Oven-Roasted Garam Masala Chicken & Pepper Skewers with Lemon–Cilantro Finish

Finger-food skewers that feel catered: juicy chicken with a warm garam-masala–style spice profile, sweet roasted peppers/onions, and a bright lemon-herb finish. Travels well and reheats in a microwave without getting soggy.

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Ingredients

Simple Truth Natural Chicken Breasts (or Chicken Breast Tenders) 1 lb, cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks $7.49/lb (or $8.49/lb)
Kroger® Mixed Bell Peppers (or Mini Sweet Peppers) 2 bell peppers, 1-inch pieces (or ~8 oz mini peppers halved) $5.99/2 ct (or $5.99/16 oz)
Jumbo Sweet Onions 1/2 large, 1-inch pieces $2.49/lb
Fresh Lemons 1 lemon (zest + 1–2 tbsp juice) $4.99/2 lb bag
Organic Cilantro 1/2 bunch, chopped $1.99
Garlic 3 cloves, grated/minced $1.50 each
Ginger Root 1-inch piece, grated $4.99/lb
Pantry: olive oil 2 tbsp
Pantry: salt 1 tsp
Pantry: garam masala 2 tsp
Pantry: ground cumin 1 tsp
Pantry: smoked paprika or chili powder 1 tsp
Pantry: honey (optional) 1 tsp (rounds edges for scotch pairing)

Instructions

Make spice marinade: In a bowl mix 2 tbsp olive oil, zest of 1 lemon, 1–2 tbsp lemon juice, 3 grated garlic cloves, 1-inch grated ginger, 2 tsp garam masala, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp paprika/chili powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp honey (optional).
Toss chicken chunks in marinade; let sit 10–15 minutes while you prep veg.
Heat oven to 450°F. (If using wooden skewers, soak 20 minutes; or just roast loose for easy transport.)
Skewers or tray: Thread chicken + peppers + onion onto skewers, OR spread everything on a sheet pan in one layer.
Roast 18–22 minutes, flipping once, until chicken is cooked through (165°F) and edges char slightly.
Finish: Toss with chopped cilantro and an extra squeeze of lemon.
Transport/reheat: Pack skewers in a foil-lined container. Microwave 45–75 seconds per serving just to warm (don’t overheat). Serve with lemon wedges and cilantro on the side.

Cook time: 40 minutes

Estimated cost: $14–22

Health notes: High-protein, gluten-free. Keep heat moderate so it doesn’t amplify the alcohol burn; offer extra chili on the side if needed.

Drink pairing: Scotch (esp. lightly peated) + spice loves something cooling and aromatic: a splash of soda water + lemon wedge on the side works well between bites.

Careme