Crispy Grilled Chicken Spiedini with Zesty Lemon Butter Sauce: Your Ultimate Summer BBQ Recipe
Summer grilling season is here, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with a dish that’s both incredibly flavorful and wonderfully easy to prepare. This Grilled Chicken Spiedini Recipe with Lemon Butter Sauce is an absolute classic in my family, a tried-and-true favorite that has graced our summer tables for as long as I can remember. Forget complicated dishes; this recipe brings together simple ingredients to create something truly spectacular that will earn a standing ovation every time.
Growing up, these crispy, breaded chicken skewers were the most requested meal whenever my dad fired up the grill. And for good reason! Each piece of chicken is perfectly marinated, then coated in a flavorful blend of breadcrumbs, and grilled until it’s wonderfully crispy with just the right amount of smoky char. The magic doesn’t stop there; a vibrant, zesty lemon butter sauce is drizzled generously over the top, adding a bright, tangy finish that perfectly complements the savory chicken. The subtle touch of spice in the breading elevates every bite, making it utterly irresistible. Get ready to fall in love with this unforgettable grilled chicken spiedini – I promise you and your loved ones will enjoy it as much as my family does.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Perfect Spiedini
- 6-8 Metal or Wooden Skewers: Skewers are, of course, essential for making spiedini. Metal skewers are reusable and conduct heat, which can help cook the chicken from the inside out. If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
- Two Large Bowls and a Small Bowl: You’ll need one large bowl for marinating the chicken, another for mixing your breading, and a small one for whipping up that luscious lemon butter sauce right before serving.
- Tongs: Indispensable for safely handling hot skewers on the grill, ensuring you get an even char on all sides without burning your fingers.
- A Grill or Grill Pan: While this recipe shines on an outdoor grill, giving the chicken a beautiful smoky flavor, it’s just as delicious when prepared indoors. If the weather isn’t cooperating, a heavy-duty grill pan (cast iron is my personal favorite for its heat retention and even cooking) on your stove-top works wonderfully to achieve that desirable crispy exterior.
- A Knife and Cutting Board: For preparing your chicken breast into uniform cubes, ensuring even cooking.
- Meat Thermometer: Crucial for ensuring your chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F, guaranteeing juicy, perfectly cooked chicken every time.
Key Ingredients for Delicious Grilled Spiedini
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: The lean, versatile base for our spiedini. Cutting it into cubes ensures quick and even cooking. While breasts are traditional, chicken thighs also work beautifully for a slightly richer, more succulent result.
- Olive Oil: Used in the marinade, olive oil helps tenderize the chicken and ensures the breading adheres properly. A good quality extra virgin olive oil also imparts a subtle depth of flavor. Alternatively, you can use another neutral oil like corn oil or vegetable oil.
- White Wine: This adds a delicate acidity and complex flavor to the marinade, helping to tenderize the chicken. If you prefer to keep this spiedini recipe alcohol-free, chicken broth makes an excellent substitute without compromising on moisture.
- Spices (Ground Black Pepper, Sea Salt, Red Pepper Flakes, Parsley, Garlic Powder): A carefully balanced blend that provides both savory depth and a delightful “touch spicy” kick. The red pepper flakes are optional but highly recommended for that signature warmth, while parsley and garlic powder infuse the chicken with aromatic freshness.
- Panko and Regular Bread Crumbs: The secret to that irresistible crispy coating! Panko breadcrumbs provide a light, airy crunch, while regular Italian bread crumbs add traditional flavor and help create a cohesive coating.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan not only contributes a savory, umami flavor to the breading but also helps achieve that golden-brown, slightly cheesy crust when grilled.
- Butter: The foundation of our luxurious lemon butter sauce. Unsalted butter allows you to control the seasoning precisely, melting down to create a rich, emulsified sauce.
- Lemon Juice: The star of the sauce, providing a bright, zesty tang that cuts through the richness of the butter and complements the grilled chicken perfectly. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always preferred for its vibrant flavor, but bottled lemon juice will also work great for this recipe in a pinch.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Chicken Spiedini
- Prepare and Marinate the Chicken: Begin by slicing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into uniform 1-inch cubes. This ensures they cook evenly and fit perfectly on the skewers. Place the chicken in a large bowl, sprinkle with a portion of salt and pepper, then coat with olive oil and white wine. Stir everything together well, cover the bowl, and let the chicken marinade for at least 20 minutes in the refrigerator. This step is crucial for both flavor and tenderness.
- Create the Crispy Breading Mixture: While your chicken is marinating, prepare the delicious breading. In a separate large bowl, combine the remaining salt and pepper, red pepper flakes (for that touch of spice!), dried parsley, garlic powder, Italian bread crumbs, Panko bread crumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir these dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure they are well combined.
- Breading and Skewering the Chicken: Once the chicken has marinated, remove it from the fridge. Add the prepared breading mixture to the bowl with the chicken. Toss vigorously until every piece of chicken is thoroughly coated in the bread crumb mixture. Next, prepare your skewers by lightly spraying them with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Thread the coated chicken cubes onto the skewers, being careful not to overcrowd them. Leave a little space between each piece to allow for even cooking and optimal crisping. If some breading falls off, simply pat it back onto the chicken.
- Grill to Crispy Perfection: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remember the crucial grill tip: spray the hot grill grates or pan generously with cooking spray before adding the chicken! Place the chicken spiedini skewers on the hot grill and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown color and crispy texture with a slight char. If you notice them charring too quickly, move them to a cooler part of the grill to finish cooking.
- Serve with Zesty Lemon Butter Sauce: As soon as the spiedini are crispy and golden, remove them from the grill. For the best experience, carefully slide the chicken off the skewers. Just before serving, drizzle generously with the freshly made Lemon Butter Sauce. Serve warm and savor every delicious bite!
Pro Tips for the Best Grilled Chicken Spiedini
Grill Tip: Prevent Sticking! This is perhaps the most important tip for perfect breaded spiedini. **MAKE SURE YOU SPRAY THE GRILL OR GRILL PAN LIBERALLY WITH COOKING SPRAY BEFORE ADDING THE CHICKEN.** If you skip this step, the breading will inevitably stick to the grates, creating a sticky mess and resulting in sad, bread-less chicken. Nobody wants that! A well-oiled surface ensures the breading crisps up beautifully without tearing away from the chicken.
Achieving The Perfect Cook: While charring adds flavor, too much can lead to bitterness. If your spiedini is getting too charred for your liking on one side, simply move it to a cooler part of the grill or a lower heat setting to finish cooking. The key is to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Always use a reliable meat thermometer to assure that your chicken is cooked perfectly through, guaranteeing it’s neither overdone and dry nor undercooked and unsafe.
Spiedini Sauce Secret: Timing is Everything! The vibrant Lemon Butter Sauce is best when it’s warm and pourable. Therefore, make the Lemon Butter Sauce just before you are ready to serve this spiedini recipe. Butter solidifies as it cools, and trying to drizzle hardened butter over your delicious chicken spiedini will be a struggle. If you make it too early and it solidifies, gently re-warm it over low heat or in the microwave for a few seconds, stirring until it’s smooth and pourable again.
Common Questions About Grilled Chicken Spiedini
To keep your crispy grilled chicken spiedini fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When it’s time to enjoy them again, you have a couple of reheating options. You can microwave them until steaming hot (around 30-60 seconds), but for the best texture, reheating in the oven is highly recommended. The oven method helps the breading stay much crisper. Place them on a baking sheet at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. The lemon butter sauce can also be saved in a separate container. When reheating the sauce, warm it gently until the butter has just melted, then give it a good stir to combine before drizzling over your warmed spiedini.
Absolutely! This chicken spiedini recipe is fantastic for meal prep or feeding a crowd. There are several components you can prepare in advance. You can mix the bread crumb blend weeks ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in your pantry – a great time-saver, especially if you make this recipe often during the summer. You can also marinate the chicken overnight to allow the flavors to deepen and the chicken to become extra tender. If marinating overnight, be sure to use chicken broth instead of white wine in the marinade. For full prep-ahead convenience, you can complete the entire recipe (marinade, bread, and skewer the chicken) up to 12 hours in advance. Simply arrange the chicken kabobs in a single layer on a large baking sheet, cover tightly with cling wrap, and store in the fridge until you’re ready to grill.
Yes, it is highly recommended to marinate the chicken for at least 20 minutes. Marinating is a crucial step that contributes significantly to the overall success of this dish. Even a short marinade helps infuse the chicken with flavor, making it incredibly tender and juicy once cooked. Additionally, the liquid in the marinade helps the breading adhere better to the chicken, creating that desirable crispy exterior. Skipping the marinade can result in drier chicken and a less effective breading. For the best results, don’t skip this easy step!
Yes, absolutely! If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, or if the weather isn’t cooperating, you can successfully grill these spiedini skewers indoors on a grill pan or heavy-bottomed skillet. Follow all the recipe instructions for prepping the chicken, including marinating, breading, and skewering. The cooking method remains similar, but the cook time might differ slightly depending on your stove’s heat and pan type. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through to a safe internal temperature of 165°F. You might miss some of the smoky char of an outdoor grill, but you’ll still achieve a wonderfully crispy and flavorful result.
More Irresistible Grilled Chicken Ideas
Grilled BBQ Chicken Salad
A refreshing and flavorful salad featuring smoky grilled chicken and tangy buttermilk ranch dressing.
Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken
Bright, zesty, and incredibly aromatic chicken perfect for tacos, salads, or simply enjoyed on its own.
Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Sweet and savory chicken glazed with a homemade teriyaki sauce, skewered with colorful vegetables.
BLT Chicken Sandwich
A elevated take on a classic, featuring perfectly grilled chicken, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and ripe tomatoes.
Honey and Chipotle Chicken Skewers
A perfect balance of sweet and smoky heat, these skewers are a fantastic crowd-pleaser.
Additional Ideas and Serving Suggestions
Swap Out the Wine: As mentioned in the ingredients, if you prefer to eliminate the alcohol (white wine) from this recipe for any reason, it’s incredibly easy to do without sacrificing flavor or moisture. A fantastic alternate option is using chicken or vegetable broth in its place. The broth will still provide liquid for the marinade, helping to tenderize the chicken and ensure the breading adheres beautifully.
Side Suggestions: One of the best things about this grilled chicken spiedini is its versatility – it pairs wonderfully with almost anything! I’ve served this recipe with a wide variety of sides, and it’s always met with rave reviews. If you’re looking to keep your meal light and healthy, consider a vibrant green salad like my Kale Caesar Salad, a refreshing Grilled Peach Salad, or perfectly seasoned Roasted Asparagus. Alternatively, if your heart yearns for some satisfying carbohydrates, this spiedini is incredible alongside my ultra-crispy Crispy Smashed Potatoes or a flavorful Pesto Pasta. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your favorite summer sides!
Love this grilled chicken spiedini with lemon butter sauce recipe? Don’t forget to comment and rate below! Your feedback means the world.
Happy Eating!
Chicken Spiedini Recipe with Lemon Butter Sauce
Caitlyn Erhardt
Pin Recipe
Rate this Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Chicken Breasts
- ⅓ Cup Olive Oil
- ¼ Cup White Wine Optional-See Notes
- 2 ½ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Sea Salt
- 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 tablespoon Parsley
- 1 tablespoon Garlic Powder
- ½ Cup Italian Bread Crumbs
- ¼ Cup Panko Bread Crumbs
- ⅓ Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
Lemon Butter Sauce
- 3-4 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- ¼ Cup Unsalted Butter Melted
Instructions
-
Cut chicken breast into 1-inch cubes and add to large bowl. Season with ¼ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper (keep remaining for breading) and add in olive oil and white wine. Stir to combine, cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
-
While the chicken is marinading, combine remaining salt and pepper, red pepper flakes, parsley, garlic powder, Italian bread crumbs, Panko, Parmesan cheese into a bowl and stir to combine. Set aside.
-
Once chicken has marinaded remove from the fridge and add in the dry ingredients and stir until all chicken is well coated. Spray skewers with cooking spray and skewer chicken cubes on until none remain. Pat on fallen breading if desired.
-
Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and spray with cooking spray to avoid bread crumbs from sticking. Add skewers to heat and cook 4 minutes each side or until internal temperature reads 165 degrees. If they are getting too charred place them on a cooler part of the grill until cooked through.
-
To serve remove chicken from skewers and drizzle with Lemon Butter Sauce. Enjoy!
Lemon Butter Sauce
-
Right before serving add melted butter and lemon juice into a small bowl and stir to combine. Top with additional red pepper flakes for an extra spicy kick. Serve over Grilled Chicken Spiedini
Notes
*You can swap the white wine out for chicken broth if you wish.
Nutrition