Chicken Spiedini Herb Butter: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Chicken Spiedini Herb Butter: Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the sun-kissed shores of Sicily! Imagine succulent, bite-sized pieces of chicken, lovingly marinated and grilled to perfection, then drizzled with a vibrant, aromatic herb butter that elevates every mouthful to pure bliss. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience.

Spiedini, meaning “skewers” in Italian, has a rich history rooted in the rustic traditions of Italian street food. Passed down through generations, this method of cooking tender meats over an open flame is a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients and the joy of communal eating. While variations exist throughout Italy, the essence remains the same: high-quality ingredients, expertly prepared, and shared with loved ones.

What makes Chicken Spiedini Herb Butter so irresistible? It’s the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. The chicken is incredibly tender and juicy, thanks to the marinade, while the herb butter adds a burst of freshness and richness that complements the savory meat beautifully. It’s also incredibly versatile! Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, or simply craving a taste of Italy, this dish is guaranteed to impress. The convenience of grilling small pieces of chicken on skewers makes it a fun and interactive meal for the whole family. So, grab your skewers, gather your ingredients, and let’s create some magic in the kitchen!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken Spiedini:
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 zucchini, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 yellow squash, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Wooden skewers (soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning)
• For the Herb Butter:
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Preparing the Chicken and Vegetables:

Okay, let’s get started! First, we need to prep our chicken and veggies. This is where the magic begins, and trust me, the effort is totally worth it.

1. Cut the Chicken: Take your chicken breasts and cut them into roughly 1-inch cubes. Try to keep them as uniform as possible so they cook evenly on the skewers. Nobody wants some pieces overcooked while others are still raw!
2. Prep the Vegetables: Now, let’s tackle the veggies. Cut the red and yellow bell peppers, red onion, zucchini, and yellow squash into 1-inch pieces as well. The cherry tomatoes can stay whole – they add a burst of sweetness that’s just divine.
3. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade. This step is crucial for infusing the chicken with flavor. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even better, for a couple of hours in the refrigerator. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be!

Assembling the Spiedini:

Time to get our hands dirty and assemble the spiedini! This is where you can get creative and arrange the chicken and vegetables in any order you like. Just make sure to leave a little space between each piece for even cooking.

1. Thread the Skewers: Take your soaked wooden skewers (remember, soaking them prevents burning!) and start threading the chicken and vegetables onto them. I like to alternate between chicken, bell peppers, onion, zucchini, squash, and cherry tomatoes. You can create a pattern or just randomly arrange them – it’s totally up to you!
2. Don’t Overcrowd: Make sure not to overcrowd the skewers. Leave a little space between each piece so the heat can circulate properly and cook everything evenly. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and nobody wants that.
3. Repeat: Continue threading the skewers until all the chicken and vegetables are used up. You should have a beautiful array of colorful spiedini ready to be grilled or baked.

Making the Herb Butter:

While the spiedini are marinating or you’re assembling them, let’s whip up the herb butter. This is the secret weapon that will take your Chicken Spiedini to the next level. It’s so easy to make and adds an incredible depth of flavor.

1. Soften the Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature. This is essential for creating a smooth and creamy herb butter. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave it for a few seconds, but be careful not to melt it completely.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, finely chopped fresh parsley, fresh basil, fresh oregano, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Mix Well: Use a fork or a spatula to mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined. The herb butter should be smooth and evenly distributed with herbs and garlic.
4. Chill (Optional): If you have time, you can chill the herb butter in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This will also make it easier to slice and serve.

Cooking the Chicken Spiedini:

Now for the exciting part – cooking the Chicken Spiedini! You have a couple of options here: grilling or baking. Both methods work great, so choose whichever one you prefer or is most convenient for you.

Grilling Instructions:

1. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent the spiedini from sticking.
2. Grill the Spiedini: Place the spiedini on the preheated grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
3. Baste with Herb Butter: During the last few minutes of grilling, baste the spiedini with the herb butter. This will add a delicious flavor and create a beautiful glaze.
4. Remove and Rest: Once the spiedini are cooked through, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make the chicken even more tender.

Baking Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
3. Arrange Spiedini: Place the spiedini on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not overcrowded.
4. Bake the Spiedini: Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. Baste with Herb Butter: During the last few minutes of baking, baste the spiedini with the herb butter. This will add a delicious flavor and create a beautiful glaze.
6. Broil (Optional): For a little extra color and char, you can broil the spiedini for a minute or two at the end of baking. Just be sure to watch them closely to prevent burning.
7. Remove and Rest: Once the spiedini are cooked through, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Serving the Chicken Spiedini:

Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for – serving the Chicken Spiedini! These are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a side of rice, couscous, or a fresh salad. And don’t forget the extra herb butter for dipping!

1. Serve Immediately: Serve the Chicken Spiedini immediately while they are still warm and juicy.
2. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil for a beautiful presentation.
3. Enjoy!: Dig in and enjoy the delicious flavors of the Chicken Spiedini with Herb Butter! I hope you love this recipe as much as I do.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Chicken Spiedini with Herb Butter recipe is truly a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight dinner or impress guests at a weekend barbecue. The combination of tender, marinated chicken, skewered and grilled to perfection, and then generously brushed with that vibrant, aromatic herb butter is simply irresistible. I promise, the flavors will dance on your palate and leave you wanting more.

What makes this recipe so special? It’s the simplicity, really. The ingredients are readily available, the preparation is straightforward, and the results are spectacular. You don’t need to be a seasoned chef to master this dish. Even a beginner cook can achieve restaurant-quality results with a little patience and attention to detail. The marinade tenderizes the chicken beautifully, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful. And that herb butter? It’s the secret weapon that takes this dish from good to extraordinary. The fresh herbs infuse the butter with a bright, herbaceous flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.

But the best part about this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different herbs in the butter. Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or a squeeze of lemon juice for a touch of acidity. You can also adjust the marinade to your liking. A splash of balsamic vinegar or a dash of Worcestershire sauce can add depth and complexity to the flavor profile.

As for serving suggestions, the possibilities are endless! These Chicken Spiedini are fantastic served with a simple side salad and some crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious herb butter. They’re also great with grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and onions. For a heartier meal, serve them over a bed of rice or quinoa. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try using them as a filling for tacos or wraps.

Here are a few more ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

Serving Suggestions:

• Mediterranean Feast: Serve with hummus, pita bread, and a Greek salad.
• Italian Inspired: Pair with pasta tossed in pesto and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
• Fiesta Fun: Serve with rice, beans, salsa, and guacamole.
• Elegant Appetizer: Cut the chicken into smaller pieces and serve as an appetizer with toothpicks.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own. That’s the beauty of cooking, after all! It’s all about experimenting, having fun, and creating something delicious that you and your loved ones will enjoy.

I truly believe that this Chicken Spiedini recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and get ready to experience a taste sensation.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! And I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? What did your family and friends think? Please share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me to continue creating recipes that you’ll love. Happy cooking!