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- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons) - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium recommended) - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced finely - 1 teaspoon ground ginger - 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper - Salt to taste These ingredients form the heart of the dish. The chicken thighs are juicy and tender. Honey adds sweetness, while lemon juice provides a bright zing. Soy sauce brings depth, and olive oil keeps everything moist. Garlic and ginger add warmth and flavor, making each bite exciting. You can use wooden or metal skewers. If you pick wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. This step helps prevent burning on the grill. Metal skewers do not need soaking, but they can get hot. Be careful when handling them. To make your dish pop, add fresh lemon wedges and chopped parsley. The lemon wedges give a bright burst of flavor. Parsley adds color and a fresh touch, making your dish look even more inviting. {{ingredient_image_2}} To make the marinade, grab a medium mixing bowl. Add these ingredients: - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons) - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced finely - 1 teaspoon ground ginger - 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper - Salt to taste Whisk all these ingredients together. This will mix the sweet and tangy flavors well. The marinade should smell amazing! Let the chicken soak in this mix for at least 30 minutes. If you can wait longer, two hours gives even better taste. This soaking helps the chicken absorb all those yummy flavors. Next, it’s time to heat things up! Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. The grill must be hot to get a nice sear on the chicken. Now, let’s thread the chicken onto skewers. Make sure to leave a small gap of about 1/4 inch between each piece. This helps cook the chicken evenly. When your grill is hot, place the skewers on it. Cook the skewers for about 12-15 minutes. Turn them every few minutes for even cooking and char. To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). This ensures your chicken is safe to eat and still juicy. Once cooked, take the skewers off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making each bite tender. To boost flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika. These spices add warmth and depth. Fresh herbs, like thyme or rosemary, can also work wonders. For the best taste, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. However, marinating for up to two hours gives the chicken a richer flavor. When threading chicken onto skewers, leave about 1/4 inch between each piece. This spacing helps cook the chicken evenly. To stop the chicken from sticking, brush the grill with a little oil before cooking. You can use a paper towel dipped in oil for this task. Pair your skewers with a light salad or grilled veggies for a fresh touch. A tangy yogurt dip or tzatziki complements the skewers nicely. For plating, arrange the skewers on a colorful plate, and add fresh lemon wedges and chopped parsley for a pop of color. This makes your dish look as good as it tastes! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and lemons will yield the best flavor. Avoid using bottled lemon juice as it can lack the vibrant taste of fresh juice. Perfect Skewering: When threading the chicken onto skewers, leave a little space between each piece. This allows for even cooking and better charred edges. Marinate Longer: For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, or even overnight if possible. This will enhance the taste significantly. Check Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. {{image_4}} You can swap chicken for shrimp or tofu. Both options taste great with the marinade. If you use shrimp, marinate for only 15-20 minutes. Shrimp cooks fast, so keep an eye on it. For tofu, press it first to remove extra water. Then, cut it into cubes and marinate for 30 minutes. Get creative with flavors! You can add orange or lime juice for a twist. Each citrus brings a unique zing. You can also mix in spices like smoked paprika or cayenne for heat. Try a splash of sriracha or soy sauce for a deeper taste. These small changes can make a big difference. Grilling is fun, but baking works too. If you bake, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place skewers on a baking sheet and cook for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they don’t dry out. Air fryers are another option. They cook the skewers quickly and evenly. Just set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Enjoy the ease and speed! After enjoying your honey lemon chicken skewers, let them cool down at room temperature. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh and tasty. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. To reheat the chicken skewers, you have a few options. The best way is to use the grill. This keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful. Just preheat the grill and warm the skewers for about 5 minutes. You can also use a microwave, but be careful. Microwaves can dry out the chicken. Heat in short bursts, checking often. You can freeze the chicken skewers before or after cooking. If you freeze before cooking, marinate the chicken and then freeze it in a bag. This way, the flavors get better. If you freeze cooked skewers, let them cool first. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. This helps keep the texture nice. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. This time gives the chicken a good flavor boost. For even better taste, try to marinate it for up to 2 hours. This longer time helps the chicken absorb all the delicious flavors from the marinade. You can serve many sides with honey lemon chicken skewers. Here are some tasty ideas: - Grilled vegetables, like bell peppers and zucchini - Rice pilaf or jasmine rice - A fresh garden salad with vinaigrette - Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes - Quinoa for a healthy twist These sides balance the sweet and tangy flavors of the chicken. Yes, you can use different chicken parts. Chicken breast is a great option. Just cut it into 1-inch cubes too. If you choose chicken breast, watch the marinating time. It may need less time than thighs. You can also try using turkey if you want a change. In this article, you learned how to make delicious honey lemon chicken skewers. We covered the main ingredients, marinade prep, grilling tips, and storage info. You also discovered variations, alternative proteins, and serving ideas to enhance your meal. Using these steps will help you create tasty skewers at home. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and variations that fit your taste. Remember, cooking is all about having fun and being creative!

Honey Lemon Chicken Skewers

Delicious grilled chicken skewers marinated in a sweet and tangy honey lemon sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup honey
  • 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced finely
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • to taste salt
  • as needed skewers (wooden or metal; if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning)
  • as needed fresh lemon wedges and chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the honey, freshly squeezed lemon juice, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, ground ginger, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Whisk together until all ingredients are well incorporated, forming a flavorful marinade.
  • Add the cubed chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors. For a deeper flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours.
  • Meanwhile, preheat your grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat, ensuring it's hot enough for a good sear.
  • Carefully thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a small gap (about 1/4 inch) between each piece to facilitate even cooking and promote better char.
  • Lightly oil the grill grates with a paper towel dipped in oil to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for approximately 12-15 minutes, turning every few minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and achieves a lovely char. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
  • Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes on a plate, allowing the juices to redistribute.
  • To serve, plate the skewers and garnish with fresh lemon wedges and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a vibrant touch. Enjoy the zesty flavors!

Notes

For best results, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours.
Keyword chicken, grilling, honey, lemon, skewers