Explore the vibrant flavors of Guam with our traditional Kelaguen Mannok recipe. This beloved Chamorro dish features tender, smoky chicken marinated in zesty lemon, spicy chili peppers, and fragrant coconut. Served with warm tortillas or rice, it's a mouthwatering taste of Pacific Island cuisine that will transport you to the tropical paradise of Guam. Whether you're hosting a festive gathering or simply craving a taste of the exotic, Guam Kelaguen Mannok is sure to satisfy your culinary wanderlust.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup freshly grated coconut
• 1/2 cup lemon juice (about 4-5 lemons)
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2-3 Thai chili peppers, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Biba or corn tortillas, for serving

Instructions:

1- Begin by grilling or broiling the chicken thighs until they are fully cooked and nicely charred on the outside. Allow them to cool slightly, then shred the meat into small pieces using a fork or your hands. Alternatively, you can chop the cooked chicken into fine pieces.

2- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with freshly grated coconut, chopped green onions, chopped cilantro, chopped Thai chili peppers, and chopped onion.

3- Pour lemon juice over the chicken mixture and toss well to combine. The acidity of the lemon juice will help "cook" the chicken slightly and infuse it with flavor.

4- Season the Kelaguen Mannok mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference for spiciness and tanginess.

5- Allow the flavors to meld together by refrigerating the Kelaguen Mannok for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before serving. This step allows the ingredients to marinate and intensify in flavor.

6- Once chilled, serve the Guam Kelaguen Mannok with warm biba or corn tortillas on the side. Alternatively, you can serve it with rice or as a filling for lettuce wraps.

7- Enjoy the vibrant flavors of this traditional Chamorro dish, savoring each bite of tender chicken infused with the bright citrusy notes of lemon, the richness of coconut, and the kick of spicy chili peppers. Biba, or "cheers," to a taste of Guam in your own kitchen!

Nutritional Values:

Here's an approximate nutritional breakdown for the ingredients used in the Guam Kelaguen Mannok recipe:

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (1 lb):

• Calories: 800 kcal
• Protein: 120 g
• Fat: 36 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Sugars: 0 g
• Sodium: 280 mg (approximate, depending on any added marinades or seasoning)

benefits:

• Rich source of protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Provides important vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins, zinc, and selenium.

Freshly grated coconut (1 cup):

• Calories: 283 kcal
• Protein: 3 g
• Fat: 27 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Sugars: 4 g
• Sodium: 16 mg

benefits:

• Contains healthy fats, including medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which may support heart health and aid in weight management.
• High in fiber, promoting digestive health and providing a feeling of fullness.
• Contains vitamins and minerals, including manganese, copper, and iron.

Lemon juice (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 14 kcal
• Protein: 0.5 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4.5 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Sugars: 1 g
• Sodium: 2 mg

benefits:

• Excellent source of vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and promotes skin health.
• May aid digestion and help alkalize the body.
• Provides antioxidants that combat free radicals and reduce inflammation.

Green onions (1/2 cup chopped):

• Calories: 16 kcal
• Protein: 1 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugars: 2 g
• Sodium: 8 mg

benefits:

• Low in calories and rich in antioxidants, including flavonoids and sulfur compounds.
• Contains vitamin K, essential for blood clotting and bone health.
• May have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

Fresh cilantro (1/4 cup chopped):

• Calories: 1 kcal
• Protein: 0 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Sugars: 0 g
• Sodium: 1 mg

benefits:

• Good source of antioxidants, such as quercetin and kaempferol, which may have anti-cancer effects.
• Contains vitamins A and K, important for eye health and bone health, respectively.
• Has been associated with detoxification and heavy metal chelation properties.

Thai chili peppers (2-3 peppers):

• Calories: 5 kcal
• Protein: 0.3 g
• Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Sugars: 0.5 g
• Sodium: 1 mg

benefits:

• Contains capsaicin, which may boost metabolism and aid in weight loss.
• Rich in vitamins A and C, supporting immune function and skin health.
• May have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects.

Onion (1/2 onion):

• Calories: 22 kcal
• Protein: 0.5 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugars: 2.5 g
• Sodium: 2 mg

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants, such as quercetin, which may have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
• Rich in prebiotic fibers, promoting gut health and supporting beneficial gut bacteria.
• Provides vitamin C and other nutrients that support immune function and overall health.

Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as the specific brands used and any variations in preparation. Additionally, the values provided are for the ingredients themselves and do not account for any added salt or seasoning.