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+ servings

Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers with Rice & Kale Salad

These lemon pepper chicken skewers are bright, zesty, and perfect for a clean, high-protein meal. Paired with fluffy rice and a tangy kale salad, this dish is simple, refreshing, and ideal for meal prep or a quick healthy dinner.
Servings: 3
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 390

Ingredients
 
 

For the Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers:
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast diced into cubes
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
  • Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning
  • 1 tbsp butter melted
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • Optional 1/2 tsp smoked paprika or Cajun seasoning
For the Rice:
  • 1 cup dry jasmine or basmati rice cooked as desired
For the Kale Salad:
  • 4 cups chopped kale
  • 1/4 small red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Method
 

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, toss chicken with oil, lemon zest and juice, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and lemon pepper seasoning. Marinate for at least 20 minutes.
  2. Cook the Rice: Prepare rice according to package instructions and keep warm.
  3. Assemble & Cook Skewers: Thread marinated chicken onto skewers. Cook in an air fryer at 400°F for 12–15 minutes or grill, flipping halfway, until fully cooked.
  4. Make Lemon Garlic Butter: Mix melted butter with minced garlic and brush over hot skewers.
  5. Make the Kale Salad: Massage kale with salt for about 1 minute. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon, honey, and pepper, then toss with kale and onion.
  6. Serve: Plate chicken skewers with rice and kale salad. Drizzle with extra lemon juice if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 390kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 43gFat: 9g

Notes

  • Store skewers separately to keep texture fresh
  • Massage kale ahead of time so it softens and tastes better over time
  • Reheat chicken gently to avoid drying out
  • Add cucumber or cherry tomatoes for extra freshness
  • Double the marinade to use as a light dressing

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