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Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers: The Ultimate 25-Minute Weeknight Dinner

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  • Author: CHEF SARA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Air Fryer, Grill, Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers are a fun flavor packed dinner featuring tender chicken marinated to perfection and basted with a savory lemon pepper garlic butter sauce.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or chicken breast, cut into bite sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons paprika
  • 2 teaspoons black pepper
  • Zest from 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
  • 2 teaspoons black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Zest from 1 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, grated or finely minced

Instructions

1. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 15 to 30 minutes before cooking to prevent burning.

2. In a bowl or zip-top bag, combine the chicken with paprika, black pepper, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and olive oil. Mix well and let marinate.

3. In a separate bowl, combine softened butter with black pepper, paprika, lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, and garlic to make the lemon pepper garlic butter.

4. Remove 2 tablespoons of the butter mixture and reserve it separately for basting after cooking.

5. Thread the chicken tightly onto skewers to help keep the meat juicy during cooking.

6. For air fryer cooking, cook skewers at 400°F for 7 to 8 minutes, baste with butter, flip, baste again, and cook another 6 to 7 minutes until fully cooked.

7. For grilling, cook over medium-high heat for 5 to 6 minutes per side, basting before and after flipping until chicken reaches 165°F internally.

8. For stovetop cooking, cook skewers in a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat for 6 to 7 minutes per side, basting with butter during cooking.

9. Transfer cooked skewers to a serving platter and baste with the reserved butter mixture. Garnish with parsley and lemon zest if desired, then serve immediately.


Notes

Chicken thighs provide extra juiciness, but chicken breast also works well.

Always reserve a portion of the butter mixture before basting raw chicken to avoid cross contamination.

Serve with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 369
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 1032mg
  • Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 3g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 184mg