These chicken kabobs are super easy to whip up and packed with flavor! Marinated in a bright ginger lemon mix, they’re juicy and perfect for grilling or baking.
Whenever I make these, I can’t resist popping a few pieces off the skewer for myself. 🍋 Plus, they cook up so fast, making weeknight dinners a breeze!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless skinless breasts or thighs work best for kabobs. Thighs are juicier, but breasts are leaner. If you’re looking for a substitute, tofu or firm vegetables like zucchini can work for a veggie option.
Fresh Ginger: Fresh ginger really makes a difference in this marinade. If you don’t have fresh ginger, you can use ground ginger in a pinch—just use half the amount, as it’s stronger.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice gives a bright flavor. If you’re out of lemons, lime juice or even bottled lemon juice can substitute, though fresh is always best for taste!
Honey or Maple Syrup: Honey is amazing for adding sweetness, but maple syrup is a great vegan alternative. Feel free to adjust the sweetness based on your taste!
Olive Oil: This adds richness to the marinade. If you’re looking for a healthier option, avocado oil is a suitable substitute, or you can use any neutral oil you have on hand.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Kabobs Are Juicy and Flavorful?
The key to juicy kabobs lies in marinating the chicken. This step infuses the meat with flavor and keeps it tender during cooking. Here’s how to do it well:
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl.
- Add chicken cubes, making sure each piece is well-coated.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—longer if you have time, ideally 1-2 hours.
- Don’t forget to let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to let the juices settle.
These simple steps go a long way in making your kabobs delicious and juicy!
Easy Chicken Kabobs with Fresh Ginger Lemon Marinade
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kabobs:
- 1 1/2 pounds (about 700g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for a slight kick
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
- Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of active prep time. You should also plan for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours for marinating the chicken in the fridge. If you’re grilling, expect a total of about 10-12 minutes of cooking time. Perfect for a quick yet flavorful dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent them from burning on the grill.
2. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, honey or maple syrup, cumin, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you want some heat). This marinade is going to give your chicken great flavor!
3. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, making sure they’re well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—longer if you have time, for even more flavor.
4. Preheat Your Cooking Method:
If you’re grilling, preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C). If baking, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
5. Assemble the Kabobs:
Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, making sure to leave a little space between each piece. This helps them cook evenly!
6. Cook the Kabobs:
Grill the kabobs for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. If using the oven, place the kabobs on a lined baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping once halfway through cooking.
7. Let Them Rest:
Once cooked, remove the kabobs from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices settle and keeps your chicken juicy!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with chopped fresh herbs if you like. Serve your flavorful chicken kabobs hot with your favorite side dishes, such as rice, salad, or grilled vegetables.
Enjoy your tasty ginger lemon chicken kabobs!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Kabobs with Fresh Ginger Lemon Marinade
Can I Use Other Proteins for This Recipe?
Absolutely! This marinade works great with shrimp, tofu, or even beef. Just adjust the cooking time: shrimp will cook faster, while beef may need a bit more time depending on the cut.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
If you love heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes in the marinade, or add some sriracha or your favorite hot sauce to the mix. You can also serve with a spicy dipping sauce on the side!
Can I Prepare the Kabobs in Advance?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken the night before and assemble the kabobs the next day. Just keep them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. This will enhance the flavors even more!
What Should I Serve With These Kabobs?
These kabobs go well with a variety of sides! Consider serving them with rice, quinoa, a fresh salad, or grilled vegetables. Pita bread and tzatziki sauce also make great accompaniments!
