil.  Broil chicken until cooked through, turning occasionally, about 8 minutes.  Serve.

I packed as many chicken pieces would fit on my 12″ skewers and then cooked over a medium-high flame on my lovely grill pan.

Bon Appetit recommended serving the chicken on a bed of lettuce and cucumber.  While I’m not much for presentation, I’m all for hearty meals with a nice balance of protein, carbs, and veges.  Enjoy!

On second thought cucumbers might be a cool compliment to the spicy meat.  No lettuce.  I like to eat everything on my plate and wilted lettuce does not sound appetizing.