Get ready for juicy chicken kabobs marinated in a zesty ginger lemon mix! This dish is perfect for summer BBQs or cozy family dinners, bringing bright and fresh flavors together.
What’s great about these kabobs is how easy they are to make. Just toss the chicken in the marinade, pop them on skewers, and grill! Trust me, the kids will love them too! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: This is the star of the kabobs. I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breast for tenderness. If you want something different, try chicken thighs for a richer flavor, or even shrimp or firm tofu for a great vegetarian option!
Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a unique zing to the marinade. If fresh isn’t available, powdered ginger can work in a pinch, but use half the amount. I personally love the bright kick fresh ginger brings to the dish.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is key here. If you’re short on time, jarred minced garlic can work. But, nothing beats the aroma of fresh garlic when it cooks!
Bell Peppers: Use any color bell pepper you like—they add color and sweetness. You can also swap them for zucchini or mushrooms if you prefer a different veggie or are watching carbs.
Olive Oil: This keeps the kabobs juicy. Feel free to swap it with avocado oil or melted coconut oil for a different flavor profile.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Stays Juicy on the Grill?
Keeping chicken juicy is all about the marinade and cooking technique. For the best results, follow these steps:
- Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but go longer if possible—up to overnight is best!
- When grilling, preheat your grill well to create a nice sear. This helps lock in moisture.
- Avoid overcooking. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer if you have one!
- Let the kabobs rest for a few minutes after grilling. This allows juices to redistribute within the chicken.
Following these tips will help you serve up moist and tasty kabobs every time!
How to Make Chicken Kabobs With Ginger Lemon Marinade
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Marinade:
- 2 pounds chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup fresh ginger, grated
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 2 lemons
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Kabobs:
- 2 bell peppers (any color), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 1 hour to prepare and marinate, plus an additional 20 minutes for grilling. If you can let the chicken marinate overnight, it will taste even better! So, plan on a total of roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes to enjoy these delicious kabobs.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
Start by grabbing a large bowl. In it, combine the grated ginger, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, honey, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together really well to get a smooth marinade. This blend of flavors will give your chicken a fantastic taste!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Next, add the cubes of chicken breast into the bowl with the marinade. Use your hands or a spoon to make sure all the chicken pieces are well coated in that yummy marinade. Once everything is coated, cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, but if you have time for 4 hours or even overnight, that will deepen the flavor nicely!
3. Prepare for Grilling:
If you’re using wooden skewers, now’s the time to soak them in water for about 30 minutes to help prevent them from burning on the grill. While they’re soaking, move on to preheating your grill to medium-high heat so it’s ready for when the chicken is marinated and skewered.
4. Assemble the Kabobs:
With your marinated chicken ready, take your skewers and begin assembling the kabobs. Start with a piece of chicken, then add a chunk of bell pepper, followed by an onion piece, and repeat until your skewer is filled, leaving a little space at the ends. This colorful mix will make your kabobs not just tasty but beautiful too!
5. Grill the Kabobs:
Now it’s time to grill! Carefully place your assembled kabobs on the preheated grill. Grill them for about 10 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally to get those lovely grill marks. Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s cooked through.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once your kabobs are done grilling, take them off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute for a moist bite. Finally, garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side. Dive into your delicious Chicken Kabobs With Ginger Lemon Marinade and enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Boneless Skinless Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless skinless thighs are a great alternative and will add extra juiciness to the kabobs. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
What Can I Use Instead of Honey for a Different Sweetener?
You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan option. Adjust the amount to taste, as these sweeteners can have different sweetness levels compared to honey.
How Do I Store Leftover Kabobs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Make These Kabobs in the Oven Instead of a Grill?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the kabobs on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, turning halfway through for even cooking.
