Chicken Kabobs with Ginger Lemon Marinade: A Fresh Take on a Classic Favorite
There’s something about kabobs that makes any meal feel like a celebration. Maybe it’s the bright pops of color from the veggies and fruit, or maybe it’s the joy of eating food on a stick.
Either way, chicken kabobs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and when paired with this ginger lemon marinade, they truly shine. This recipe is quick, flavorful, and versatile, making it a must-have for busy weeknights, backyard BBQs, or even as an impressive dinner party dish.
What Makes This Recipe Great?
The secret to these kabobs lies in the ginger lemon marinade. It’s a simple mix of pantry staples like lemon juice, soy sauce, and a hint of sesame oil, paired with the warmth of ginger and coriander.
Together, these ingredients transform ordinary chicken into tender, flavorful bites bursting with tangy, slightly sweet, and subtly spicy notes. Plus, this marinade works its magic in just 20 minutes, so there’s no need to wait hours for great flavor.
Kabobs are also endlessly fun. Whether you’re serving adults or kids, everyone loves the customizable nature of kabobs. Each skewer becomes a personal work of art, with chicken cubes nestled between juicy pineapple, crisp bell peppers, and sweet cherry tomatoes. It’s a meal that’s just as fun to make as it is to eat!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Kabobs
Making kabobs might seem straightforward, but a few simple tricks can take your skewers from good to great. With these tips, you’ll ensure perfectly cooked, flavorful kabobs every time—whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a first-time kabob maker.
- Cut Evenly: To ensure everything cooks at the same rate, cut your chicken and vegetables into uniform pieces. Aim for 2-inch chicken cubes and similarly sized chunks of pineapple and bell peppers.
- Soak Wooden Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20–30 minutes before threading to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skewers: Leave a little space between the ingredients so the heat can circulate evenly. This helps everything cook through without steaming.
- Rotate Often: Turn the skewers every few minutes while grilling to achieve even cooking and beautiful char marks on all sides.
- Brush While Grilling: Keep some of the marinade aside (before adding the raw chicken) and brush it on the kabobs as they grill. This keeps them moist and enhances the flavor.
Recipe Variations to Try
One of the best things about kabobs is how versatile they are—you can mix and match ingredients to suit your taste or use what you have on hand.
Whether you’re looking to switch up the protein, add more veggies, or experiment with bold flavors, these variations will keep your kabob game fresh and exciting!
- Vegetarian Option: Swap out the chicken for cubes of tofu or halloumi cheese. Both absorb the Ginger Lemon Marinade beautifully and pair well with the pineapple and veggies.
- Switch Up the Protein: This marinade works just as well with shrimp, pork, or even cubes of firm white fish like swordfish.
- Add More Veggies: Experiment with zucchini, red onion, or mushrooms for more variety. Each adds a unique flavor and texture to the kabobs.
- Go Tropical: Include mango or papaya chunks alongside the pineapple for an extra burst of tropical sweetness.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red chili flakes or a splash of sriracha to the marinade for a bit of heat.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken kabobs pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Serve them over fluffy jasmine rice, alongside a crisp green salad, or with a simple pasta salad. For a more indulgent option, pair them with buttery garlic bread. These kabobs are also fantastic as an appetizer for a party—just use shorter skewers and make bite-sized portions!
If you’re looking for a complete summer meal, consider serving these kabobs with a refreshing fruit salad and a cold lemonade or iced tea. The light, zesty flavors of the kabobs perfectly complement fresh, seasonal sides.
Storage Tips for Leftovers (If There Are Any!)
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the kabobs in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes or until warmed through.
Alternatively, you can remove the chicken and veggies from the skewers and reheat them in a skillet for a quick stir-fry. Leftover kabobs are also fantastic cold, sliced up and tossed into a salad for lunch the next day.
Chicken Kabobs with Ginger Lemon Marinade: A Fresh Take on a Classic Favorite
6
skewers20
minutes15
minutes
Bright, colorful, and bursting with flavor, these Chicken Kabobs with Ginger Lemon Marinade are the ultimate crowd-pleaser! Juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, crisp bell peppers, and vibrant cherry tomatoes come together on skewers for a meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat
Ingredients
8 oz boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2-inch cubes
18 squares sweet green pepper
18 pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
18 cherry tomatoes
3 Tbsp lemon juice
2 Tbsp water
1 Tbsp vegetable oil
2 tsp sesame oil
1.5 tsp red wine vinegar
4 tsp brown sugar
1 tsp minced gingerroot (or ¼ tsp ground ginger)
1/2 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp ground fennel seeds (optional)
Directions
- In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, water, vegetable oil, sesame oil, red wine vinegar, brown sugar, ginger, coriander, and fennel seeds (if using). Mix well until the sugar dissolves. Set aside a small amount to use for brushing on kabobs during grilling.
- Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 20 minutes while you prepare the vegetables.
- Thread the marinated chicken, green pepper squares, pineapple chunks, and cherry tomatoes alternately onto skewers. Repeat until all ingredients are used, ensuring each skewer has a balanced mix.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- Place the kabobs on the grill and cook for 15–20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Brush with reserved marinade (set aside before adding chicken) during grilling for extra flavor.
- The chicken should be cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove kabobs from the grill and serve immediately with your choice of sides, such as rice, salad, or garlic bread.
Notes
- This recipe makes 6 kabobs with 3 pieces each of pepper, pineapple, and tomatoes and 3-4 chicken cubes each.
Why This Chicken Kabob Recipe Is a Keeper
This chicken kabob recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. The ginger lemon marinade is quick to whip up and uses ingredients you likely already have on hand. The kabobs themselves are colorful, healthy, and perfect for any occasion. Plus, they’re endlessly customizable, so you can make them your own.
Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or just feeding your family on a busy weeknight, these kabobs are sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. So grab some skewers, fire up the grill, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as easy as it is impressive. Bon appétit!
While you are here, be sure to check out these other great meal ideas!
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Hamburger Hash with Chickpeas: A Versatile, Budget-Friendly Meal
The Best Basic Meatball Recipe: Great for Freezing and Meal Prep
Easy One-Pot Meatball Stroganoff
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Comfort Food Done Right: Classic Beef Stroganoff
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