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Pantry-Style Chicken Kebabs

These chicken kebabs are made using a simple marinade of pantry staples like soy sauce, lemon, garlic, and honey, which infuses the chicken with smoky, savory flavor. Grilled or pan-fried until golden and charred, the tender pieces develop a juicy, smoky crust that captures the essence of backyard grilling with minimal fuss.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 57 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Grill
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds chicken thighs boneless, skinless, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari/coconut aminos
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Skewers
  • Grill or grill pan
  • Tongs
  • Small bowl

Method
 

  1. Gather your skewers and ensure your grill or grill pan is preheated to medium-high heat, around 200°C (390°F).
  2. Cut the chicken thighs into roughly 2-inch pieces, making sure they’re even for uniform cooking and easy skewer threading.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, honey, olive oil, and a pinch of black pepper until well combined. This creates a flavorful marinade that will tenderize and infuse the chicken with smoky richness.
  4. Place the chicken pieces into the marinade, tossing to coat all sides evenly. Cover the bowl and let it marinate at room temperature for 30-45 minutes, or refrigerate up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
  5. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece to promote even cooking and smoky charring.
  6. Once ready, place the skewers on the hot grill or grill pan. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes to develop a golden, slightly charred exterior and cooked through interior.
  7. Check for doneness: the chicken should be opaque, with juices running clear, and have a smoky, charred crust. Use a meat thermometer if needed—aim for an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).
  8. Remove the skewers from the heat and let the kebabs rest for 5 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
  9. Serve the kebabs hot, perhaps with a squeeze of lemon or your favorite side like grilled vegetables or rice for a complete meal.