Chicken Spiedini aka Lemon Butter Chicken

Chicken Spiedini, also known as Lemon Butter Chicken, is a classic Italian-American dish that brings together tender chicken, zesty lemon, and rich butter in a delightful combination. This dish is perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, as it is both flavorful and visually appealing. Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious recipe at home.

Ingredients for Chicken Spiedini

To create this mouth-watering dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Chicken Breast: Boneless and skinless.
• Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest.
• Butter: Unsalted for better control of salt levels.
• Breadcrumbs: Plain or Italian-seasoned.
• Garlic: Freshly minced.
• Fresh Herbs: Parsley, basil, or oregano for garnish.

Preparing the Ingredients

Start by marinating the chicken to infuse it with flavor. While the chicken marinates, prepare your breadcrumbs and skewers. Having everything ready beforehand makes the cooking process smoother.

Marinating the Chicken

For a flavorful chicken spiedini, marinate the chicken as follows:

1. Essential Marinade Ingredients: Combine lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinating Time and Tips: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably up to 2 hours for deeper flavor. Ensure the chicken is well-coated and kept in the refrigerator.

Making the Lemon Butter Sauce

The lemon butter sauce is a key component that elevates the dish. Here’s how to make it:

1. Ingredients for the Sauce: Lemon juice, butter, minced garlic, chicken broth, and fresh herbs.
2. Step-by-Step Guide:
   • Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
   • Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
   • Stir in lemon juice and chicken broth, and simmer until slightly reduced.
   • Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.

Coating the Chicken

Once marinated, coat the chicken pieces in breadcrumbs:

1. Dredging the Chicken in Breadcrumbs: Roll each chicken piece in breadcrumbs until fully covered.
2. Ensuring Even Coating: Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure they stick well.

Assembling the Spiedini

Prepare the skewers:

1. Skewer Preparation: Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece for even cooking.
2. Tips for Even Cooking: Make sure the chicken pieces are similar in size to ensure they cook evenly.

Grilling vs. Baking

You can choose to grill or bake your chicken spiedini:

1. Pros and Cons of Each Method:
   • Grilling: Adds a smoky flavor and is quicker.
   • Baking: Easier to control temperature and avoid burning.
2. Instructions for Both Methods:
   • Grilling: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and cook the skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
   • Baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Spiedini pairs well with a variety of sides:

• Side Dishes: Serve with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or garlic mashed potatoes.
• Wine Recommendations: Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.

Healthier Alternatives

For a lighter version of this dish:

• Using Whole Wheat Breadcrumbs: Substitute regular breadcrumbs with whole wheat for added fiber.
• Light Butter Options: Use a reduced-fat butter or olive oil spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Ensure your Chicken Spiedini turns out perfect by avoiding these mistakes:

• Overcooking the Chicken: Cook just until the chicken is done to prevent dryness.
• Sauce Consistency Issues: If the sauce is too thin, simmer longer. If too thick, add a bit more chicken broth.

FAQs About Chicken Spiedini

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used for a juicier alternative.

Q2: How do I prevent the breadcrumbs from falling off? Ensure the chicken is well-coated with the marinade and press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken pieces.

Q3: Can I prepare the skewers ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the skewers and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Q4: What can I use instead of fresh herbs? Dried herbs can be used, but use about half the amount as they are more concentrated.

Q5: Can I make this dish dairy-free? Yes, substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like olive oil or margarine.

Conclusion

Chicken Spiedini, or Lemon Butter Chicken, is a delightful dish that brings together the zestiness of lemon, the richness of butter, and the savory flavor of marinated chicken. This recipe is easy to follow and sure to impress. Try making it for your next family dinner or gathering and enjoy the compliments that follow.

5 Unique FAQs After the Conclusion

Q1: Can I use a different type of meat for Spiedini? Yes, beef or pork can also be used, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q2: How can I make the dish spicier? Add red pepper flakes to the marinade or the lemon butter sauce for a kick of heat.

Q3: Can I cook the spiedini on a stovetop? Yes, use a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat, cooking each side until done.

Q4: What other types of breadcrumbs can I use? Panko breadcrumbs can be used for an extra-crispy coating.

Q5: How do I keep the chicken moist if baking? Baste the chicken with the lemon butter sauce halfway through baking to keep it moist.

Yield: 8-10

Chicken Spiedini aka Lemon Butter Chicken

Print

Chicken Spiedini, also known as Lemon Butter Chicken, is a classic Italian-American dish that brings together tender chicken, zesty lemon, and rich butter in a delightful combination. This dish is perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, as it is both flavorful and visually appealing. Let's dive into how you can make this delicious recipe at home.

Prep Time 25 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

• Chicken & Marinade:
• 3-4 lbs Boneless Chicken Thighs, cut into 1 inch cubes
• 1/2 cup Olive Oil
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon- use “Better Than Bouillon” Chicken Bouillon- it’s a paste consistency. If you don’t have that brand, then you can omit from recipe or you can mix the bouillon that you do have with 1/4 cup warm water and cool to room temp and add to marinade
• 1 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• Panko Breading:
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup panko crumbs
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs plain or seasoned
• 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes- you can adjust based on preference
• 1 tablespoon oregano
• 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• Lemon Butter Sauce:
• 1 stick salted butter (8 tablespoons), sliced
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Instructions

1. Marinade- in a large bowl, mix chicken, olive oil, lemon juice, white wine (optional), chicken bouillon, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. In another bowl mix panko crumbs, bread crumbs, parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt & pepper.
3. Preheat grill to medium high.
4. NOTE: make sure you really clean your grill and then oil your grill so that the chicken does not stick***
5. Once chicken has marinaded, remove the chicken from marinade with tongs and add to the breadcrumb mixture to the chicken and toss with hands until chicken is evenly coated. Add chicken to skewers.
6. Once grill is hot, add chicken skewers to grill and cook for about 5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 4 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
7. While chicken is cooking, make lemon butter sauce by placing butter in a bowl and microwaving for 45 seconds until melted. Add in lemon juice and stir. Set aside.
8. Remove skewers from grill and brush with lemon butter sauce.