Authentic Chicken Spiedini Recipe: Tender Marinated Chicken with a Zesty Lemon Butter Sauce

If you're looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor and easy to prepare, this Authentic Chicken Spiedini Recipe is for you. This Italian-inspired dish features tender, marinated chicken skewered, breaded, and grilled to perfection. Finished with a zesty lemon butter sauce, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients:

For the Marinade:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

For the Breading:

• 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Lemon Butter Sauce:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:

• In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
• Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.

2. Prepare the Breading:

• In a shallow dish, combine the Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley.
• Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and let excess marinade drip off. Dredge each chicken cube in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

3. Skewer and Cook the Chicken:

• Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
• Thread the breaded chicken cubes onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
• Grill the chicken spiedini for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breading is golden brown.

4. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce:

• While the chicken is cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
• Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Serve:

• Drizzle the warm lemon butter sauce over the grilled chicken spiedini just before serving. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.

Tips for the Best Chicken Spiedini:

• Marination Time: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, let it marinate for up to 4 hours.
• Grilling: If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken spiedini in a preheated oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, turning once.
• Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before threading the chicken to prevent them from burning on the grill.

FAQs:

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes, chicken thighs can be used for a juicier result. Just make sure they are boneless and cut into similar-sized cubes.

Q: What can I serve with Chicken Spiedini?
A: Chicken Spiedini pairs well with a simple salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of pasta. The lemon butter sauce also complements these sides beautifully.

Q: Can I prepare the Chicken Spiedini ahead of time?
A: You can marinate and bread the chicken in advance. Simply refrigerate the skewers and cook them when ready to serve. The lemon butter sauce can also be made ahead and reheated.

Conclusion:

This Authentic Chicken Spiedini Recipe brings a taste of Italy to your table with its flavorful marinade, crispy breading, and zesty lemon butter sauce. It's an ideal dish for both casual weeknight dinners and more formal gatherings. With just a little preparation, you can create a meal that’s sure to impress. Give it a try, and enjoy the delicious results!