Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers

Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers are easy to make cubed, seasoned chicken breasts threaded onto a wooden skewer, cooked in an air fryer, and brushed with flavored butter. I’ll also share how to make in the oven or grill for your next summer gathering! Be sure to also add my Grilled Lemon Garlic Chicken Kebabs to your list of kebab recipes.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken: After testing the skewers with both chicken breasts and chicken thighs, chicken breasts were the favorite. However, some did prefer the thighs. Use what you like, but the cooking time may need to be adjusted if using chicken thighs. Try to cut the cubes as close to the same size for even cooking.

Seasonings: The seasonings will be mixed with both the oil (before cooking) and the melted butter (after cooking). The seasonings you will need are paprika, kosher salt, lemon pepper, garlic, and Cajun seasoning.

Oil: Mix the seasonings with extra virgin olive oil before cooking the chicken. Coat the chicken in the oil mixture before they are added to the air fryer.

Butter: The same seasonings (minus the salt) are added to the melted butter as were to the oil. Brush the flavored butter over the kebabs after cooking, but before serving. We left the salt out of the butter mixture because the consensus was that it made it too salty. However, you can add salt to your preference.

Wooden Skewers vs Metal Skewers

Both wooden and metal skewers can be used when making these kebabs, even in the air fryer. If using wooden skewers, be sure they are soaked in water for at least 30 minutes before using them. Soaking them in water prevents the skewers from charring during cooking. If using metal skewers, make sure they fit in the basket of your air fryer. If using wooden skewers, you can break them in half if you need to shorten them.

What To Serve With Chicken Skewers

Chicken skewers can be an appetizer or the main course. If serving them as a main dish, try adding a side dish or two to make it a complete meal. Here are some of my suggestions:

• Rice: Serve the skewers with a side of plain rice or flavored rice like cilantro rice or parmesan garlic butter rice.
• Potatoes: Add some mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, cauliflower mashed, or baked potatoes to the table.
• Salads: You can start with a salad like a wedge salad. Or, add the chicken pieces to your lemon parmesan chicken salad. Yum!
• Grilled Vegetables: Don’t forget about the vegetables! I have roasted asparagus, green beans, carrots, and Brussels sprouts that would all be delicious.

Can I Assemble Chicken Skewers Ahead of Time?

Yes! Once you have the seasoned chicken bites on the skewers, you can store them in the refrigerator or freeze them before cooking. If stored in the refrigerator, they will last 2-3 days, covered. These can also be frozen ahead of time. To freeze, tightly wrap the chicken skewers; they will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to cook them, let the skewers thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

How to Store Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers

Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer.

To Refrigerate: Store the chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last up to 4 days.

To Freeze: To freeze cooked chicken skewers, first, let them cool completely. Next, wrap each skewer up in aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. They will last up to 3 months.