Description
These Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers are a bright and flavorful grilled dish featuring tender chicken breast marinated in a vibrant lemon and cracked black pepper sauce. Perfectly charred and juicy, these skewers are ideal for a quick and delicious summer meal or backyard BBQ.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken 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)
Other
- 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, ensuring all pieces are uniform in size to promote even cooking on the grill.
- Make the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, freshly squeezed lemon juice, cracked black pepper, minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and salt until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss gently to coat each piece thoroughly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate, or up to 2 hours for more depth.
- Prepare Skewers: If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Assemble Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the prepared skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to ensure even exposure to heat.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for around 400°F (204°C), to ensure the chicken cooks quickly and develops grill marks.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side. Turn them once or twice to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and grill marks develop. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes. This resting period lets the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the grilled chicken skewers with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh herb flavor before serving.
- Serve: Serve immediately while the skewers are warm and juicy for the best taste experience.
Notes
- For even cooking, ensure chicken pieces are cut uniformly.
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Marinate the chicken up to 2 hours but not longer to prevent the acid from breaking down the texture excessively.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is safely cooked to 165°F.
- Optional: serve with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Keywords: lemon pepper chicken skewers, grilled chicken, lemon chicken skewers, easy BBQ chicken, summer grilling recipe, healthy chicken skewers