Diablo Marinade, jalapeno adds punch to chicken dish

This chicken dish with its grilled mushroom skewers fra diavolo packs a punch in the bold flavors of the marinade-sauce, and in the touch of jalapeno added to each skewer.

Happily, the high-powered flavor is achieved through the smart use of ingredients with a low-fat reading – and that should please those keeping an eye on nutritional value.

The chicken can be cooked using either an outdoor grill or a broiler.

Chicken with Grilled Mushroom Skewers Fra Diavolo

Recipe developed for the Associated Press by the Mushroom Information Center

1 1/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Diablo Marinade (recipe follows)

1 pound fresh medium-sized white mushrooms, halved

1 large red bell pepper, cut into 16 pieces

8 small jalapeno peppers, with stem ends, seeds and ribs removed

1 tablespoon flour

1 cup chopped tomato

In a large resealable plastic bag, place chicken breasts; add Diablo Marinade; marinate for at least 15 minutes turning twice or refrigerate for up to 12 hours.

Just before cooking, preheat broiler or outdoor grill. On 8 metal or presoaked bamboo skewers alternately skewer mushrooms and bell pepper pieces, placing a jalapeno at the end of each skewer. Remove chicken from marinade, reserving marinade. Place chicken on a grill or on a rack in a broiler pan; cook 5 minutes.

Place mushroom kebabs on the grill; brush chicken and mushrooms with some of the reserved marinade. Cook, turning, until chicken is cooked through and mushrooms are tender, about 10 minutes longer.

Meanwhile, transfer remaining marinade to a medium saucepan. Whisk in flour, then add tomatoes. Over medium heat, bring to a boil; reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes; spoon over chicken and mushrooms.

Diablo Marinade: In a bowl, combine 1 cup dry white wine, 1/2 cup finely chopped onion, 2 teaspoons minced garlic, 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes.

Yield: 4 servings

Nutrition information per serving: 260 calories, 5 grams fat (1 gram saturated, 17 percent fat calories) 38 grams protein, 16 grams carbohydrate, 4 grams dietary fiber.