Citrus-Lime Grilled Chicken Kabobs
These Citrus-Lime Grilled Chicken Kabobs are a delightful taste of the tropics! Marinated in a zesty blend of soy sauce, honey, and fresh lime juice, these chicken pieces are both tender and packed with flavor. Perfectly grilled or broiled, these kabobs can easily be customized with shrimp for a fantastic surf and turf option. Serve alongside a vibrant salad, steamed vegetables, or fluffy baked potatoes for a complete meal that's sure to impress family and guests alike. Enjoy a taste of Key West right from your kitchen!
N/A
Servings
92
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken breasts
4 (boneless skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces)
soy sauce
3 (tablespoons)
honey
2 (tablespoons)
vegetable oil
1 (tablespoon)
lime
1 (juiced)
garlic
1 (teaspoon, minced)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, vegetable oil, lime juice, and minced garlic until well combined to create the marinade.
2
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and place them into a 1-gallon ziplock bag.
3
Pour the marinade into the bag with the chicken, seal it tightly, and gently massage the chicken to ensure it's evenly coated.
4
Refrigerate the marinated chicken for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop.
5
While the chicken is marinating, soak your bamboo skewers in water for at least 5 minutes to prevent them from burning during cooking.
6
Preheat your grill or broiler to medium-high heat.
7
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
8
Grill or broil the kabobs for 6 to 8 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
9
Remove from heat and let the kabobs rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
2.5g
Fat
5g
Carbs
13g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What flavor profile can I expect from these kabobs?
These kabobs offer a zesty, tropical flavor with a balance of savory soy sauce, sweet honey, and tangy fresh lime.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
The chicken should be marinated for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
What is the recommended internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Do I need to soak the bamboo skewers?
Yes, soak bamboo skewers in water for at least 5 minutes before threading the chicken to prevent them from burning.
Can I use shrimp with this recipe?
Absolutely! You can alternate chicken with shrimp for a delicious surf and turf kabob variation.
How long do I grill the chicken kabobs?
Grill or broil them for 6 to 8 minutes per side over medium-high heat.
What are the ingredients in the marinade?
The marinade consists of soy sauce, honey, vegetable oil, fresh lime juice, and minced garlic.
What should I serve with Citrus-Lime Grilled Chicken Kabobs?
They pair perfectly with a vibrant salad, steamed vegetables, or fluffy baked potatoes.
How should the chicken be prepared before marinating?
Use boneless skinless chicken breasts and cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Can I cook these if I don't have an outdoor grill?
Yes, you can use the broiler setting in your oven on medium-high heat for similar results.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it is a high-protein, lower-fat option with only 92 calories and 13g of protein per serving.
Can I use lemon instead of lime?
While lime provides the specific tropical flavor, lemon can be used as a citrus substitute.
How do I ensure the chicken stays tender?
The honey and oil in the marinade help lock in moisture, and letting the kabobs rest after cooking prevents juice loss.
Can I add vegetables to the skewers?
Yes, adding bell peppers, onions, or zucchini between chicken pieces adds great flavor and nutrition.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written it contains soy sauce. To make it gluten-free, substitute the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
How many chicken breasts do I need?
This recipe calls for 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts.
Can I use metal skewers instead of bamboo?
Yes, metal skewers work perfectly and do not require any soaking before use.
Can I marinate the chicken for longer than 30 minutes?
Yes, you can marinate it for several hours in the refrigerator for a more intense flavor profile.
What type of oil is best for the marinade?
A neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable oil or canola oil, is recommended.
Should the grill be preheated?
Yes, preheating to medium-high heat ensures a good sear and prevents the chicken from sticking.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
Fresh lime juice is preferred for the best tropical flavor, but bottled juice can be used in a pinch.
How much garlic is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of minced garlic.
How much honey is required?
You will need 2 tablespoons of honey to provide the necessary sweetness.
What should I do if the chicken juices aren't running clear?
Continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes per side until the juices are clear and the meat is opaque.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover chicken off the skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken in the marinade bag for up to 3 months for easy meal prep.
Is the chicken supposed to be crowded on the skewer?
No, leave a little space between each piece to ensure the heat can circulate and cook the chicken evenly.
What is the carb count for this dish?
There are approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Why is it called 'Key West' style?
The combination of lime, honey, and garlic is a classic flavor profile found in South Florida and the Keys.
Can I double the recipe for a party?
Yes, simply double all marinade ingredients and use 8 chicken breasts to serve a larger group.