Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers

Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers are juicy, flavorful chicken bites seasoned with lemon pepper, Cajun seasoning, garlic, paprika, and olive oil, then cooked until tender and brushed with a rich seasoned butter. They are quick, easy, and perfect for air fryer dinners, summer grilling, meal prep, or party appetizers.

These chicken skewers are made with simple ingredients and cook fast, making them a great option for busy weeknights. You can prepare them in the air fryer, bake them in the oven, or cook them on the grill for a smoky summer meal.

Why You’ll Love These Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers

Ready in about 22 minutes
Juicy, flavorful chicken
Easy air fryer recipe
Can also be baked or grilled
Perfect for dinner or appetizers
Great for meal prep
Brushed with seasoned butter
Bright lemon pepper flavor with a Cajun kick

What Makes These Chicken Skewers So Good?

The chicken is first tossed in olive oil, lemon pepper, garlic, paprika, salt, and Cajun seasoning. This gives every bite bold flavor before cooking.

After the skewers are cooked, they are brushed with melted butter mixed with more seasoning and fresh parsley. This final step makes the chicken extra juicy, glossy, and flavorful.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon lemon pepper
½ teaspoon minced garlic
1½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning

For the Seasoned Butter

¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon lemon pepper
½ teaspoon minced garlic
1½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon freshly chopped parsley

Ingredient Notes

Chicken

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work great for this recipe because they cook quickly and stay tender when cut into evenly sized pieces. Chicken thighs can also be used, but they may need a slightly different cooking time.

Lemon Pepper

Lemon pepper adds bright citrus flavor and a little peppery bite.

Cajun Seasoning

Cajun seasoning gives the skewers extra boldness and a mild spicy kick.

Olive Oil

Olive oil helps the seasoning stick to the chicken and keeps it moist while cooking.

Butter

The seasoned butter is brushed on after cooking for extra richness and flavor.

Wooden Skewers

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This helps prevent burning or charring.

How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Soak the Skewers

Place wooden skewers in water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes.

If needed, break the skewers in half so they fit in your air fryer basket.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Add the cubed chicken to a large bowl.

Add olive oil, paprika, kosher salt, lemon pepper, minced garlic, and Cajun seasoning.

Toss until all the chicken pieces are evenly coated.

Step 3: Thread the Chicken

Thread the seasoned chicken cubes onto the soaked skewers.

Add about 4 to 5 pieces of chicken per skewer.

Try to keep the pieces close in size so they cook evenly.

Step 4: Air Fry

Place the skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer.

Cook at 400°F for 11 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Work in batches if needed.

Step 5: Make the Seasoned Butter

While the chicken cooks, add melted butter to a small bowl.

Stir in paprika, lemon pepper, minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, and chopped parsley.

Mix until well combined.

Step 6: Brush and Serve

Brush the seasoned butter over the hot cooked chicken skewers.

Serve immediately while warm.

Oven Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Season the chicken and thread it onto skewers as directed.

Place the skewers on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches 165°F.

Brush with seasoned butter before serving.

Grill Instructions

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.

Season the chicken and thread onto skewers.

Grill for 8 to 10 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches 165°F.

Brush with seasoned butter before serving.

Wooden Skewers vs. Metal Skewers

Both wooden and metal skewers work for this recipe.

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This helps prevent burning.

If using metal skewers, make sure they fit inside your air fryer basket or baking dish.

Can I Assemble Chicken Skewers Ahead of Time?

Yes. You can season the chicken and thread it onto skewers ahead of time.

Store uncooked skewers covered in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.

You can also freeze uncooked chicken skewers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.

Tips for the Best Chicken Skewers

Cut Even Pieces

Cut the chicken into similar-sized cubes so everything cooks evenly.

Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer

Place skewers in a single layer so the air can circulate.

Check the Temperature

Chicken is fully cooked at 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for best results.

Brush Butter After Cooking

Adding the seasoned butter after cooking keeps the flavor fresh and rich.

Adjust the Salt

The butter mixture skips extra salt because the seasonings already add plenty of flavor.

Variations

Spicy Lemon Pepper Skewers

Add cayenne pepper or extra Cajun seasoning for more heat.

Garlic Butter Chicken Skewers

Add extra garlic to the seasoned butter.

Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers

Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or oregano.

Chicken Thigh Skewers

Use boneless chicken thighs for a juicier, richer option.

Grilled Summer Skewers

Add bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, or cherry tomatoes between the chicken pieces.

What to Serve With Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers

These chicken skewers work as an appetizer or main dish. Serve them with:

White rice
Cilantro rice
Parmesan garlic butter rice
Mashed potatoes
Roasted potatoes
Baked potatoes
Caesar salad
Lemon parmesan salad
Roasted asparagus
Green beans
Roasted carrots
Brussels sprouts
Grilled vegetables

Storage Instructions

Store cooked chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Remove the chicken from the skewers before storing if preferred.

Freezing Instructions

Let the cooked skewers cool completely.

Wrap each skewer in aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag.

Freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F until warmed through.

You can also reheat in the oven or microwave.

Brush with a little extra melted butter if needed to refresh the flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Chicken Thighs?

Yes. Boneless chicken thighs work well, but they may need a slightly different cooking time.

Do I Have to Soak Wooden Skewers?

Yes, soaking helps prevent wooden skewers from burning during cooking.

Can I Make These in the Oven?

Yes. Bake at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Can I Grill These Chicken Skewers?

Yes. Grill over medium-high heat for 8 to 10 minutes per side.

How Do I Know When the Chicken Is Done?