These Easy Ginger Lemon Chicken Kabobs bring together juicy chicken, zesty lemon, and a hint of ginger for a tasty treat! Perfect for grilling or baking, they’re quick and fun to make.
Getting those kabobs ready always makes me smile, especially when the kids help out. I love serving them with rice or a fresh salad—delicious and colorful on the plate!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless thighs for juiciness, but breasts work too! If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey can also be a tasty substitute.
Fresh Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a lovely zing. If you don’t have fresh, use 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger instead, but fresh is always best for flavor!
Honey or Maple Syrup: Honey gives a nice sweetness. If you’re vegan or avoiding honey, maple syrup is a great substitute—just keep the flavor profile in mind!
Tumeric: This ingredient is optional but adds great color! If you don’t have it, you can skip it or use a pinch of curry powder for a similar effect.
How Do I Get Tender and Juicy Chicken in My Kabobs?
The marinade is key to juicy kabobs! Marinating the chicken not only adds flavor but also helps tenderize it. Aim for at least 30 minutes in the fridge, but 1-2 hours is even better. This time allows all those tasty ingredients to really soak in!
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl.
- Add chicken, ensuring it’s well coated, and refrigerate.
- Don’t skip resting your kabobs after cooking; this helps redistribute juices.
With these tips, you’re set to make delicious Ginger Lemon Chicken Kabobs that everyone will love! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
How to Make Easy Ginger Lemon Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kabobs:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, finely grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric (optional, for color and subtle flavor)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime or lemon wedges, for serving
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes prior)
Total Time Estimate:
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, plus at least 30 minutes to marinate the chicken. So overall, plan for around 1 hour to have these kabobs ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, grated ginger, minced garlic, olive oil, soy sauce, honey, ground turmeric, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined. This will be your flavorful marinade!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken chunks to the marinade. Toss them around until everything is nicely coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, let the chicken marinate for 1-2 hours if you have the time!
3. Preheat the Grill or Broiler:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using an oven, set your broiler to preheat as well.
4. Assemble the Kabobs:
Take the chicken out of the marinade. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, making sure they’re close but not tightly packed. This will help them cook evenly!
5. Cook the Kabobs:
If you’re grilling, place the kabobs on the grill and cook them for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and has those lovely char marks. If broiling, place the skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil for about 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through.
6. Rest and Garnish:
Once cooked, take the kabobs off the heat and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This helps keep them juicy!
7. Serve it Up:
Sprinkle some chopped fresh cilantro over the kabobs, and serve them with lime or lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor. They go great with steamed rice, grilled veggies, or a crisp salad!
Enjoy your delicious Ginger Lemon Chicken Kabobs—easy to make and packed with flavor!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Proteins Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! These kabobs can be made with shrimp, pork, or beef. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly: shrimp cooks quickly (about 5-7 minutes), while pork and beef may need a bit longer to ensure they’re cooked through.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Ginger?
If you don’t have fresh ginger on hand, you can substitute it with 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger. While the flavor won’t be exactly the same, it will still add a nice warmth to the kabobs!
How Should I Store Leftover Kabobs?
Store any leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at a low temperature or heat them gently in the microwave until warmed through.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade in advance! Just store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before using it. When you’re ready to grill, simply add the chicken and let it marinate as directed.
