PERFECT LEMON PEPPER CHICKEN SKEWERS

Imagine biting into juicy, tender chicken, bursting with bright lemon and a peppery kick, all perfectly charred from the grill. These Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers are the answer to your weeknight dinner dilemmas, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, and your new favorite way to enjoy chicken – I promise, you’ll be hooked!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

For the Marinade:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest, finely grated
• 2 tablespoons black pepper, freshly cracked
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Optional:

• Wooden or metal skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes if using wooden skewers
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Why These Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers Are My Go-To

Okay, let’s be real: weeknight dinners can be a struggle. You want something that’s quick, easy, and actually tastes amazing, right? That’s where these Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers come in. They’re the perfect solution for a flavorful and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. I also love that they’re a fantastic option for Chicken Starter Recipes Parties. They’re always a hit!

What makes them so special? Well, it’s all about the marinade. Fresh lemon juice and zest give that bright, zesty flavor, while the black pepper adds a delightful kick. The garlic and onion powder round it all out, creating a perfectly balanced marinade that infuses the chicken with flavor from the inside out. And the best part? You probably already have most of these ingredients in your pantry!

Getting the BEST Flavor: Marinating Like a Pro

The key to truly amazing Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers is marinating. Don’t skimp on this step! The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful and tender it will be. I recommend marinating for at least 30 minutes, but ideally, you should let it sit in the fridge for 2-4 hours, or even overnight. Just be sure to cover it tightly so it doesn’t dry out.

If you’re short on time, even a 15-minute marinade will make a difference. The acid in the lemon juice will start to tenderize the chicken, and the flavors will begin to penetrate the meat. Just remember, the longer, the better! Also, when marinating, use a glass or plastic container; metal containers can react with the acid in the lemon juice.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using).

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. Add the cubed chicken to the bowl with the marinade. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.

Step 3: Assemble the Skewers

1. If using wooden skewers, make sure they have been soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
2. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece. This will allow the chicken to cook more evenly.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken Skewers

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350-400°F).
2. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
3. Place the chicken skewers on the preheated grill.
4. Grill for about 8-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Remove the chicken skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, if desired.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy! These are fantastic as a Chicken Skewers Meal on their own, or alongside your favorite sides.

Grilling Perfection: Tips and Tricks

Grilling chicken skewers can be tricky, but with a few simple tips, you can achieve grilling perfection every time. First, make sure your grill is properly preheated to medium heat. This will help the chicken cook evenly and prevent it from burning. Lightly oiling the grill grates is also essential to prevent sticking.

When grilling, turn the skewers frequently to ensure even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F to be considered safe to eat. If the chicken is browning too quickly, you can move it to a cooler part of the grill or reduce the heat slightly. Nobody wants burnt chicken!

Another great tip is to use two skewers for each kebab. This prevents the chicken from spinning around the skewer when you try to turn it. This is especially useful for larger pieces of chicken.

Oven-Baked Option: Just as Delicious!

Don’t have a grill? No problem! You can easily bake these Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the assembled skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. For extra browning, you can broil the skewers for the last 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning. They will still taste fantastic, I promise!

Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal

These Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers are incredibly versatile and can be served in so many different ways. They’re delicious on their own as an appetizer or snack. For a complete meal, serve them with a side of rice, quinoa, or couscous. A fresh salad or grilled vegetables also make a great accompaniment. Consider pairing them with Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice for a lemon-themed feast!

You can also use these skewers in wraps or pitas. Simply remove the chicken from the skewers and add it to a warm pita bread with your favorite toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and tzatziki sauce. They also taste amazing served over a bed of mixed greens for a light and refreshing salad. I also love to make a big batch of these when looking for Easy Chicken Recipes Cookbook meals. They’re easy to prep and cook, making them a winner every time.

Variations and Substitutions: Make It Your Own

Want to switch things up? There are endless possibilities for customizing these Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers. You can add other vegetables to the skewers, such as bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes. This will add extra flavor and nutrition to your meal.

For a spicier version, add more red pepper flakes to the marinade or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices, such as oregano, thyme, or rosemary. If you don’t have fresh lemon juice, you can use bottled lemon juice, but fresh is always best!

If you’re looking for a low-carb option, serve the chicken skewers with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. You can also use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a more flavorful and juicy result, just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Perhaps try something different, like Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers for a flavorful twist!

Don’t forget to check out other great recipes like Zesty Lime Chicken Tacos or Grilled Chicken Perfection Achieved. If you love the simple flavor of this recipe, give Lemon Pepper Chicken a try.

And of course, you can never go wrong with the classic Lemon Herb Chicken Magic!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have any leftover Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave them, but they may become a bit dry. For best results, reheat them in a skillet over medium heat with a little bit of olive oil or chicken broth. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.

Final Thoughts

These Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and incredibly versatile. So, fire up the grill (or preheat your oven) and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal. I know you’ll love them as much as I do!

PERFECT LEMON PEPPER CHICKEN SKEWERS

Amelia Chen-Morrison

These Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers are a flavorful and easy weeknight meal or crowd-pleasing appetizer. Marinated in a zesty lemon pepper mixture and grilled or baked to perfection, they’re juicy, tender, and bursting with bright, peppery flavor.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 32 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Medium bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Wooden or metal skewers
• Grill or Baking Sheet
• Parchment paper (for baking)
• Meat thermometer
• Tongs

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest, finely grated
• 2 tablespoons black pepper, freshly cracked
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

 

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using).
• Add the cubed chicken to the bowl with the marinade. Toss to coat evenly.
• Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
• If using wooden skewers, make sure they have been soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
• Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
• Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350-400°F).
• Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
• Place the chicken skewers on the preheated grill.
• Grill for about 8-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
• Remove the chicken skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, if desired.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!
• For oven baking, preheat oven to 400°F. Place skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F.

Notes

Marinating the chicken longer results in more flavorful and tender skewers. Use a glass or plastic container for marinating to avoid reactions with the lemon juice. For a spicier version, add more red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheated in a skillet or oven. You can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a more flavorful and juicy result, just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.