Celebration Kabobs & Fiesta Rice

Happy May 1st!  This deliciousness on a plate is oh-so-perfect for a 70-degree evening like we had in Richmond on Friday to wrap up the month of April.  This meal is a culinary celebration of vivid colors and bright flavors.  (Having Bob Marley singing to me in the kitchen while making these definitely just added to the fun and the flavor, as well).

It doesn’t get much better than chicken that has been marinating in a homemade olive oil, rosemary, sage, garlic blend for 3 hours, juicy orange pepper, fresh grape tomato, and sweet pineapple.  I am a HUGE fan of mixing sweet and savory, and this dish just does it for me.  It’s a jamboree for your palate and for your Friday evening. 

You will enjoy every single bite!

Ingredients (2-3 servings):

Kabobs:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces

Marinade for the chicken: olive oil, dried rosemary, dried sage, garlic powder, S & P

1 orange bell pepper, cut into bite-size pieces

Palmful of grape or cherry tomatoes

4 pineapple rings, cut into bite-size pieces

Fiesta Rice (inspiration:  www.skinnytaste.com):

1 small bag microwavable whole grain brown rice

½ cup black beans, rinsed and drained

½ cup corn

2 chopped scallions

1 tbsp. butter

How to make it happen:

Marinate your chicken in the simple marinade listed above for 3-ish hours in the fridge.  Place 4-5 skewers in a dish of water to help prevent burning on the grill (they will usually burn, anyway, but the soaking will help a little!)

Then, assemble your kabobs on skewers to your visual liking. The combination of colors is artistic and bold; I LOVE how beautiful they look.  Simply gorgeous.

When they are grilling, make your rice according to pkg directions.  White rice would be delicious too (I just prefer brown rice).  Add black beans, corn, scallions, and butter.  Stir ingredients together, and make sure to serve piping hot. 

Scoop a big ladleful of rice beside 2 kabobs on a plate.  Pour your Sauvignon Blanc into an eager glass, and pull your Red Stripe out of the fridge.  You are ready for a fantastic dinner. 

Celebration Kabobs & Fiesta Rice will definitely be making multiple appearances in our kitchen this spring and summer!

“Wake up and live.”

-Bob Marley