Grilled Chicken Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce

This Grilled Chicken Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce recipe is a delicious and simple way to enjoy tender, juicy chicken packed with bold flavors. The chicken is marinated in a blend of orange juice, olive oil, and seasonings before being skewered and grilled to perfection. The addition of a fragrant garlic butter sauce elevates the dish, making it both flavorful and satisfying. Perfect for barbecues, family dinners, or quick weeknight meals, these skewers can be served alongside salads, rice, or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Skewers:

  • Chicken breast – 600g, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • Salt – 1 teaspoon
  • Black pepper – A pinch
  • Paprika – 1 teaspoon
  • Dried parsley – 1 teaspoon
  • Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon
  • Olive oil – 2 tablespoons (25 ml)
  • Melted butter – 2 tablespoons (30 ml)
  • Orange juice – 2 tablespoons (30 ml)

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

  • Chopped parsley – 1 tablespoon
  • Minced garlic – 1 teaspoon
  • Melted butter – 2 tablespoons (30g)

Additional:

  • Wooden skewers – Soaked in hot water for 30 minutes to prevent burning

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Marinade

  1. Cut the Chicken: Begin by cutting the chicken breast into bite-sized cubes, about 1-2 inches in size. This helps ensure the chicken cooks evenly on the skewers.
  2. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of salt, a pinch of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of dried parsley, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of orange juice. Mix well to combine.
  3. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Skewers

  1. Soak the Wooden Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in hot water for about 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning during the grilling process.
  2. Thread the Chicken onto Skewers: Once the chicken has marinated, thread the pieces onto the soaked skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Skewers

  1. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. You want it to be hot enough to sear the chicken but not too hot that it burns.
  2. Grill the Skewers: Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, turning occasionally to ensure they cook evenly and develop a nice golden color. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) when fully cooked.
  3. Rest the Chicken: Once the skewers are done, remove them from the grill and allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps keep the meat juicy and tender.

Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

  1. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Add 1 teaspoon of minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  2. Add the Parsley: Stir in 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley into the garlic butter sauce and remove from the heat. This sauce will add a delicious garlic flavor to the chicken skewers.

Step 5: Serve the Chicken Skewers

  1. Drizzle with Garlic Butter: Drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the grilled chicken skewers, ensuring each piece is coated in the fragrant sauce.
  2. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the skewers with additional fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately. These skewers are great alongside grilled vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.

Cooking Tips:

  • Evenly Sized Chicken Pieces: To ensure even cooking, cut the chicken into uniform pieces. This prevents smaller pieces from overcooking while the larger ones are still undercooked.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Skewers: Leave a little space between each piece of chicken on the skewer. This allows heat to circulate around the chicken, resulting in more even cooking.
  • Marinating Time: While 30 minutes of marinating time is sufficient for good flavor, marinating the chicken for up to 2 hours will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat even more deeply.
  • Avoid Overcooking: To keep the chicken juicy and tender, avoid overcooking the skewers. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached 165°F (75°C) and then remove it from the grill immediately.

Storage:

  • Refrigeration: If you have any leftover skewers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
  • Freezing: The marinated raw chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before grilling. Cooked chicken skewers can also be frozen for up to 2 months, but they may lose some of their moisture when reheated.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Based on 4 Servings):

  • Calories: 320-350 kcal
  • Protein: 35g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sodium: 900mg

This recipe is a high-protein, low-carb dish that is rich in healthy fats from the olive oil and butter. It’s a great option for those following a low-carb or keto diet, and it’s naturally gluten-free. The use of lean chicken breast keeps the calorie count moderate while still being filling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I bake the chicken skewers instead of grilling them? Yes, you can bake the chicken skewers in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through. You can broil them for the last 2 minutes to get a nice char.

2. Can I use other types of meat for this recipe? Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with turkey, pork, or even beef for this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly depending on the type and thickness of the meat.

3. What can I serve with these chicken skewers? These skewers are versatile and pair well with a variety of sides, including rice, quinoa, couscous, grilled vegetables, or a fresh green salad. For a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

4. How can I make this recipe spicier? To add a bit of heat, you can include cayenne pepper or chili flakes in the marinade or the garlic butter sauce. You can also serve the skewers with a spicy dipping sauce on the side.

5. Can I prepare the skewers in advance? Yes, you can prepare the chicken skewers in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before grilling. This makes them a great option for meal prep or a quick dinner.

Conclusion:

These Grilled Chicken Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce are a delicious, easy-to-make dish that’s full of flavor and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or looking for a simple weeknight meal, these skewers offer a delightful combination of tender chicken, fresh herbs, and a rich garlic butter sauce. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a satisfying and healthy dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. The garlic butter sauce adds an irresistible flavor that elevates the dish and makes it a family favorite. Enjoy these skewers hot off the grill for the best flavor and texture!