Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Spiedini Recipe – Easy, Flavorful
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Spiedini recipe is a delectable and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken with a rich and zesty butter marinade. Perfectly seasoned and cooked to golden perfection, this dish is great for a weeknight dinner or even a special gathering. Spiedini, an Italian-style skewer dish, features chicken marinated in lemon, garlic, and butter, then grilled or baked, bringing out a mouthwatering blend of flavors. Whether you’re cooking on the grill or using the oven, these chicken skewers are versatile and will surely please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
For the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Spiedini, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Chicken Breast or Thighs (2 pounds, cut into 1-2 inch pieces)
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
- Lemon Juice (Juice of 2 lemons)
- Lemon Zest (1 teaspoon)
- Butter (1/2 cup, melted)
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons)
- Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped)
- Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon)
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
- Wooden Skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken
Begin by cutting the chicken breasts (or thighs) into bite-sized pieces. The pieces should be around 1-2 inches to ensure they cook evenly on the skewer. - Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, melted butter, olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a marinade. - Marinate the Chicken Pieces
Add the chicken pieces to the bowl with the marinade. Toss to coat all the chicken thoroughly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse the chicken. - Prepare the Skewers
While the chicken marinates, prepare your skewers. If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning during cooking. - Thread the Chicken onto Skewers
After marinating, thread the chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, ensuring they are evenly spaced and not overcrowded. - Cook the Chicken Spiedini
Preheat your grill or oven. If grilling, heat it to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken skewers for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is golden and cooked through.Alternatively, you can bake the chicken spiedini in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. - Serve
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove the skewers from the grill or oven. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra lemon wedges for a burst of freshness. Serve immediately with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Active Time: 20 minutes
Resting Time: 30 minutes (for marinating)
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 350-400 calories per serving
Nutrition
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Spiedini is a well-balanced dish that offers a good amount of protein while being relatively low in carbohydrates. Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fats: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
This recipe is high in protein, making it an excellent option for those looking to maintain muscle or simply enjoy a fulfilling meal. Additionally, it contains healthy fats from olive oil and butter, which contribute to the rich flavor profile of the dish.
Cuisines: Italian, Mediterranean, American
Course: Main Course
Dietary Considerations: Gluten-Free, Low-Carb, Keto-Friendly (if served without high-carb sides)
Equipment
For this recipe, you’ll need the following equipment:
- Large Mixing Bowl (for marinating the chicken)
- Grill or Oven (for cooking the spiedini)
- Wooden or Metal Skewers (for threading the chicken)
- Grill Tongs or Oven Mitts (for handling the skewers)
- Basting Brush (optional, for brushing extra marinade during grilling)
Tips for Success
- Marinate Longer for More Flavor: While 30 minutes of marinating will infuse good flavor, marinating the chicken for a few hours or overnight will result in even more tender and flavorful chicken.
- Grilling Tip: If you’re grilling, make sure the skewers aren’t overcrowded, allowing the heat to circulate around the chicken.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and lemons make a big difference in the overall flavor of the marinade.
- Alternate Vegetables: For variety, you can alternate pieces of chicken with vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or onions on the skewers for added color and nutrition.
Why You’ll Love Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Spiedini
This Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Spiedini recipe is not just flavorful but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re cooking on the grill or in the oven, this recipe is straightforward, quick, and guarantees a delicious, mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for dinner, special occasions, or even as a party appetizer. The buttery marinade adds richness, while the lemon and garlic provide a fresh, zesty kick that complements the chicken perfectly.
The dish is light but satisfying, making it suitable for many dietary preferences like keto, low-carb, and gluten-free diets. Additionally, it’s an excellent source of protein, making it a nutritious option for those looking to fuel up after a workout or enjoy a healthy dinner. Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables, and you have a well-rounded, wholesome meal.
Conclusion
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Spiedini is an easy-to-make, delicious, and nutritious meal that will quickly become a family favorite. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re grilling on a summer evening or baking in the oven during the colder months, this recipe offers versatility and great taste. Try it today for a burst of flavor and a satisfying meal that everyone will love!
I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.