Go Back

Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers With Garlic Butter Sauce

Tender chicken thighs are marinated in a bright lemon-pepper mixture, grilled until juicy, and finished with a rich garlic-parmesan herb butter. These skewers are a quick, flavorful summer main that pair perfectly with a salad or roasted vegetables.
Pin for Later Print Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 6 servings

Equipment

  • Grill or grill pan (or oven)
  • Skewers

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Skewers:

  • 3 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 lemon lemon juice freshly squeezed (juice of 1/2 lemon)
  • 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons salt for marinade
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper for marinade

For the Garlic Herb Butter:

  • 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter can halve if preferred
  • 12 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 1/2 lemon lemon juice freshly squeezed (juice of 1/2 lemon)
  • 2 teaspoons salt for butter
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper for butter
..Advertisements..

Instructions
 

  • Gather all ingredients and any equipment you'll need, such as skewers and a grill, grill pan, or baking sheet.

Marinate the Chicken:

  • Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl. Add olive oil, lemon juice, Greek yogurt, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss thoroughly so each piece is evenly coated.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors develop, or marinate overnight for deeper flavor. If you're short on time, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before cooking.

Make the Garlic Herb Butter:

  • Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes until it releases its aroma but does not brown.
  • Stir in the grated Parmesan until it melts into the butter. Remove the pan from heat and mix in the chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Keep the sauce warm until ready to use.

Assemble the Skewers:

  • Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, packing pieces snugly but not overcrowding. Discard any leftover marinade.

Cook the Skewers:

  • Grill over medium-high heat for about 4–5 minutes per side, turning until the exterior is lightly charred and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • Alternatively, bake on a preheated 425°F (220°C) sheet for 20–25 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until cooked through and slightly browned.

Finish with Herb Butter:

  • When the skewers are done, brush or spoon the warm garlic herb butter over them generously so each piece is well coated.

Serve and Enjoy:

  • Serve the skewers with lemon wedges and extra grated Parmesan if desired. They pair nicely with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables.