These lemonade marinated chicken kabobs are such a fun, flavorful recipe. Chicken breasts are marinated in lemonade, fresh herbs, mustard, and spices. Skewer and grill until tender, I like to grill a few whole lemons as well and squeeze the lemon on top prior to serving! These are great on their own, or toss onto a salad or grain bowl for a more filling meal. This is a fun family recipe for the summer, AE Dairy Classic Lemonade makes is my go to for this marinade.
Highlights of this recipe and why you’ll love it:
- Quick and easy: this marinade can be mixed up quickly and the kabobs grill up fast since the chicken is cut into small chunks. Besides the actual marinating time, this recipe has very little hands on time. You can marinate the chicken the night before or morning off, as long as they marinate for at least a couple of hours , you’re good. If making these for a party, you can skewer the marinated chicken ahead of time so your kabobs are ready to grill.
- Perfect for summer: these make a great addition to a backyard BBQ or summer pool day, and everyone is sure to love them! The lemonade marinade is fresh and flavorful, better yet you can enjoy any leftover lemonade while out in the heat!
- Great main dish: these chicken skewers go great with so many side dishes. If you’re going with a traditional backyard BBQ theme, serve with chips, corn on the cob, potato salad, watermelon, and you’re favorite dessert! These are also great in grain bowls or in pitas.
- Kid friendly: kids will love eating kabobs, they can be a fun finger food that is packed with protein. The marinade is not overpowering and adds the perfect tangy flavor to the chicken while keeping it tender. Kids and adults will love this chicken with some homemade ranch.
- Can be customized: the marinade can be customized as desired. Add in other spices or mustards. For some heat add in a little fresh jalapeno and some spicy mustard. A little brown sugar can add the perfect sweetness, soy sauce or sriracha are also good additions for some extra flavor.
.These lemonade chicken skewers perfect for spring or summer, they make such a fun grill recipe. AE Dairy lemonade makes this chicken tangy, tender, and adds the perfect bit of acidity. If you’re an AE Dairy fan – try these other delicious recipes using AE products. Rich Chocolate Espresso Muffins, Protein Packed Cottage Cheese Chocolate Pudding, Delicious Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls in the Air Fryer, or Crispy Nashville Hot Chicken Taquitos.
Ingredients list and Substitutions:
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: any type of chicken works for this recipe. Boneless skinless chicken thighs, chicken tenders, or chicken leg quarters will work!
- AE Dairy Classic Lemonade: AE Dairy lemonade is the best hands down, you can use reduced sugar lemonade or any type of lemonade.
- Garlic cloves: fresh garlic cloves are best, but jarred minced garlic can be used also.
- Mustard: any type of mustard works, spicy mustard, Dijon mustard, or whole grain mustard are all good options.
- Herbs: fresh thyme, rosemary, or oregano all work great here. Dried herbs can be used in a pinch.
- Kosher salt: any type of salt works, I like Celtic salt of Himalayan salt the best.
- Black pepper: fresh cracked black pepper is a must, use as much as you want.
- Seasonings: Italian seasoning is an easy one to use here, but you could add whatever you have on hand.
- Lemons: fresh lemons are a must here. They char up nicely on the grill and a squeeze of grilled limes over the chicken adds the perfect bit of acidity. Plus they just look pretty.
- Oil: extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil work great, or use cooking spray to grease the grill.
How to make the Lemonade Marinated Chicken Kabobs (with step by step instructions):
Quick overview:
- Prepare marinade ingredients.
- Add cubed chicken into marinade and let marinate for a few hours.
- Prepare kabobs.
- Grill and enjoy.
1: Prepare marinade ingredients. Slice garlic and gather fresh herbs.
2. In a large baking dish or shallow pan combine marinade ingredients and stir to combine.
3. Add chicken to the marinade, wrap, and marinate for 3-4 hours or longer.
4. Once marinated, skewer chicken on wooden or metal skewers. *If using wooden skewers, let them soak in water for and hour or so, this way they don’t burn on the grill.
5. Grill chicken kabobs until tender and cooked through. Chicken is done when it hits and internal temperature of 165 degrees F. a meat thermometer can help if needed.
If you like these Lemonade Marinated Chicken Kabobs, you’ll love these other easy recipes…
Instant Pot Air Fryer Juicy Chicken Breast Recipe
One-Pot Chicken Piccata Meatballs
Quick and Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe without Wine
Easy One Pan Chicken Piccata Dinner Recipe
Delicious Instant Pot Honey Bourbon Chicken Recipe
Copycat Panda Express Air Fryer Orange Chicken
Tools I used for this grilled chicken recipe:
- Gas grill – this is the grill I have, I like that it’s not huge so it doesn’t take up a ton of space but it fits everything I need and more!
- Tongs – a must have kitchen tool!
- Glasslock Glass Food Storage Containers – the square containers are the perfect size for lunches, stain proof, and they are dishwasher safe. Great for storing leftovers.
- USA Pan Half Sheet Pan – my go-to sheet pan, these are truly non-stick and clean up nicely.
Recipe FAQs:
What Can I serve with the chicken kabobs?
These kabobs go great with Frozen Sweet Potato Fries in the Air Fryer, Potato Wedges Recipe, Simple Green Bean Almondine with Bacon, Easy Potato Au Gratin, BLT Pasta Salad with Avocado & Mozzarella, or Firebirds Wood Fired Grill BLT Salad Recipe. I like to serve these at backyard BBQs with fresh watermelon, chips, dip, corn on the cop, and salad!
How long can chicken sit in a lemon marinade?
Most recipes for marinating meat and poultry recommend six hours up to 24 hours. This recipe calls for 3-4 hours, but it could be left overnight if needed. I don’t recommend more than 24 hours as it can start to break down the chicken.
What does adding lemon juice to chicken do?
The acidity in the lemon helps balance the flavor and tenderize the chicken. This works well for leaner cuts like boneless skinless chicken breasts. A lemon marinade also aids in juicier chicken!
Lemonade Marinated Chicken Kabobs
Equipment
- Gas or Electric Grill
- Wooden or metal skewers
Ingredients
- 4 Skinless boneless chicken breasts, cubed*
- 4 cups AE Dairy Classic Lemonade
- 3-4 cloves Garlic, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp Whole grain or Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Dried oregano
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp Onion powder
- 1 tbsp Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh thyme or oregano
- Oil for the grill
- 2 Large lemons, halved
Instructions
- In a large shallow dish or gallon zip top bag, combine lemonade, garlic, mustard, seasonings, and fresh herbs. Stir to combine. Add in the cubed chicken, make sure all pieces are covered in the marinade. Cover or seal, transfer to the fridge and let marinate for 3-4 hours or overnight if needed.
- Skewer marinated chicken on wooden or metal skewers. Transfer prepared skewers to a sheet pan.
- Prepare a grill for medium heat, and lightly oil the grill grates.
- Arrange chicken skewers on the grill, leaving some space between each. Cook until grill marks form and the chicken releases easily, about 4-5 minutes per side. Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes on the other side. Chicken is done once it temps at 165 degrees F.
- Place the lemon halves on the grill, flesh-side down, and grill until lightly charred, 1 to 2 minutes. Squeeze over the chicken before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?
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