Spicy Garlic Chicken Skewers with Compound Butter Recipe

Introduction

Spicy Garlic Chicken Skewers with Compound Butter are a flavorful and juicy dish perfect for grilling season. Marinated in aromatic spices and topped with a rich, spicy garlic butter, these skewers bring a delicious kick to your backyard cookout or weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• Your favorite poultry seasoning
• 8-10 wooden skewers soaked in water for 30 minutes
• 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 5 cloves garlic, roasted or finely minced
• 1-2 fresh red chilies, finely minced (or 1-2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Make the compound butter by combining the softened butter with garlic, chilies, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper if using, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld.
2. Step 2: Cut the chicken thighs into uniform 1-inch pieces and pat them dry. Season generously with your favorite poultry seasoning to add depth of flavor.
3. Step 3: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent them from burning on the grill.
4. Step 4: Thread the seasoned chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, leaving small gaps between pieces to ensure even cooking.
5. Step 5: Preheat your grill to 400-425°F. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, turning every 3-4 minutes until the chicken is golden brown.
6. Step 6: During the last 2-3 minutes of grilling, apply the compound butter by basting it onto all surfaces of the chicken. Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
7. Step 7: Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for 2-3 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute for tender, juicy bites.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the compound butter mixture for 1-2 hours before threading onto skewers.
• If you prefer milder heat, reduce the amount of chilies or use smoked paprika alone for a smoky flavor without the spice.
• Serve the skewers with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh green salad to balance the spicy richness.
• Use metal skewers as an alternative to wooden ones to avoid soaking and for easy reuse.

Storage

Store leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a covered skillet over medium heat or in an oven preheated to 350°F until warmed through, to preserve moisture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breast, though thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender. If using breast, be careful not to overcook to prevent dryness.

How do I prevent the skewers from sticking to the grill?

Make sure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled before cooking. Also, soaking wooden skewers prevents burning, and turning the skewers frequently helps avoid sticking.

Spicy Garlic Chicken Skewers with Compound Butter Recipe

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4.5 from 129 reviews

These Spicy Garlic Chicken Skewers are tender, juicy chicken thighs marinated with flavorful poultry seasoning and grilled to perfection. Brushed with a rich, zesty compound butter infused with roasted garlic, fresh chilies, smoked paprika, and fresh herbs, these skewers offer a mouthwatering balance of heat and savoriness. Perfect for a summer barbecue or an impressive appetizer, they are easy to prepare and sure to delight any crowd.

• Author: rami
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 27 minutes
• Yield: 8–10 skewers (serves 4-5) 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• Your favorite poultry seasoning, to taste
• 8–10 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

For the Spicy Garlic Butter:

• 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 5 cloves garlic, roasted or finely minced
• 1–2 fresh red chilies, finely minced (or 1–2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Compound Butter: In a bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with roasted or minced garlic, finely minced red chilies, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, and salt and black pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Wrap the butter in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and the butter to firm up.
2. Season the Chicken: Cut the boneless skinless chicken thighs into uniform 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Generously season the chicken with your favorite poultry seasoning, coating all sides for maximum flavor.
3. Prepare the Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken. This step prevents the skewers from burning during grilling. After soaking, thread the seasoned chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving small gaps between each piece to promote even cooking and prevent steaming.
4. Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to a medium-high heat, about 400-425°F (204-218°C). Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side. Turn the skewers every 3-4 minutes to achieve an even golden-brown color on all sides. Continue grilling until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
5. Baste with Compound Butter: During the last 2-3 minutes of grilling, generously baste the chicken skewers with the prepared spicy garlic compound butter. Make sure to coat all surfaces thoroughly to add moisture, flavor, and a beautiful glaze to the chicken.
6. Rest and Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for 2-3 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring tender and flavorful bites. Serve hot and enjoy your spicy garlic chicken skewers with extra compound butter if desired.

Notes

• For extra heat, add more cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the compound butter.
• Ensure wooden skewers are soaked well to avoid burning on the grill.
• You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast if you prefer leaner meat, but cook carefully to avoid drying out.
• Compound butter can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.
• Serve with a side of fresh salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.

Keywords: Spicy chicken skewers, garlic chicken, grilled chicken, compound butter, spicy chicken recipe, barbecue chicken skewers