There’s something undeniably satisfying about the sound of chicken sizzling on the grill, especially when it’s coated in crispy breadcrumbs and kissed with a zesty lemon-butter sauce. Just recently, I found myself daydreaming about sunny Italian afternoons while craving a home-cooked meal that would transport me there. Enter my Easy Italian Chicken Spiedini with Lemon-Butter Sauce—a dish that combines the love of grilled food with the flavors of Italy in the most delightful way.
With tender, marinated chicken skewers perfectly grilled to a golden-brown finish, each bite bursts with flavor. As I drizzle that luscious lemon-butter sauce over the top, I can’t help but think about how this dish makes weeknight dinners feel special without requiring hours in the kitchen. Kid-friendly and easy to whip up, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’ll leave the fast-food craving far behind. Ready to dive into an Italian classic that’s about to become a staple in your home? Let’s get cooking!
Why is Chicken Spiedini with Lemon Butter Sauce irresistible?
Simplicity at its finest: This recipe requires minimal prep time, making it an easy weeknight meal that even beginners can master.
Deliciously crispy: The breadcrumb coating combined with grilling creates a delightful crunch, perfectly complemented by the zesty lemon-butter sauce.
Flavor-packed: The marinade infuses the chicken with aromatic garlic and fresh lemon, offering an explosion of taste in every bite.
Versatile: Whether served alone or paired with fresh salads or pasta, this dish suits all occasions—dinner parties, family meals, or casual gatherings.
Kid-approved: Even the pickiest eaters will love these skewers, making it a guaranteed hit for the whole family.
For more meal inspiration, check out our collection of easy weeknight meals.
Chicken Spiedini With Lemon Butter Sauce Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- Chicken Breasts – Cut into 1½-inch cubes for optimal tenderness and cooking.
- Olive Oil – Adds moisture and richness; avocado oil serves as a good substitute.
- Garlic – Minced for more intense flavor throughout the chicken.
- Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed is ideal for maximum flavor and chicken tenderness.
- Dry White Wine – Optional for added depth; you can omit if desired.
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning, adjust according to your taste.
For the Coating
- Fine Dry Breadcrumbs – Creates the crispy coating; gluten-free breadcrumbs can be used for a gluten-free option.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese – Optional for a cheesy flavor and crunchy texture; can skip for dairy-free diets.
- Garlic Powder & Italian Seasoning – Sprinkle to enhance the breadcrumb flavor; adjust according to your preference.
For Grilling
- Wooden Skewers – Essential for grilling the chicken; soak in water for 20-30 minutes to prevent burning.
For the Lemon-Butter Sauce
- Unsalted Butter – The base of the sauce, can be swapped for vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – Optional for those who like a touch of heat; adjust to your spice preference.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley – Adds a burst of freshness to the sauce for garnishing.
Now that you have everything you need to create this Chicken Spiedini with Lemon Butter Sauce, let’s roll up our sleeves and bring the flavors of Italy right into your home!
How to Make Chicken Spiedini with Lemon Butter Sauce
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Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, dry white wine, salt, and pepper. Stir well, then cover and let the mixture marinate in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes, or up to 12 hours for enhanced flavor.
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Prepare Skewers and Coating: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. In a shallow dish, mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Remove the chicken from the marinade and coat each piece thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Thread the coated chicken onto the soaked wooden skewers.
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Grill the Spiedini: Generously oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on one side without moving them. Flip the skewers and grill for an additional 2-3 minutes on each remaining side, or until the chicken reaches a golden-brown color and an internal temperature of 165°F.
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Make the Lemon-Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, then stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley before removing from heat.
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Serve: Arrange the grilled chicken skewers on a serving platter, generously drizzle the lemon-butter sauce over the top, and offer extra sauce on the side. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges for a beautiful presentation.
Optional: Add a sprinkle of extra chopped parsley for a pop of color.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Chicken Spiedini with Lemon Butter Sauce?
Imagine the joy of a beautifully arranged table, where your Chicken Spiedini takes center stage, surrounded by delightful accompaniments that elevate your meal experience.
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Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky crunch of toasted bread is perfect for soaking up that delicious lemon-butter sauce. It adds a comforting, familiar touch to your elegant dinner.
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Arugula Salad: A peppery arugula salad with cherry tomatoes and a light vinaigrette balances the rich flavors of the chicken and adds a refreshing crunch to each bite.
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Lemon Zest Couscous: Light and fluffy couscous with a hint of lemon zest mirrors the citrusy notes of your spiedini, creating a harmonious flavor profile that will leave everyone satisfied.
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Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant, lightly charred to enhance their natural sweetness, offer a colorful and nutritious complement to your skewers.
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Pasta Primavera: This vibrant vegetable pasta dish is not only a hit with the whole family, but it also pairs beautifully with your Chicken Spiedini, making it a wholesome choice.
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Tiramisu: For dessert, nothing beats a classic Italian tiramisu with its luscious layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone—an indulgent way to end your meal.
These vibrant pairings will create a feast that not only satisfies the palate but also warms the heart, making your Chicken Spiedini with Lemon Butter Sauce an unforgettable dining experience.
How to Store and Freeze Chicken Spiedini
Fridge: Store leftover Chicken Spiedini in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezer: Freeze cooked Chicken Spiedini in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag, sealing for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Meal Prep: For make-ahead meals, marinate the chicken and thread onto skewers a day in advance; store in the fridge until ready to grill.
Chicken Spiedini Variations
Feel free to explore these creative twists that let you personalize your dish just the way you like it!
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Shrimp Substitute: Swap the chicken for shrimp for a delightful seafood version that cooks in no time.
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Herb Medley: Add fresh basil and oregano to the breadcrumb mix for a burst of vibrant Italian flavor that elevates the dish.
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Shallots for Garlic: Use shallots instead of garlic in the lemon-butter sauce for a milder, sweeter onion flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.
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Spicy Kick: Introduce diced jalapeños to the marinade for a finger-licking heat that builds a flavorful zing into every bite.
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Pesto-Packed: Brush the skewered chicken with pesto before grilling for a herby punch that will leave everyone wanting to know your secret!
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Veggie Option: Replace chicken entirely with firm veggies like zucchini or bell peppers on skewers—great for a colorful and hearty meatless meal.
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Crispy Garlic Chips: Add crushed garlic chips to the breadcrumb coating for an extra layer of crunch and rich flavor.
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Sweet Twist: Incorporate a tablespoon of honey in the marinade for a subtle sweetness that beautifully balances the zesty lemon-butter sauce.
Make Ahead Options
These Chicken Spiedini with Lemon Butter Sauce are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the chicken cubes in the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and seasonings up to 12 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Additionally, you can assemble the skewers and coat them in breadcrumbs the day before grilling. Just cover and refrigerate the assembled skewers for 24 hours, keeping them fresh and ready to cook. When it’s time to serve, simply grill them from the fridge, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they heat through properly. This prep-ahead strategy saves time and effort on busy weeknights while ensuring your Chicken Spiedini remains just as delicious!
Expert Tips for Chicken Spiedini
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Marinate Wisely: Avoid over-marinating the chicken; aim for 30 minutes to 2 hours to achieve tender, flavorful results.
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Proper Grill Prep: Clean and oil the grill grates thoroughly to prevent sticking; a non-stick spray works well for grilling success.
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Monitor Cooking: Keep an eye on the skewers as chicken cooks quickly; check for doneness with a thermometer to prevent dryness.
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Alternate Cooking Methods: If grilling is not an option, consider baking or shallow frying your Chicken Spiedini, adjusting cooking times as required.
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Experiment with Coatings: Feel free to mix different herbs and spices into the breadcrumb coating for unique flavor variations.
Chicken Spiedini With Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe FAQs
What kind of chicken should I use for this recipe?
Absolutely! I recommend boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1½-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking and tenderness. You can also use chicken thighs for a juicier flavor, but be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs may take a bit longer than breasts.
How long can I store leftovers of Chicken Spiedini?
Very good question! Leftover Chicken Spiedini should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s perfect for salads or reheating, making your next meal super easy!
Can I freeze Chicken Spiedini?
Of course! After cooking, allow the Chicken Spiedini to cool completely. Then, lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them into a freezer bag, seal, and store for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven!
What if my chicken is dry after grilling?
The more the merrier when it comes to marinades! If your chicken turns out dry, it may have been overcooked. I highly suggest investing in a meat thermometer; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Always cook it on medium-high heat and avoid flipping too soon to let that lovely crust form. To salvage dry chicken, consider soaking it in a bit of chicken broth or the lemon-butter sauce before serving for extra moisture.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Certainly! For a gluten-free option, substitute the fine dry breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also swap out the Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free option, such as nutritional yeast, to cater to dietary restrictions. Remember to check product labels to avoid any allergens you might be sensitive to.
How do I choose ripe lemons for the marinade?
Choose lemons that are vibrant yellow, firm, and slightly heavy for their size. Avoid lemons with dark spots or a dry appearance, as they may not be juicy. To maximize juice extraction, roll them on the counter with your palm before cutting!
Savor this Chicken Spiedini with Lemon Butter Sauce Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, dry white wine, salt, and pepper. Stir well, then cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. In a shallow dish, mix breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Remove chicken from marinade and coat each piece in the breadcrumb mixture. Thread onto soaked skewer sticks.
- Generously oil the grill grates. Place skewers on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on one side, flip, and grill an additional 2-3 minutes on all remaining sides, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley before removing from heat.
- Arrange grilled chicken skewers on a serving platter, drizzle lemon-butter sauce over the top, and serve extra sauce on the side. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges.