Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers

Why You’ll Love Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers Recipe

These chicken skewers are simple but full of flavor — the lemon‑pepper and Cajun spices give a subtle kick, while the buttery finish gives a rich, satisfying taste. They’re versatile: you can make them in an air fryer for a fast meal, bake them in the oven, or grill them outdoors. The quick prep and cook time make them ideal when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. And they pair well with a variety of sides, letting you switch things up depending on your mood or what’s in the fridge.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Chicken

• boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

• extra virgin olive oil

• paprika

• kosher salt

• lemon pepper seasoning

• garlic, minced

• Cajun seasoning

Seasoned Butter

• unsalted butter, melted

• paprika

• lemon pepper

• garlic, minced

• Cajun seasoning

• freshly chopped parsley

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken, olive oil, paprika, salt, lemon pepper, minced garlic, and Cajun seasoning. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated.

2. Thread the seasoned chicken cubes onto the soaked skewers, about 4–5 pieces per skewer.

3. Air Fryer method: Place the skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket (you may need to cook in batches). Air fry at 400 °F for 11–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 °F.

4. While the chicken cooks, prepare the seasoned butter: in a small bowl, stir together melted butter, paprika, lemon pepper, minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, and chopped parsley.

5. Once cooked, brush the seasoned butter generously over the hot chicken skewers. Serve immediately.

Alternative cooking methods:

• Oven: Preheat oven to 400 °F. Thread chicken onto skewers, place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, bake 20–25 minutes (flip halfway) or until internal temperature is 165 °F. Brush with seasoned butter.

• Grill: Grill over medium-high heat about 8–10 minutes per side (depending on skewer thickness), until chicken is fully cooked (165 °F internally). Finish with seasoned butter.

Servings and timing

• Prep time: about 10 minutes

• Cook time: about 12 minutes (air fryer)

• Total time: roughly 22 minutes

• Makes about 12 skewers

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store cooked skewers in an airtight container — they’ll keep up to 4 days.

• Freeze: Once cooled, wrap each skewer in foil and place in a freezer‑safe bag. They’ll keep up to 3 months. To reheat: thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat gently (oven or air fryer) until heated through.

FAQs

How long should I marinate the chicken before skewering?

Marinating isn’t strictly necessary for this recipe since the chicken is tossed in oil and seasoning just before cooking. But if you prefer deeper flavor, you can let the seasoned chicken sit in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour before skewering.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes — the recipe author says chicken thighs also work, though cooking time may vary slightly because thighs are generally thicker and fattier.

Do I have to use wooden skewers?

No — you can use metal skewers instead. If using wooden ones, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before cooking to prevent burning or charring.

Can I make these skewers ahead of time?

Yes. Once you’ve threaded the seasoned chicken onto skewers, store them covered in the fridge for up to 2–3 days before cooking. You can also freeze the raw skewers and cook later.

What should I serve with these chicken skewers?

They go well with rice (plain or flavored), mashed or roasted potatoes, a fresh salad, or grilled vegetables.

Can I make the butter sauce milder?

Yes — if you prefer less intensity, you can reduce or omit the Cajun seasoning in the butter, or skip the seasoned butter entirely and serve with plain melted butter or a simple lemon‑garlic drizzle.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The safest way is to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 °F (74 °C). The cubes should be opaque and not pink in the center.

Can I add vegetables on the skewers too?

Sure — you can alternate chicken cubes with pieces of zucchini, bell pepper, onion, or cherry tomato to make a more colorful, balanced kebab. Just watch cooking times so veggies don’t overcook.

Is this recipe suitable for grilling outdoors?

Yes. The recipe includes instructions for grilling. Grill the skewers over medium-high heat until the chicken is cooked through, then brush with the seasoned butter before serving.

Can I reduce the sodium content?

Yes. You can reduce or omit the kosher salt in the seasoning mix, or adjust to taste. Also avoid adding salt to the butter mixture if you want a lighter version.

Conclusion

Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers are a quick, flavorful, and versatile dish — ideal for weeknight dinners, casual get-togethers, or backyard grill nights. With simple ingredients and flexible cooking methods (air fryer, oven, or grill), you can enjoy juicy, seasoned chicken skewers in under half an hour. Try them with your favorite sides for a complete meal that’s sure to please.