Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers Recipe
These Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers are a bright and flavorful grilled dish featuring tender chicken marinated in fresh lemon juice, zest, cracked black pepper, garlic, and olive oil. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or weekend barbecues, they deliver juicy, tangy bites with a hint of spice and aromatic garlic. Garnished with fresh parsley, these skewers are both visually appealing and delicious.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Zest of 2 medium lemons
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Additional
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes before grilling)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes, making sure pieces are uniform in size to ensure even cooking throughout.
- Make the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together lemon zest, freshly squeezed lemon juice, freshly cracked black pepper, minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and salt until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken cubes to the marinade bowl, tossing gently to coat every piece evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours to allow flavors to infuse.
- Prepare Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent burning.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a small gap between pieces to promote even heat circulation during grilling.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F (204°C), ensuring it’s hot enough to sear the chicken and create appealing grill marks.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side. Turn once or twice to cook evenly and develop grill marks. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Rest the Skewers: Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, enhancing moisture and flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the grilled chicken skewers with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh herbaceous note before serving.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately while the chicken is warm, juicy, and bursting with zesty lemon pepper flavor.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
- For added flavor, you can marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours, but avoid longer so the lemon juice doesn’t start to ‘cook’ the meat.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for a juicier texture.
- If you don’t have a grill, the skewers can also be cooked under a broiler or on a stovetop grill pan.
- Letting the skewers rest after cooking ensures they stay juicy and tender.
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