It gets exhausting making food for other people especially when those other people are kids. They never seem to want ANYTHING. Tonight I told the 8-year-old we were going to have chicken tacos. He said he didn't want tacos. I said OK, how about a quesadilla? nope. A stir-fry? He made a face.
Now of course I can make anything I want, but I'm trying to get my kids excited about eating healthy foods and part of that means allowing them to be apart of the decision process.
He ended up getting distracted by the neighbor so I took matters into my own hands that resulted in this...
And this...
Two kids happily eating dinner -- nothing makes me smile more.
I decided to take the chicken I defrosted, cut it up, marinate it, and put it on a stick.
Why?
'Cause when you put things on sticks, kids eat things off sticks. I don't know why. They just do.
The simple marinade I made was delicious. Even The Husband was raving about this one.
Here's what I did ...
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon maple syrup
- 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- Pinch of salt
- 3 boneless chicken breasts
Instructions
Whisk the maple syrup, vinegar, ginger and salt in a medium bowl to make the marinade.
Cut the chicken into longer, thin chunks.
Place the chicken in the marinade, coat and let sit for at least 30 minutes.
Skewer the chicken on the stick lengthwise.
Grill.
Now I WANTED to use my outdoor grill but unfortunately I ran out of gas so I used a grill pan on my stove top.
Grill for about 4 minutes a side until the chicken was firm to the touch.
Sorry, no nutritional info on this one. I just counted it has chicken breast in my food journal.
📖 Recipe
Maple Ginger Chicken on a Stick
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon maple syrup
- 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- Pinch of salt
- 3 boneless chicken breasts
Instructions
- Whisk the maple syrup, vinegar, ginger and salt in a medium bowl to make the marinade.2 tablespoon maple syrup, 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, Pinch of salt
- Cut the chicken into longer, thin chunks.3 boneless chicken breasts
- Place the chicken in the marinade, coat and let sit for at least 30 minutes.
- Skewer the chicken on the stick lengthwise.
- Grill. Now I WANTED to use my outdoor grill but unfortunately I ran out of gas so I used a grill pan on my stove top. Grill for about 4 minutes a side until the chicken was firm to the touch.
Tracey
Ok, thanks!!!
Tracey
This looks awesome! Btw: How do you count cals for marinades?
roni
Hi Tracey!
I usually don't get to anal about the marinade. If it's something with a lot of honey I may count half just to account for the sugar but honesty, I don't think your typical marinade is with stressing over.
Just my thoughts.
-Roni
Brandi Martin
Totally tried this last night after too many months of hearing "ugh I don't want to eat that"...
It worked like a charm! The problem I am noticing is if they see something during the cooking process go on the food they freak out because they like things "plain". SO, I marinated the chicken during the day, go home before they did, put the chicken on the sticks and we had "plain" chicken on a stick for dinner with homemade "french fries".
They ate it wil no complaints! I especially loved the comment "Dad, this is the best chicken and potatoes you've ever made". I don't mind if the credit doesn't go to me...I know the truth and I'm glad they ate!
Thanks for the ideas!!
sallie
Mmmm. This looks great. Thanks for sharing, and I will def be giving this a shot this weekend!
Jennifer
I made this last night and it came out too sour for my taste. Maybe I marinated too long (overnight)? Any other suggestions?
roni
You could always up the maple syrup. I didn't get any sour notes when I made it but then again I only marinated for 30 minutes.
Thomas
Oh wow, that looks simply delicious! I'd really love to try this out!
Stephanie
I am finally running into trouble at dinner time with my 3.5yo daughter. I made meatloaf "muffins" two times in the last couple weeks and they were a big hit. I even got to add kale, celery and grated red onion without complaint!
I love this marinade idea, I will have to try this weekend.
Karen Z
How true - if you put it on a stick they will eat it - I used to make tons of fruit kabobs. This recipe looks yummy. I will have to try it.
Briana
Seriously, I swear our kids trade houses sometimes cause I have an (almost) 7 year old, (almost) 3 year old and a 1 year old and dinner at our house is practically the same thing. And yes, if it's on a stick, they'll eat it. These look good and we'll have to try them. I did a balsamic-maple glazed pork chop a week ago that my daughter said was "the BEST pork ever" and I'm excited to try this on chicken!
Kylee
The "toddler" is EIGHT!?
roni
Crazy right?!?
Kylee
Yes.
I remember the days.... lol.
Video into: Hi, I'm Roni and today *interrupts* AND I'M RYAN!!!!! *big grin*
Michele
These look great! I'll be trying them soon!
Mitch Parker
Wow! I love this recipe! I'm sure my kids will also love it. Thanks for sharing. 🙂