Name: Chicken Spiedini with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed; Italian-style breadcrumbs; Freshly grated Parmesan cheese; Chopped fresh parsley or Italian herb blend; Garlic, minced; Olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Wooden or metal skewers; Butter; Fresh lemon juice; Lemon zest

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If there’s one dish that has the power to dazzle at the dinner table while still offering approachable, comforting flavors, it’s Chicken Spiedini with Lemon Butter Sauce. Imagine juicy, herb-kissed chicken skewers, golden and crisp from the oven or grill, then drizzled with a sunshine-bright lemon butter sauce that ties everything together. This Italian American classic delivers on every level, from irresistible aroma to elegant presentation, making it just as perfect for a weekday treat as it is for a special celebration.

Chicken Spiedini with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Chicken Spiedini with Lemon Butter Sauce lies in its simple, fresh ingredients—each one an essential player in creating bold flavor and irresistible texture. No ingredient is wasted here; every single item brings a unique note, from the savory Parmesan to the sparkling lemon finish.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed: The star of the show—thighs bring extra juiciness, while breasts keep things light; cube them evenly for perfect cooking.
Italian-style breadcrumbs: These add a crisp, golden crust full of herby Italian flavor—go for fresh or panko if you’d like more crunch.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Intensifies the savoriness of each bite and melts into the breadcrumb coating for irresistible texture.
Chopped fresh parsley or Italian herb blend: Adds color, freshness, and that unmistakable Mediterranean aroma.
Garlic, minced: A must for punchy flavor that infuses both chicken and breading.
Olive oil: Keeps the chicken juicy and helps the coating cling for maximum crispiness.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing all the big flavors, so don’t skip or skimp.
Wooden or metal skewers: For threading those chicken cubes; soak wooden skewers if grilling to prevent burning.
Butter (for lemon butter sauce): Forms the rich, silky base of the sauce for perfect drizzling.
Fresh lemon juice: Wakes up every other flavor with tangy brightness.
Lemon zest: Lends an extra punch of sunshine and aroma to finish the sauce beautifully.

How to Make Chicken Spiedini with Lemon Butter Sauce

Step 1: Prep the Oven or Grill

Begin by getting your cooking environment ready! Preheat the oven to 400°F, ensuring even, quick roasting for juicy chicken. If you’re grilling, fire up your grill to medium-high. For wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes to keep them from scorching—this little step saves your hard work from disaster.

Step 2: Make the Breading Mixture

In a large bowl, combine Italian-style breadcrumbs, freshly grated Parmesan, chopped parsley or your favorite Italian herb blend, plus a hit of salt and pepper. Use your hands or a fork to mix it all up, so every bite benefits from cheesy, fragrant breadcrumbs with pops of green. This is the flavor and crunch foundation for your Chicken Spiedini with Lemon Butter Sauce.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Toss your chicken cubes with olive oil and plenty of minced garlic until every piece glistens. The oil helps the coating stick and ensures a juicy finish, while garlic infuses the meat inside and out. Next, toss each olive-oil-slicked chicken cube in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly so the coating really clings and forms a delicious shell.

Step 4: Thread the Skewers

Thread the coated chicken cubes onto your skewers—about 4 to 5 pieces per skewer hits the perfect balance between hearty and manageable. Lay them on a parchment-lined baking sheet if roasting, or set aside if you’re ready to hit the grill. Don’t crowd them, as you want all sides to crisp up beautifully.

Step 5: Bake or Grill

Bake the skewers in your preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping them once halfway, or grill them over medium-high heat, turning as needed. Watch for an irresistible golden-brown crust and juicy centers. The aroma at this stage should make it tough not to sneak a bite!

Step 6: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

While the chicken cooks, melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Whisk in fresh lemon juice and lemon zest, letting it simmer just until fragrant—don’t walk away, as this sauce comes together quickly and can turn bitter if overheated. This glossy, tangy-sweet sauce takes the Chicken Spiedini with Lemon Butter Sauce to restaurant-level deliciousness.

Step 7: Drizzle and Serve

Arrange your golden chicken skewers on a serving platter. Generously drizzle with the warm lemon butter sauce, letting it soak into every nook and cranny. Serve hot, and watch everyone dive in—it’s showtime for your homemade Chicken Spiedini with Lemon Butter Sauce!

How to Serve Chicken Spiedini with Lemon Butter Sauce

Garnishes

For a burst of freshness and an elegant finish, scatter chopped fresh parsley, a few extra grates of Parmesan, and some finely grated lemon zest over your Chicken Spiedini with Lemon Butter Sauce. For a pop of color, tuck thin lemon slices alongside the skewers—they signal citrusy brightness before the first bite.

Side Dishes

This dish loves a simple canvas: think buttery orzo, a mound of garlic mashed potatoes, or crusty Italian bread to soak up extra lemon butter sauce. A peppery arugula salad or classic caprese bring a crisp, refreshing balance to the meal. Choose sides that let the chicken’s herb and citrus notes shine.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting or want to impress, serve each skewer on individual plates with a swirl of sauce underneath and a sprinkle of microgreens or edible flowers on top. For family-style, layer skewers over a bed of lightly dressed greens and let everyone dig in. Chicken Spiedini with Lemon Butter Sauce also pairs beautifully as a party appetizer—just cut the skewers shorter and offer them with tiny ramekins of the sauce for dipping fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep leftovers fresh, transfer any remaining Chicken Spiedini with Lemon Butter Sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Store the lemon butter sauce separately, if possible, to maintain the chicken’s crispy exterior when reheating.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked Chicken Spiedini (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Let them cool completely before wrapping tightly in foil or packing into a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready to enjoy again. Freeze lemon butter sauce separately in an ice cube tray for easy portioning.

Reheating

For best results, reheat spiedini in a 350°F oven until warmed through and slightly crisp—about 10 minutes. Warm the lemon butter sauce gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, then drizzle right before serving so each skewer tastes freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for Chicken Spiedini with Lemon Butter Sauce?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are wonderfully juicy and flavorful; just be sure to cut them into even cubes for quick, uniform cooking. Your Chicken Spiedini with Lemon Butter Sauce will be even richer with this swap.

What breadcrumbs work best in this recipe?

Italian-style breadcrumbs add built-in flavor, but panko creates an extra-crispy crust. Feel free to use whatever you have—or combine both for a balance of flavor and crunch in your Chicken Spiedini with Lemon Butter Sauce.

Can I cook Chicken Spiedini with Lemon Butter Sauce on the stovetop?

Yes! Use a grill pan or heavy skillet over medium-high heat, turning the skewers as they brown. You’ll achieve a lovely sear and the same delicious flavors. Keep an eye on the garlic to avoid burning.

Is the lemon butter sauce spicy?

No, the sauce is more bright and tangy, not spicy at all. If you want a subtle kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cracked black pepper to the sauce as it simmers.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply swap in gluten-free Italian breadcrumbs (or make your own with gluten-free bread). Everything else—especially the magnificent lemon butter sauce—needs no adjustment.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a meal that’s as crowd-pleasing as it is simple to prepare, Chicken Spiedini with Lemon Butter Sauce is a must-try. Each bite has a beautiful interplay of savory herbs, bright citrus, and crisp, tender chicken—perfect for sharing with friends and family. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new favorite go-to for any occasion!

Chicken Spiedini with Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 6 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Chicken Spiedini is a classic Italian dish featuring tender, flavorful chicken skewers coated in a savory breadcrumb mixture and served with a zesty lemon butter sauce. This recipe offers a delicious twist on traditional grilled chicken, perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (or preheat grill). Soak wooden skewers if using. This helps prevent them from burning during cooking.
In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure even coating.
Toss chicken cubes with olive oil and garlic, then coat in breadcrumb mixture. Ensure each piece is well coated for maximum flavor.
Thread chicken onto skewers and place on a lined baking sheet or grill. Leave space between each piece for even cooking.
Bake for 15–20 minutes or grill until golden and cooked through, turning once halfway. Cooking times may vary based on the thickness of the chicken.
In a small saucepan, melt butter and whisk in lemon juice and zest. Simmer briefly. This creates a tangy, flavorful sauce.
Drizzle lemon butter sauce over cooked chicken spiedini and serve hot. Garnish with additional herbs or lemon zest if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking, Grilling
Cuisine: Italian