Name: Chicken Spiedini with Lemon-Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; ¼ cup olive oil; ¼ cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc); 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs; ½ cup butter (1 stick); 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 30 reviews

If you love vibrant, mouthwatering flavors that bring a burst of sunshine to your table, this Chicken Spiedini with Lemon-Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Tender, juicy chicken breast bites soaked in a zesty lemon and white wine marinade, lovingly coated with Italian breadcrumbs, grilled to crispy perfection, and then bathed in a luscious lemon-garlic butter sauce — it’s like a little Italian getaway on a skewer. This dish is easy enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough to share with friends, making every bite a celebration of simple ingredients done right.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with small pieces of raw pink chicken sits on a white marbled surface. To the right, two bright yellow lemons rest side by side. Below the lemons is a clear glass container with golden olive oil. Surrounding these are several small white bowls: one holds peeled white garlic cloves, another has light, powdery garlic flakes, another contains finely ground light beige breadcrumbs, and three more have various spices in shades of green, light brown, bright red, and off-white. On the far right is a fresh bunch of dark green leafy parsley. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering fresh, straightforward ingredients is all it takes to create this irresistible chicken spiedini. Each one brings something special to the dish — from the brightness of lemon juice to the rich depth of garlic butter — that combines into a perfectly balanced flavor and texture.

2 pounds chicken breasts boneless, skinless: The star of the show, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick grilling and perfect tenderness.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate every layer of flavor.
¼ cup olive oil: Adds richness to the marinade and helps keep the chicken moist.
¼ cup dry white wine (like pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc): Brings a subtle acidity that tenderizes the chicken beautifully.
2 tablespoons lemon juice: Imparts vibrant citrus notes that brighten the entire dish.
1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs: Creates the perfect crispy coating that locks in the juices.
½ cup butter (1 stick): The base of the luscious sauce that enriches every bite.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for that addictive, aromatic garlic flavor in the sauce.
1 tablespoon lemon juice (for sauce): Adds a fresh, tangy lift to the butter sauce.
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped: A pop of color and herbal brightness for the finishing touch.

How to Make Chicken Spiedini with Lemon-Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Marinate the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces — bite-size meant for skewers and quick cooking. Season them generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to bring out their natural flavor. Next, whisk together olive oil, dry white wine, and lemon juice in a medium glass bowl — this zingy marinade will infuse the chicken with moistness and zesty brightness. Add the chicken pieces, cover with plastic wrap or foil, and pop it in the fridge to marinate for at least 1 hour, preferably up to 12 hours if you have the time. This step makes the chicken wonderfully flavorful and tender.

Step 2: Bread the Chicken

Once marinated, carefully remove the chicken pieces from the bowl and let any excess liquid drip off. Place the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl and dunk each chicken piece, ensuring every side is coated thoroughly. This crisp coating will give you that delightful crunch when they hit the grill.

Step 3: Skewer the Chicken

Thread about 4 to 5 breaded chicken pieces onto wooden or metal skewers, packing them just right to cook evenly without crowding. The skewers make grilling fun and perfect for turning, plus they add that authentic spiedini touch.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high and lightly spray with cooking oil to prevent sticking. Place the chicken skewers on the grill, cooking for 4 to 5 minutes per side. You’re aiming for a gorgeous golden-brown crust that seals in the juices, so resist the urge to move them too frequently. Cook until the chicken is firm and cooked through, then remove from heat and let them rest a few minutes — resting helps keep the meat juicy and tender.

Step 5: Make the Lemon-Garlic Butter Sauce

While the chicken rests, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often until fragrant and golden but not burnt — this is where those amazing aromas start filling your kitchen. Remove from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. This sauce is rich and bright, the perfect complement to your crispy chicken spiedini.

Step 6: Serve and Drizzle

Drizzle the warm lemon-garlic butter sauce generously over the grilled skewers. Every bite will be coated in this silky, tangy goodness that makes the Chicken Spiedini with Lemon-Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe so irresistible.

How to Serve Chicken Spiedini with Lemon-Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe

The image shows four chicken skewers on a blue tray covered with panko breadcrumbs. Each skewer has several pieces of pink raw chicken seasoned with black pepper and herbs. The leftmost skewer is already coated in the breadcrumbs, giving it a rough, grainy look with a light tan color. The other three skewers are plain raw chicken, with smooth, shiny flesh in light to medium pink shades. The breadcrumbs around the skewers are scattered unevenly on the tray. The tray sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few thin lemon slices on the side makes this dish look as good as it tastes. For a little extra brightness and texture, consider adding a dusting of grated Parmesan or even a pinch of crushed red pepper for heat.

Side Dishes

Chicken spiedini pairs wonderfully with simple sides that soak up the lemon-garlic butter sauce. Think creamy risotto, herb-infused couscous, or even a crisp green salad dressed lightly with olive oil and lemon. Grilled vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers also make beautiful, colorful companions on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve the skewers individually over a bed of your favorite pasta tossed with olive oil and fresh herbs, or build a Mediterranean-inspired platter with olives, roasted tomatoes, and fresh bread for dipping. For a casual vibe, try sliding the chicken pieces off the skewers and piling them onto flatbreads with hummus and greens for a playful wrap.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Chicken Spiedini with Lemon-Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe, store the cooled skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep the sauce separate and drizzle it fresh when reheating to preserve its vibrant flavor and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the uncooked, breaded chicken pieces on skewers in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge and grill as usual. The sauce is best made fresh, but you can freeze leftover butter sauce in an ice cube tray and thaw as needed.

Reheating

To reheat, place the chicken skewers on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, use a grill pan over medium heat to bring back some crispiness. Reheat the lemon-garlic butter sauce gently on the stove, stirring often, then pour over the warm chicken before serving.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give you a juicier result and hold up well to marinating and grilling. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking and adjust grill time if needed.

Is there a gluten-free option for the breadcrumbs?

Yes, you can use gluten-free Italian seasoned breadcrumbs or simply mix gluten-free plain breadcrumbs with your own Italian herbs to keep the flavor intact without gluten.

How long should I marinate the chicken for best results?

Marinating for at least 1 hour is essential for flavor and tenderness, but if you plan ahead, marinating up to 12 hours lets the chicken soak up even more delicious zest without overpowering it.

Can I cook the Chicken Spiedini indoors?

Definitely! A grill pan or even a cast-iron skillet works great indoors. Just make sure to heat it well before adding the skewers to get that wonderful crust.

What’s the best way to make the lemon-garlic butter sauce extra flavorful?

Using fresh garlic and fresh lemon juice is key. Don’t rush the garlic cooking step — gently sauté it until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness. Fresh parsley adds brightness and a hint of herbaceousness too.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Spiedini with Lemon-Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe is truly a gem for anyone who loves a dish full of flavor yet easy enough to whip up anytime. The juicy chicken, crispy coating, and buttery citrus sauce come together like a perfect symphony. I promise once you try it, this recipe will become one you’ll want to make over and over, whether for a cozy dinner or a lively gathering with friends. So grab your skewers and get ready to grill up some magic!