Name: Chicken Spiedini with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 lbs Chicken Breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1/4 Cup Olive Oil; 1/4 Cup White Wine; 1 tbsp Lemon Juice; 2 Garlic Cloves, minced; 2 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper; 1 tsp Sea Salt; 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes; 1 tbsp Parsley, chopped; 2 cups Buttermilk; 1 tbsp Garlic Powder; 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning; 1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs; 1/3 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese; 8 Wooden Skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes; 1 cup Garlic Butter Sauce; Cooking Spray for grill or grill pan

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 87 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that brings tender, flavorful bites of chicken together with a luscious, aromatic sauce, you’ve landed in the right place. This Chicken Spiedini with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that feels both comforting and a touch elegant. The savory marinated chicken threaded onto skewers, coated in a crispy parmesan crust, and finished with a rich garlic butter sauce creates a mouthwatering experience you’ll want to share with everyone you love. It’s perfect for a simple weeknight dinner or impressing guests at your next gathering.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows two sides with ingredients for cooking. On the left side, there is a white tray filled with raw pink chicken pieces in the center. Above it, there is a small metal cup with black pepper, and two lemon halves with bright yellow flesh and green parsley leaves behind them. To the right of the tray, there are three small white bowls, one with a clear yellow liquid, another with a golden liquid, and the last with white peeled garlic cloves. On the right side, there is a white bowl filled with golden breadcrumbs in the center. Below it, a small metal cup contains black pepper and light brown powder, and a small white bowl holds grated yellow cheese. Behind these, there are fresh green parsley leaves on a dark gray cloth. The setting is on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t let the list intimidate you; these ingredients are straightforward and work together beautifully to create layers of flavor and texture. Each one brings something special—whether it’s the brightness of lemon, the warmth of garlic, or the satisfying crunch of panko combined with parmesan cheese.

2 lbs Chicken Breasts: The star of the show, providing juicy, tender bites when properly marinated and cooked.

¼ Cup Olive Oil: Helps in the marinade, adding richness and helping flavors meld.
¼ Cup White Wine: Adds subtle acidity and depth to the marinade.
1 tablespoon Lemon Juice: Brightens the marinade with fresh, zesty notes.

2 Garlic Cloves (minced): Essential for a pronounced garlic kick in the marinade.
2 ½ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper: Brings warmth and a subtle heat that complements the chicken perfectly.
1 teaspoon Sea Salt: Enhances all the other flavors with a perfect seasoning balance.

1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes: Adds just enough heat to keep things exciting but not overpowering.
1 tablespoon Parsley: Freshness and a touch of herbal brightness for the marinade.
2 cups Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and adds moisture before breading.

1 tablespoon Garlic Powder: Powers up the garlic flavor in the buttermilk soak.
1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs giving the crust a classic Mediterranean flair.
1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs: Creates a delightfully crispy coating around each chicken piece.

⅓ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds umami richness and savory depth to the crust.
1 cup Garlic Butter Sauce: The luscious finishing touch that ties everything together with creamy garlic goodness.
8 Wooden Skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes): Prevents burning while grilling and makes serving fun and easy.

How to Make Chicken Spiedini with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Marinate the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces that are perfect for skewering. Place them in a large bowl or zip-top bag to make marinating easy and mess-free. Whisk together the white wine, lemon juice, minced garlic, black pepper, sea salt, red pepper flakes, and parsley. Pour this fragrant marinade over the chicken, ensuring every piece is coated. Let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour so those bright, bold flavors have time to work their magic.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading Stations

When you’re ready to cook, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in a shallow dish—this is where the chicken pieces will soak before their crispy coating. In a separate shallow dish, blend together the panko bread crumbs and grated parmesan cheese. This mix is what gives the chicken its irresistible crunch and savory flavor.

Step 3: Thread and Coat the Chicken

Carefully thread the marinated chicken pieces onto your soaked wooden skewers, packing them just right without overcrowding. Next, dip each skewer first into the seasoned buttermilk bath, making sure it’s fully coated, then roll it through the parmesan panko mixture. Lay the coated skewers on a plate and let them rest for about 15 minutes. This resting time is key—it gives the breading a chance to stick perfectly, so it stays crispy when grilled.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high and lightly spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 4 minutes on each side until they are evenly golden and the internal temperature hits 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If you notice any charring happening too fast, simply lower the heat. Grilling these chicken spiedini just right seals in the juiciness with a beautiful crust.

Step 5: Serve with Garlic Butter Sauce

Once grilled, serve these wonderful chicken skewers hot and generously drizzled or dipped in warm garlic butter sauce. You can sprinkle extra parmesan on top for that final touch. This step makes the dish even more indulgent and flavorful, tying all those incredible textures and tastes together harmoniously.

How to Serve Chicken Spiedini with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe

The image shows a white plate with a blue checkered pattern holding several pieces of crispy, golden-brown breaded chicken arranged in a small pile. The chicken pieces are round, with a crunchy coating and visible white inside. Fresh green chives are scattered on top, adding a pop of color. On one side of the plate, there is a small bunch of mixed green salad leaves. A woman's hand is holding a shiny silver spoon, pouring a light yellow sauce over the chicken. In the background, a small white cup with blue floral decoration holds more yellow sauce, and the surface beneath has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese adds a pop of color and an additional layer of flavor. A squeeze of fresh lemon over the top can brighten the dish beautifully right before serving.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with light, vibrant sides such as a crisp arugula salad, roasted vegetables, or even lemon-herb rice to soak up any leftover garlic butter sauce. The goal is to complement the rich, garlicky chicken without overwhelming it.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the skewers family-style on a wooden board nestled amongst grilled veggies or colorful bell peppers. Alternatively, cut the chicken off the skewers and toss it in pasta or over a bed of greens for an easy, elegant salad or pasta bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover chicken spiedini in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for tasty next-day meals or quick snacks.

Freezing

If you want to save some for much later, freeze the cooked skewers in a freezer-safe bag, separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll keep well frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a warm oven (around 350°F) to help keep the breading crispy and the meat juicy. You can also warm the garlic butter sauce separately and drizzle it over after reheating to restore that fresh, luscious flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit more forgiving and can provide a juicier result, though they may require a slightly longer cooking time. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces as chicken breasts for even cooking.

What if I don’t have buttermilk? Can I substitute it?

Yes! You can make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Can I bake these instead of grilling?

Definitely! Arrange the breaded skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through to crisp evenly.

How spicy is this recipe?

The heat is mild thanks to the red pepper flakes—just a gentle warmth that enhances the flavor without overpowering. You can adjust the amount based on your preference or omit it if you prefer no heat at all.

Is soaking wooden skewers really necessary?

Yes, soaking prevents them from burning on the grill and helps keep the chicken threaded securely during cooking. Soaking for at least 30 minutes is ideal!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s bursting with flavor yet simple to prepare, this Chicken Spiedini with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe is a winner every time. The combination of tender marinated chicken, crunchy parmesan crust, and rich garlic butter sauce is downright irresistible. Give it a try and watch it become a new favorite in your dinner rotation—your friends and family will definitely thank you!

Chicken Spiedini with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need