Hot Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers Recipe
Grilling season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with some delicious Hot Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers? These skewers are packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for any outdoor gathering or weeknight dinner. Let’s get started on making these tangy, spicy, and utterly delightful skewers.
What Makes Hot Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers Special?
Hot Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers stand out for their vibrant citrus flavor combined with a kick of heat. The lemon juice and zest give the chicken a fresh and tangy taste, while the pepper and spices add a bold, spicy flavor. Grilling the skewers brings out a smoky char that enhances all the flavors, making these skewers a crowd favorite.
Ingredients Needed for Hot Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers
Main Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: 2 large, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Bell Peppers: 2 large (any color), cut into 1-inch pieces
- Red Onion: 1 large, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Lemon Wedges: For garnish
Marinade Ingredients
- Lemon Juice: ¼ cup, freshly squeezed
- Lemon Zest: 1 tablespoon
- Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Black Pepper: 1 teaspoon, freshly ground
- Red Pepper Flakes: ½ teaspoon
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Honey: 1 tablespoon
Essential Kitchen Tools
- Large Mixing Bowl: For mixing the marinade and chicken.
- Whisk: For combining marinade ingredients.
- Cutting Board: For chopping vegetables and chicken.
- Sharp Knife: For cutting ingredients.
- Skewers: Wooden or metal, for threading the chicken and vegetables.
- Grill or Grill Pan: For cooking the skewers.
- Tongs: For turning the skewers on the grill.
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Preparing the Marinade
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, minced garlic, black pepper, red pepper flakes, paprika, salt, and honey until well combined.
Marinating the Chicken
- Add Chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the bowl with the marinade. Toss to coat the chicken evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours, to allow the flavors to meld.
Preparing the Skewers
- Soak Wooden Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Thread the Skewers: Alternate threading the marinated chicken, bell pepper pieces, and red onion pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
Grilling the Skewers
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char on the outside.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and garnish with fresh lemon wedges before serving.
Tips for Making the Best Hot Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers
- Marinate Properly: Ensure the chicken is marinated for at least 30 minutes to absorb all the flavors.
- Even Pieces: Cut the chicken and vegetables into even pieces for uniform cooking.
- Preheat the Grill: Make sure your grill is hot before adding the skewers to get a good sear and prevent sticking.
- Turn Often: Turn the skewers frequently to cook evenly on all sides and avoid burning.
Variations and Substitutions
- Different Proteins: Substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu for a different take.
- Vegetable Mix: Add other vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms.
- Herb Twist: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the marinade for an extra layer of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Side Dishes: Serve with a side of rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad.
- Dipping Sauce: Pair with a tangy yogurt sauce or a spicy aioli.
- Bread: Serve with warm pita or garlic bread.
Storing and Reheating Instructions
- Storing: Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat on the stovetop in a skillet over medium heat.
Nutritional Information
Each serving (based on 4 servings) has approximately:
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 8g
Conclusion
Hot Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers are a delightful addition to any meal, bringing together the zesty brightness of lemon, the spiciness of pepper, and the savory goodness of chicken. Easy to prepare and cook, these skewers are perfect for grilling season and will surely impress your family and friends. Enjoy the burst of flavors and the satisfaction of a well-grilled meal!
FAQs
1. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh? While fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
2. How can I make the skewers less spicy? Reduce or omit the red pepper flakes to make the skewers less spicy.
3. Can I bake the skewers instead of grilling them? Yes, you can bake the skewers in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway through.
4. What can I use instead of honey in the marinade? You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
5. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out? Ensure the chicken is not overcooked by monitoring the grill closely and using a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Source: badbatchbaking.com
Hot Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers Recipe
Grilling season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with some delicious Hot Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers? These skewers are packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for any outdoor gathering or weeknight dinner. Let’s get started on making these tangy, spicy, and utterly delightful skewers.
- Chicken
- 2 lbs. chicken tenders or thighs cut in 2-3” pieces
- 1 tablespoon Lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Paprika
- 2 tsp cracked pepper
- 1 lemon zest only
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tsp salt
- 1-2 tablespoon hot sauce Crystal (Frank’s, Louisana, etc.)
- 2-3 tablespoon olive oil
- Hot Lemon Pepper Butter Mixture
- 1 – 8 oz. stick salted butter slightly melted
- 2 tsp cracked pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 lemon (zest and juice start with juice form half the lemon, add more if needed for the right tangy balance)
- 2 tablespoon hot sauce Crystal (Frank’s, Louisana)
- 2 tsp honey
- pinch of salt
Prep and Marinate Chicken
- Place chicken chunks in a bowl. Add all of the seasonings, hot sauce and oil. Mix well until chicken pieces are evenly coated. Allow them to rest while preparing butter mixture.
- In a small bowl, add the butter and microwave until it’s slightly melted. Add remaining ingredients and mix together to form a paste. Remove a portion of the butter mixture and place into a separate bowl for basting the finished cooked chicken (to prevent cross contamination).
- Skewer chicken pieces onto wooden skewers packing them tightly together. This helps it stay extremely juicy.
- Cook in Air Fryer
- Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray or use an air fryer liner. Cook in batches of 2-3 skewers at a time as to not overcrowd.
- Cook at 400 degrees for 5 minutes. Remove the chicken and baste with butter mixture. Return to the air fryer for 4 minutes. Flip the chicken, baste with butter and return to air fryer for another 6 minutes.
- Once chicken is finished cooking and internal temp reaches 165, remove and baste the chicken on both sides one final time. It's great served over rice with roasted vegetables. Use any leftover lemon pepper butter to top rice and veggies.