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Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers Recipe

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4 from 9 reviews

These Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers are a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend gathering. Tender chicken pieces are marinated in a zesty lemon pepper blend, then baked to juicy perfection. The combination of citrus and spices brings a bright and savory taste that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients

Chicken and Marinade

  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
  • 2 Tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp olive oil (optional)
  • 2 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
  • Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 20 minutes if using)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking on the skewers.
  2. Make the marinade: In a bowl, combine butter, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and ground black pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
  3. Coat the chicken: Add the chicken cubes to the marinade bowl and toss thoroughly until all pieces are well coated with the mixture.
  4. Marinate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 10 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken.
  5. Prepare skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes to prevent them from burning during baking.
  6. Thread the chicken: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, ensuring they are snug but not tightly packed for even cooking.
  7. Preheat oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to get it ready for baking the skewers.
  8. Prepare baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper to make cleanup easier and prevent sticking.
  9. Arrange skewers: Place the chicken skewers evenly spaced on the baking sheet, ensuring they have room for heat circulation.
  10. Bake the skewers: Bake for 18 minutes, turning the skewers once halfway through cooking. Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
  11. Serve: Remove from oven and serve the lemon pepper chicken skewers hot, ideally with a fresh side salad for a balanced meal.

Notes

  • Chicken breasts can be used as a leaner alternative to thighs.
  • Marinating for longer than 30 minutes is possible but not necessary; avoid marinating more than 2 hours to prevent texture changes.
  • Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning in the oven.
  • Turning the skewers halfway ensures even cooking and browning.
  • Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken is cooked thoroughly to 165°F.
  • Serve with a fresh salad or your preferred side dish to complete the meal.

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