Grilled Chicken Skewers (Anticuchos De Pollo)

This marinade produces a very tender and delicious chicken. In Peru, this seasoning is traditional for making grilled beef. Serve with rice and grilled corn on the side. Prep time does not include marinating time.

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 12  garlic cloves
• 1  tablespoon cumin
• 1⁄4 cup  mild chili pepper, paste (aji panca, if available)
• 1⁄2 cup vinegar, divided
• 1  tablespoon salt (or to your taste)
• 2  teaspoons fresh ground black pepper
• 4  chicken breast halves (boneless, skinless)
• 1  red bell pepper
• 1  large red onion
• 15  large mushrooms (whole)
• 1⁄2 cup  vegetable oil
•  wooden skewer, soaked in water for 1 hour (15 skewers)

Directions

1. Mash the garlic with a mortar and pestle or garlic press. Add a little water if necessary to make a paste. Make the marinade in a bowl, mixing the crushed garlic, 1/4 cup of the vinegar, 1/4 cup chile pepper paste, 1 tablespoons cumin, 1 tbsp salt, and 2 teaspoons black pepper.
2. Cut the chicken breasts into 1 inch by 2 inch cubes. Place chicken pieces in bowl with the marinade and stir well. Marinate the chicken at least one hour or overnight in the refrigerator for best flavor.
3. Peel the onion and cut into 1 inch wedges. Remove the seeds and the white part of the bell pepper and cut into 1 inch chunks. Place the chicken and vegetable pieces on the wooden skewers, alternating them.
4. Make a basting mixture of 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 1/4 cup vinegar and a pinch of cumin.
5. Prepare the grill and grill chicken skewers for 5 minutes on each side. Baste several times during cooking.
6. Check doneness by cutting into a piece of chicken. If still pink on the inside, continue to grill checking frequently. Do not overcook.
7. Remove from the grill and serve with rice and grilled corn on the cob.