Spiced Chicken Skewers With Grapes

These skewers turn basic grilled chicken breast into an irresistibly flavorful and fragrant dish. The meat is tossed with a mix of dried spices - no marinating time needed - then skewered with fresh green grapes that take on a deep, mellow flavor once grilled.

They can be done on the outdoor grill as well.

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon granulated garlic (garlic powder)

¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/8 teaspoon ground turmeric

1¼ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cut into ¾-inch cubes

1½ cups seedless green grapes

2 tablespoons canola oil or other neutral tasting oil

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, plus lemon wedges for serving

1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

You'll need to soak 8 wooden/bamboo skewers for 30 minutes before using. Whisk together the ginger, garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper and turmeric in a mixing bowl. Add the chicken and toss to coat evenly.

Alternate the chicken and grapes as you thread them onto the skewers. (There should be about 5 pieces of chicken and 4 grapes on each skewer; you may have a few grapes left over.) Brush with the oil.

Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Working in batches as needed, cook the skewers about 6 minutes total, turning them once or twice, until grill marks have formed, the grapes have softened and the chicken is cooked through.

Sprinkle with the lemon juice and cilantro; serve with lemon wedges.

Makes 4 servings

Nutrition | Per serving: 270 calories, 32 g protein, 10 g carbohydrates, 11 g fat, 2 g saturated fat, 105 mg cholesterol, 210 mg sodium, 0 g dietary fiber, 8 g sugar

From nutritionist and cookbook author Ellie Krieger