Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1½-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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American / Mediterranean-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free