When I first encountered this chicken spiedini lemon garlic recipe, I was sitting on a sun-drenched patio at a small family-owned trattoria. The aroma of sizzling garlic and bright citrus wafted through the air, and from the first bite, I knew I had to recreate it in my own kitchen. There is something deeply nostalgic about the combination of lemon and garlic; it reminds me of Sunday dinners where the table was crowded with laughter and plates were piled high with skewers. This chicken spiedini lemon garlic recipe has since become a staple in my household, not just for its incredible taste, but for the way it brings people together. Whether you are hosting a summer barbecue or looking for a vibrant weeknight meal, this chicken spiedini lemon garlic recipe offers a perfect balance of zesty freshness and savory depth that never fails to impress.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
- Explosion of Flavor: This chicken spiedini lemon garlic recipe uses a double-layered approach to flavor, marinating the meat and then finishing it with a bright lemon butter sauce.
- Perfectly Juicy: The secret to this chicken spiedini lemon garlic recipe is the quick sear followed by a gentle finish, ensuring the chicken never dries out.
- Versatile and Easy: While it looks gourmet, this chicken spiedini lemon garlic recipe is surprisingly simple to assemble, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned home cooks.
- Healthier Alternative: Unlike heavy cream-based dishes, this chicken spiedini lemon garlic recipe relies on fresh ingredients and healthy fats to provide a satisfying meal.
If you enjoy meals that are as fun to eat as they are to cook, you might also want to check out The Ultimate Crunchy Chicken Bowl Recipe for Busy Weeknights for another textural delight. But for now, let us dive deep into what makes this chicken spiedini lemon garlic recipe truly stand out among Italian-American favorites.
Key Ingredient Notes
The success of any chicken spiedini lemon garlic recipe starts with the quality of the components. For the chicken, I highly recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts sliced into uniform pieces, though chicken thighs can work if you prefer a richer flavor. The star of the show, however, is the lemon. Always use fresh lemon juice; the bottled stuff simply cannot replicate the aromatic oils found in fresh zest and juice. In this chicken spiedini lemon garlic recipe, the acidity of the lemon acts as a tenderizer, breaking down the proteins for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Garlic is another non-negotiable pillar of the chicken spiedini lemon garlic recipe. I suggest using at least four large cloves, finely minced. If you are a true garlic lover, do not be afraid to double that amount! The garlic mellows as it cooks, infusing the breading and the meat with a sweet, pungent aroma. For the breading, a mix of Italian seasoned breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese provides that signature crunch. If you find yourself with leftovers, storing them in high-quality containers like Basics Glass Food Storage is a great way to keep that lemon-garlic goodness fresh for the next day.
Step-by-Step Guide with Pro Tips
To begin your chicken spiedini lemon garlic recipe journey, you first need to prepare your skewers. If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least thirty minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill or in the oven. Cut your chicken into one-inch cubes, ensuring they are even in size so they cook at the same rate. This is a crucial step in the chicken spiedini lemon garlic recipe because uneven pieces can lead to some being overcooked while others remain raw.
Next, create the marinade. Combine olive oil, half of your lemon juice, and two cloves of minced garlic. Let the chicken sit in this mixture for about 20 minutes. While the chicken marinates, prepare your breading station. In a shallow bowl, mix your breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Dredge each piece of marinated chicken through the breadcrumbs before threading them onto the skewers. For a more cohesive family menu, you could even pair this with The Ultimate Creamy Chicken Orzo Bake: A Simple Family Favorite to provide different textures across the meal.
When it comes to cooking this chicken spiedini lemon garlic recipe, you have options. Grilling gives a wonderful smoky char, but a cast-iron skillet or a 400°F oven works beautifully as well. Cook the skewers for about 3-4 minutes per side. The final touch for the chicken spiedini lemon garlic recipe is the finishing glaze. Melt a bit of butter with the remaining lemon juice and garlic, then drizzle it over the hot skewers immediately after they come off the heat. This step ensures every bite of your chicken spiedini lemon garlic recipe is dripping with flavor.
Variations & Serving Suggestions
One of the best things about the chicken spiedini lemon garlic recipe is how adaptable it is. For a Mediterranean twist, you can alternate the chicken pieces with wedges of red onion, bell peppers, or even cherry tomatoes. The vegetables roast alongside the meat, soaking up all that lemon-garlic goodness. If you want a lower-carb version of the chicken spiedini lemon garlic recipe, consider using almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of traditional breadcrumbs.
Serving this chicken spiedini lemon garlic recipe is just as fun as cooking it. It pairs excellently with a crisp Caesar salad, a side of buttery pasta, or even over a bed of fluffy quinoa. I often serve my chicken spiedini lemon garlic recipe with an extra side of lemon wedges and a sprinkling of fresh parsley to brighten up the plate. No matter how you choose to serve it, the chicken spiedini lemon garlic recipe is guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Total Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Cholesterol | 85mg |
| Sodium | 450mg |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Protein | 34g |
| Serving Size | 2 Skewers |
Conclusion
Mastering this chicken spiedini lemon garlic recipe is a rewarding experience that brings a taste of Italy right into your home. Its combination of simple ingredients and sophisticated flavors makes it a standout choice for any occasion. Whether you are cooking for a crowd or just yourself, this chicken spiedini lemon garlic recipe is a testament to the power of fresh ingredients and traditional techniques. I hope this chicken spiedini lemon garlic recipe becomes as much of a favorite in your home as it is in mine. Happy cooking!
FAQs
Can I bake the chicken spiedini instead of grilling?
Yes! You can bake them in a preheated oven at 400u00b0F (200u00b0C) for about 15-18 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the breading is golden.
What is the best type of chicken to use for spiedini?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are traditional because they stay lean and hold their shape well on skewers, but chicken thighs are a great option if you prefer juicier, more tender meat.
How do I keep the breading from falling off?
Make sure to press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the marinated chicken pieces. The oil and lemon juice in the marinade act as a binder to help the breadcrumbs adhere.
Classic Lemon Garlic Chicken Spiedini
- Total Time: 52 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Succulent chicken skewers marinated in lemon and garlic, coated in seasoned breadcrumbs, and grilled to perfection.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1/2 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup olive oil
2 large lemons, juiced and zested
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons melted butter
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, half of the lemon juice, half of the minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Add the cubed chicken to the marinade and toss to coat; let it marinate for 20 minutes in the refrigerator.
Step 4: In a separate shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
Step 5: Remove chicken from the marinade and dredge each piece in the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
Step 6: Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
Step 7: Grill the skewers over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 8: While the chicken cooks, mix the melted butter with the remaining lemon juice, zest, and garlic.
Step 9: Drizzle the lemon garlic butter over the hot skewers before serving and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
For extra crunch, try using Panko breadcrumbs mixed with the Italian seasonings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 Skewers
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
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