Marianas Islands Style Chicken Keligun Kelaguen
Experience the vibrant flavors of the Pacific with Marianas Islands Style Chicken Keligun Kelaguen, a traditional Chamorro dish that combines zesty, smoky, and refreshing elements in every bite. This unique island recipe features tender grilled chicken infused with tangy lemon juice, spicy chili peppers, and the natural sweetness of freshly grated coconut. Tossed with aromatic green onions, finely minced white onion, and a touch of coconut oil, this light and flavorful dish is served chilled or at room temperature, making it ideal for warm-weather meals. Perfect as a standalone dish or paired with steamed rice or soft tortillas, this kelaguen showcases the bold, citrus-forward cuisine of the Marianas Islands. Bursting with fresh, tropical ingredients, this recipe is a must-try for adventurous food lovers seeking a taste of island life.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pieces Chicken breast, boneless and skinless
- 3 tablespoons Lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 pieces Fresh chili peppers (e.g., Thai chilies), finely chopped
- 0.5 cup Coconut, fresh grated (substitute with unsweetened dried coconut if unavailable)
- 3 stalks Green onions, finely chopped
- 0.5 cup White onion, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon Coconut oil
Instructions
Rinse the chicken breasts under cool water and pat them dry with paper towels.
Season the chicken breasts on both sides with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
Grill the chicken over medium heat for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, you can cook it on a stovetop grill pan or bake in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes.
Let the grilled chicken cool for about 5-7 minutes, then chop it into small bite-sized pieces or shred it finely.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken with the lemon juice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss the mixture so the chicken absorbs the citrus flavors.
Add the finely chopped chili peppers, grated coconut, green onions, and minced white onion to the bowl. Stir until everything is evenly distributed.
Drizzle the coconut oil over the mixture and gently fold it in to add a subtle richness to the dish.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or lemon juice, if desired.
Cover and let the Kelaguen rest for 10-15 minutes in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve cold or at room temperature with steamed rice, flour tortillas, or as is. Enjoy the fresh and zesty flavors of the Marianas Islands!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
163 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 8.0 g | 10% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.9 g | 29% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 42 mg | 14% | |
| Sodium | 528 mg | 23% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 6.8 g | 2% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.2 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.7 g | ||
| Protein | 16.6 g | 33% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 25 mg | 2% | |
| Iron | 1.2 mg | 7% | |
| Potassium | 285 mg | 6% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
