Indulge in the flavors of the Pacific with Guam Chicken Kelaguen, a traditional Chamorro dish bursting with zest and aroma. Succulent pieces of grilled chicken are finely chopped and mixed with freshly grated coconut, tangy lemon juice, spicy chili peppers, and aromatic onions. Served chilled, this vibrant salad offers a symphony of textures and tastes, combining the tender juiciness of chicken with the crispness of coconut and the bright citrusy notes of lemon. Guam Chicken Kelaguen is not just a dish; it's a celebration of Guam's rich culinary heritage, perfect for gatherings, picnics, or simply savoring a taste of the tropics.
Here's a recipe for Guam Chicken Kelaguen:
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup freshly grated coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped white onion
- 2-3 hot chili peppers (like Thai bird's eye chili), finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1- Start by grilling or broiling the chicken breasts until they are fully cooked and nicely browned on the outside. Allow the chicken to cool slightly.
2- Once cooled, finely chop the grilled chicken breasts into small pieces. You can also shred the chicken if you prefer a finer texture.
3- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken with the freshly grated coconut, chopped green onions, chopped white onion, and finely chopped hot chili peppers.
4- Pour the freshly squeezed lemon juice over the chicken mixture. Start with about half of the lemon juice and adjust to taste. You can always add more lemon juice if you prefer a tangier flavor.
5- Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. Be cautious with the salt as the coconut may already have some natural saltiness.
6- Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is evenly mixed and coated with the lemon juice.
7- Taste the chicken kelaguen and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice according to your preference.
8- Once the flavors are balanced to your liking, cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken kelaguen for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
9- Before serving, give the chicken kelaguen a final toss and garnish with additional chopped green onions or chili peppers if desired.
10- Serve chilled as a refreshing appetizer or main dish. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Guam Chicken Kelaguen!
Nutritional Values:
Here's an approximate nutritional breakdown for the main ingredients in Guam Chicken Kelaguen per serving:
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (4 oz/113g):
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
benefits:Excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
Freshly grated coconut (1/4 cup/20g):
- Calories: 90
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 2g
benefits:Rich in healthy fats, fiber, and minerals like manganese and copper. Provides sustained energy and supports digestion.
Green onions (1/2 cup/50g):
- Calories: 16
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 2g
benefits:Low in calories and high in antioxidants like vitamin K and vitamin C. Supports immune function and promotes heart health.
White onion (1/4 cup/40g):
- Calories: 16
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
benefits:Contains compounds like quercetin and sulfur compounds, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Supports immune function and may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Hot chili peppers (2-3 peppers/10g):
- Calories: 6
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
benefits:Rich in capsaicin, which has been linked to various health benefits such as pain relief, improved metabolism, and reduced inflammation. Also a good source of vitamin C.
Lemon juice (1/2 cup/120ml):
- Calories: 13
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
benefits:Packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and citric acid. Supports immune function, aids digestion, and may help with weight loss and skin health.
Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as the specific ingredients used and any added seasonings or variations in preparation.
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