There’s something irresistible about juicy, flavorful chicken skewers fresh off the grill (or air fryer!). I tried this Hot Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers Recipe for a quick weeknight dinner, and they were an instant hit! The bold citrusy heat, combined with the smoky char from grilling, makes them an absolute must-try. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to whip up with just a handful of ingredients.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or simply craving something tasty, this recipe is perfect. I love how versatile they are—serve them with rice, toss them in a salad, or enjoy them straight off the skewer. And the best part? They come together in no time, making them an ideal option for busy days. If you’re looking for a new way to enjoy chicken with a punch of zesty, peppery goodness, you’re in the right place!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

These skewers are everything you want in a quick and flavorful dish. Here’s why you’ll love them:

Easy and Quick to Make

With minimal prep and a fast cooking time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. The simple ingredient list ensures you can throw everything together in minutes without any hassle. Whether using an air fryer, oven, or grill, you’ll have a delicious meal in no time!

Big, Bold Flavors

The combination of lemon, pepper, and a touch of Cajun seasoning delivers a perfect balance of tangy heat and savory goodness. The fresh citrus zest enhances the depth of flavors, while the seasoning blend ensures every bite is packed with punchy, delicious notes.

Versatile Cooking Options

Cook these in the air fryer, oven, or on the grill—whatever works best for you! No matter which method you choose, the skewers come out juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. Plus, they can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or even meal prep option.

Great for Meal Prep

Make ahead, store, and reheat easily, making them perfect for weekly meal planning. You can prepare the chicken in advance, marinate it for deeper flavor, and quickly cook the skewers when needed. They also freeze well, so you can enjoy them anytime!

Customizable Heat Level

Adjust the spice level by tweaking the seasoning to suit your taste preferences. If you love extra heat, add cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes. For a milder option, simply reduce the Cajun seasoning or use a lemon herb blend instead.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes

Ingredients

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Variations

Dairy-Free: Skip the butter and brush with olive oil instead.
Extra Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
Low-Sodium: Reduce the salt and use a salt-free lemon pepper blend.
Citrus Twist: Swap lemon pepper for a mix of lime zest and black pepper.

Equipment You Need

Skewers: For threading the chicken pieces.
Mixing Bowls: To coat the chicken with seasoning.
Air Fryer/Oven/Grill: Choose your preferred cooking method.
Basting Brush: For applying the seasoned butter.
Knife & Cutting Board: To cube the chicken evenly.

How to Make Hot Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers?

These skewers are simple to prepare and packed with flavor! Whether you’re using an air fryer, oven, or grill, they turn out perfect every time.

Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine cubed chicken, olive oil, paprika, salt, lemon pepper, minced garlic, and Cajun seasoning. Mix well to coat every piece evenly. Let it sit for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Assemble the Skewers

Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, about 4-5 pieces per skewer. If using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.

Cook to Perfection 🔥

Air Fryer: Place skewers in a single layer and cook at 400°F for 11-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Oven: Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.
Grill: Cook over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes per side until fully cooked.

Brush with Seasoned Butter 🧈

Melt butter and mix with paprika, lemon pepper, garlic, Cajun seasoning, and parsley. Brush the mixture over the cooked skewers for an extra burst of flavor.

Serve and Enjoy! 🍋

Remove from skewers or serve them as is. Enjoy hot with your favorite side dishes!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Cut Chicken into Uniform Cubes: Evenly sized chicken pieces ensure consistent cooking and prevent some pieces from drying out. Aim for 1-inch cubes to get the best texture and juiciness.

Adjust the Spice Level to Your Taste: If you love heat, add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne. For a milder version, use less seasoning while still keeping the zesty lemon flavor intact.

Let the Skewers Rest After Cooking: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes helps retain its juices. This simple step makes the skewers extra tender and flavorful when you take that first bite!

Oil the Grill to Prevent Sticking: If grilling, lightly oil the grates before placing the skewers. This prevents the chicken from sticking and ensures those beautiful grill marks on every piece.

How to Serve Hot Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers?

These skewers are super versatile! Serve them with fluffy rice, a fresh salad, or grilled vegetables. They also make a great filling for wraps or pita sandwiches. For an extra zing, drizzle with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.

Pair them with a cooling yogurt dip for a refreshing contrast. Serve alongside crispy fries or roasted potatoes for a heartier meal. You can also chop the skewers and toss them into pasta or grain bowls for variety!

Nutritional Information

Calories: 180
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fat: 8g

Make Ahead and Storage

Want to prep these skewers ahead of time? No problem! You can season and thread the chicken onto skewers and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before cooking.

Cooked skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To freeze, wrap them in foil and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the oven or air fryer until warm.

Enjoy these zesty, peppery chicken skewers anytime—quick, easy, and packed with flavor! 🍢🔥

For a visual guide, watch the full recipe video here: