These Easy Ginger Lemon Chicken Kabobs are a tasty treat! Juicy chicken pieces are marinated in a mix of zesty lemon and spicy ginger, making every bite bursting with flavor.
What I love most is how simple they are to grill. Perfect for a weekend BBQ or a quick weeknight meal. Plus, they look super impressive on the table—your guests will think you’re a chef! 🍋🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: You can use either chicken breasts or thighs for a juicy result. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey or tofu offers great substitutes. Just keep in mind, cooking times may vary with different proteins.
Fresh Ginger: Fresh ginger gives a vibrant flavor. If you’re in a pinch, 1 teaspoon of ground ginger can be a substitute, though the taste won’t be as fresh. I personally love the warmth of fresh ginger in this dish!
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds richness to the marinade. For a twist, use sesame oil for a slight nutty flavor. Coconut oil can work too, juts be aware of its distinct taste.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Honey enhances the sweetness, but if you need a vegan option, maple syrup is perfect. I’ve also used agave syrup, and it works just as well.
Bell Peppers & Onion: Feel free to mix and match your veggies! Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or even mushrooms can add variety. Just ensure the cooking times match the chicken.
How Can I Get Juicy Chicken Kabobs Every Time?
Getting juicy chicken in kabobs revolves around a few key techniques. Marinating your chicken is essential; it tenderizes the meat and infuses it with flavor. For the best results, aim for at least an hour to let the marinade work its magic.
- Keep your grill or grill pan at a medium-high temperature to sear the meat quickly, locking in juices.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers! Give each piece some room for even cooking.
- Turn the kabobs regularly to develop a great char without drying out the chicken.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check the chicken’s doneness—165°F (75°C) is perfect!
By following these tips, your ginger lemon chicken kabobs will always come out deliciously moist and bursting with flavor!
Easy Ginger Lemon Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
- 2 lemons, juiced and zested
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
For the Veggies:
- 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 small red onion, cut into chunks
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus at least 30 minutes for marinating the chicken. If you have time, letting it marinate for 1 to 2 hours is best! The grilling itself will take about 10 to 12 minutes. So, in total, you can have these delicious kabobs ready in about 1 to 2 hours, including marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
Begin by grabbing a large bowl. Whisk together the grated ginger, lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, olive oil, honey, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re adding some spice. This is where all the magic starts!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to your marinade, making sure they are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you can, aim for 1 to 2 hours. This will really help the flavors soak into the chicken!
3. Preheat the Grill:
While your chicken is marinating, it’s time to preheat your grill or grill pan. Get it nice and hot over medium-high heat. This will give your kabobs those beautiful grill marks and cook the chicken perfectly.
4. Assemble the Kabobs:
Once the chicken is well-marinated, it’s time to thread it onto your skewers. Alternate putting the marinated chicken pieces with chunks of red and yellow bell peppers and red onion. This not only adds color but also makes for a tasty combination!
5. Grill the Kabobs:
Place the kabobs on the preheated grill. Grill them for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally. You’re looking for the chicken to be cooked through and have nice grill marks on the outside.
6. Let Them Rest:
After grilling, remove the kabobs from the heat and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, you can garnish your kabobs with fresh parsley or cilantro if you’d like a pop of color and freshness. Serve them with extra lemon wedges on the side for that zesty kick!
Enjoy your flavorful and juicy Easy Ginger Lemon Chicken Kabobs!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great choice for kabobs as they tend to be juicier and more flavorful. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Ginger?
No worries! You can substitute fresh ginger with ground ginger. Use about 1 teaspoon of ground ginger instead. Keep in mind that it won’t have quite the same brightness, but it will still add nice flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Kabobs?
Store any leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or place them back on a grill for a few minutes to warm them through.
Can I Make These Kabobs in the Oven?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the kabobs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through.
