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Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers Recipe

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3.9 from 48 reviews

These Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers offer a juicy, zesty, and vibrant citrus flavor perfect for summer cookouts or easy weeknight dinners. Marinated in a blend of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and cracked black pepper, the chicken cubes grill up tender with lightly charred edges for a deliciously bright and savory meal.

  • Total Time: 27 minutes (+ marinating time)
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken and Marinade

  • pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into -inch cubes
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Zest and juice of 2 lemons
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1½ teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley or dill, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, lemon pepper seasoning, salt, and optional paprika, creating a bright and flavorful marinade base.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes up to 2 hours, allowing the citrus and seasonings to penetrate the meat.
  3. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F) and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking of the chicken skewers.
  4. Prepare Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to avoid burning on the grill.
  5. Grill the Skewers: Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for 10 to 14 minutes, turning every 3 to 4 minutes to ensure even cooking and develop a light char, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  6. Rest and Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill and serve with extra lemon wedges for an added burst of citrus.

Notes

  • Do not marinate the chicken for longer than 2 hours as the acid from the lemon juice can start to break down the meat and make it mushy.
  • For a more complete meal, add vegetables like bell peppers, red onion, or zucchini to the skewers.
  • These skewers can be cooked alternatively on a grill pan or in an air fryer if an outdoor grill is not available.
  • Leftover grilled chicken skewers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making them great for meal prep.
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American / Mediterranean-Inspired
  • Diet: Gluten Free