These Easy Ginger Lemon Chicken Kabobs are juicy and packed with flavor! The zesty lemon and warm ginger bring a tasty twist to simple grilled chicken. Perfect for summer cookouts!
You’ll love how quick and fun they are to make. Just chop, marinate, and skewer! I often serve them with a side of rice or veggies, and they disappear fast. Who knew healthy eating could be so tasty? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are my go-to for juicy kabobs, but breasts are a leaner option. If you want to mix it up, try shrimp or even firm tofu for a vegetarian twist!
Lemon Juice & Zest: Fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor, but you can use bottled if needed. Lime juice works as a great substitute too, adding a slightly different zing.
Fresh Ginger: Fresh ginger really shines in this recipe, but ground ginger can be used in a pinch. Just half the amount since it’s more concentrated. Feel free to adjust to your taste!
Honey or Maple Syrup: I use honey for sweetness, but maple syrup is a great vegan alternative. You can even skip this if you’re watching your sugar intake or use agave nectar instead.
How Do You Ensure Your Chicken Kabobs Are Juicy and Flavorful?
Marinating the chicken is the key to flavor and moisture. Try to let it sit for at least 30 minutes; longer is better! Make sure your grill is hot enough to get good char marks without drying out the chicken. Turning the kabobs gently while they cook prevents drying and ensures even cooking.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat before cooking your kabobs.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; 165°F means it’s ready!
- Let the kabobs rest a couple of minutes after grilling before serving them – this gives the juices time to redistribute.
Easy Ginger Lemon Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1.5-inch chunks
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp ground turmeric (optional, for color and flavor)
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime or lemon wedges (for serving)
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water 30 minutes before grilling)
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 30 minutes to marinate the chicken (or up to 2 hours if you have time). Cooking on the grill takes another 10-12 minutes. In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour for a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Marinade
In a large bowl, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, minced ginger, minced garlic, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, ground turmeric, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s all blended nicely.
2. Marinate the Chicken
Add the pieces of chicken into the marinade. Stir gently to coat every bite of chicken evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, letting it marinate for up to 2 hours will give you even more flavor!
3. Preheat the Grill
While you’re waiting for the chicken, heat up your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. This will ensure the kabobs cook perfectly when you’re ready.
4. Skewer the Chicken
Take the marinated chicken out of the fridge. If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, making sure they are spaced out a bit for even cooking.
5. Grill the Kabobs
Place the skewers on the grill. Grill the chicken kabobs for about 10-12 minutes. Turn them occasionally so they cook evenly and get those lovely char marks on all sides.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Once the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature), remove the kabobs from the grill and place them on a serving plate. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley and serve with lime or lemon wedges for an extra zesty kick. Enjoy your tasty kabobs!
These tangy and fragrant ginger lemon chicken kabobs are wonderful for a summer meal and are sure to impress your family and friends!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just fine for this recipe. They are leaner than thighs, so just be careful not to overcook them to keep them juicy. Grill until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade the day before and store it in the fridge. Just mix all the ingredients and keep it covered. When you’re ready to cook, simply toss the chicken in the marinade and let it sit for the required time!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have a Grill?
No worries! You can cook these kabobs in a grill pan on the stove or even in the oven. If using an oven, bake them at 400°F on a lined baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
How Do I Store Leftover Kabobs?
Store any leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in the microwave or skillet, being careful not to overdo it to maintain moisture.
