PERFECT LEMON PEPPER CHICKEN SKEWERS
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.
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.