Delicious Island-Style Chicken Kelaguen at Home

Craving something fresh and totally different for dinner tonight? Chicken kelaguen is about to become your new favorite dish!

This beloved Chamorro recipe from Guam combines tender grilled chicken with bright lemon juice, fresh coconut, and a kick of spicy peppers. What makes chicken kelaguen so special?

It’s incredibly easy to make, packed with bold flavors, and perfect for any occasion – from weeknight dinners to backyard parties.

Unlike heavy, complicated meals, this light and refreshing dish comes together in just minutes using simple ingredients that can be found at any grocery store.

Ready to learn why families in Guam have been making this tasty treasure for generations?

What is Chicken Kelaguen?

Chicken Kelaguen is a celebrated dish from Guam and the Marianas, known for its bold, tangy flavor and rich ingredients.

Traditionally, grilled chicken is finely chopped and marinated in citrus juice, usually lemon, then tossed with shredded coconut, green onions, and spicy peppers.

This combination gives it a refreshing zing and a satisfying texture unlike any other salad or chicken dish.

Served cold or at room temperature, Chicken Kelaguen is not just food – it’s a festive part of Chamorro gatherings, enjoyed with rice or tortillas.

Its roots run deep in Guam’s culture, representing resourcefulness, community, and the tropical flavors of the Pacific islands.

Step-by-Step Guide: Making Chicken Kelaguen at Home

Making original chicken kelaguen is easier than you think – just follow these simple steps. The secret is in the timing and technique, so let’s break it down step by step.

Step 1: Grill and Cool the Chicken

Start by grilling the chicken over medium-high heat until it is completely cooked through and has a slight char, which usually takes about 20 to 25 minutes.

The grilling process locks in flavors and adds a smoky touch. Once done, let the chicken cool enough to handle, so it remains juicy when shredded.

Pro Tip: Using grilled chicken rather than baked adds a subtle smoky flavor for truly original kelaguen.

Step 2: Shred the Chicken

Once the grilled chicken has cooled enough to handle, carefully remove the skin. Then, shred or chop the meat into small, bite-sized pieces.

The key is to make the pieces fine enough to absorb marinade flavors thoroughly while keeping a light, flaky texture. This shredding step is vital for creating authentic chicken kelaguen.

Pro Tip: Use hands or two forks for shredding – small pieces soak up more flavor and blend flawlessly.

Step 3: Mix in Lemon Juice and Salt

Transfer the shredded chicken into a large mixing bowl. Pour freshly squeezed lemon juice generously over the chicken and sprinkle with salt.

Toss the mixture thoroughly to coat every piece, ensuring the citrus juice tenderizes and infuses the chicken with its iconic bright and tangy flavor. This step is essential to achieve the original kelaguen taste.

Pro Tip: Let the mixture marinate for at least 30 minutes for maximum zest and tenderness.

Step 4: Add Coconut, Onions, and Peppers

Next, gently fold in the freshly grated coconut along with finely chopped green onions, minced white onion, and hot chile peppers.

Mix carefully to ensure even distribution without mashing the ingredients. These add layers of texture, sweetness, sharpness, and heat, creating the complex, fresh flavor profile that defines chicken kelaguen.

Pro Tip: Adjust coconut and peppers according to taste – add little by little and sample as you go.

Step 5: Chill, Garnish, and Serve

Chill the prepared kelaguen in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours to let all the flavors meld and deepen.

When ready, garnish with extra chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Serve it cold or at room temperature alongside warm rice, tortillas, or titiyas to complement the bold, tangy notes of the dish.

Pro Tip: Serve with warm rice, tortillas, or titiyas for a classic Guam-style meal.

Recipe Notes

Here’s everything you need to know before making this authentic chicken kelaguen. This traditional Chamorro dish is perfect for any occasion, with most of the magic happening in the flavorful no-cook assembly.

With just 15 minutes of prep and basic grilling skills, you’ll have an original taste of Guam on your table in under 40 minutes!

Kelaguen Recipe Variations You’ll Love

The beauty of kelaguen lies in its versatility – this traditional preparation method works wonderfully with different proteins and ingredients.

Each variation maintains the signature tangy, fresh flavors while offering something new to try.

1. Shrimp Kelaguen

Swap out chicken for cooked, chopped shrimp to create a bright, ocean-inspired version of kelaguen.

This dish is popular at Guam fiestas, combining the sweet, briny flavor of shrimp with tangy lemon juice and fresh coconut. Add diced mango or a squeeze of calamansi for an extra tropical twist.

Instructions: Chop or roughly mash cooked shrimp. Mix with lemon juice, grated coconut, chopped onions, and hot peppers. Refrigerate for 8-12 hours until the shrimp turns opaque. Serve chilled over rice or with tortillas.

2. Fish Kelaguen

For an island classic, use finely diced raw fish such as fresh tuna or snapper. “Cook” the fish in lemon juice, like ceviche, and mix it with coconut, green onions, and spicy peppers.

Fish Kelaguen is light, refreshing, and showcases the freshest seafood flavors in a simple, delightful way.

Instructions: Dice fresh fish into small pieces. Marinate in lemon juice for 30-60 minutes until opaque. Mix in grated coconut, onions, and chopped hot peppers. Serve chilled with rice or lettuce wraps.

3. Vegetarian Kelaguen

Swap meat for cubes of baked tofu or roasted mushrooms for a plant-based kelaguen.

Tofu absorbs the zesty lemon-coconut marinade while mushrooms add a meaty texture. This version delivers bold tropical flavors, making it a creative, protein-rich option for vegetarian and vegan eaters alike.

Instructions: Cube tofu or slice mushrooms and roast. Toss with lemon juice, grated coconut, diced onions, and hot peppers. Chill before serving. Enjoy with tortillas or salad greens.

Nutrition Facts

Chicken kelaguen isn’t just delicious – it’s also a nutritious, well-balanced meal. This protein-packed dish provides essential nutrients while remaining relatively light, making it an ideal choice for a healthy diet.

Note: Nutrition values are estimates based on traditional chicken kelaguen with grilled chicken, lemon juice, coconut, and fresh peppers. Actual values may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.