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Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 144 reviews

These Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers are a vibrant and flavorful grilled dish featuring tender chicken cubes marinated in fresh lemon juice, zest, and cracked black pepper. Perfect for a quick and healthy meal, these skewers boast a bright citrusy tang, balanced by garlic and olive oil, making them ideal for summer cookouts or easy weeknight dinners.

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
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Equipment

  • Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes before grilling)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Chicken Cubes: Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes, making sure the pieces are uniform in size to ensure even cooking throughout.
  2. 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.
  3. Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and gently toss to coat each piece evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes and up to 2 hours to allow flavors to meld.
  4. Prepare Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. Metal skewers do not require soaking.
  5. Thread Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a small gap between pieces to promote even cooking and heat circulation.
  6. Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F (204°C), ensuring the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
  7. Grill Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side. Turn the skewers once or twice during grilling until grill marks are visible and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to guarantee doneness and safety.
  8. Rest the Chicken: Remove the skewers from the grill and allow them to rest for 5 minutes. This resting period helps redistribute the juices within the chicken, keeping it moist and flavorful.
  9. Garnish: Sprinkle the grilled chicken skewers with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh herbal flavor, if desired.
  10. Serve: Serve the lemon pepper chicken skewers immediately while they are warm and juicy for the best taste experience.

Notes

  • Soaking wooden skewers in water before grilling prevents them from burning and makes handling easier.
  • For added flavor, you can marinate the chicken overnight, but do not exceed 24 hours to avoid texture degradation.
  • If you don’t have a grill, chicken skewers can be cooked under a broiler or on a grill pan on the stovetop.
  • Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer for food safety.
  • Fresh parsley is optional but adds a lovely fresh finish and color contrast.

Keywords: lemon pepper chicken, grilled chicken skewers, lemon chicken, barbecue chicken, easy chicken recipe, summer grilling, chicken marinade

Find it online: https://mjrecipe.com/zesty-lemon-pepper-chicken-skewers-recipe/