Juicy Savory Spiced Chicken Skewers with Garlic Herb Butter Recipe

Sizzling grills and summer evenings beckon with these mouthwatering spiced chicken skewers that promise an explosion of flavor.

Tender chicken pieces marinated in a bold blend of aromatic spices create an irresistible garlic herb butter magic on the plate.

Each skewer delivers a perfect balance of smoky charred edges and juicy, succulent meat that melts in your mouth.

The secret lies in the carefully crafted spice mixture that infuses every bite with depth and warmth.

Herbs and garlic butter add a luxurious richness that elevates this dish from simple to spectacular.

Succulent, spicy, and utterly delicious, these skewers will become your new go-to recipe for backyard gatherings and quick weeknight dinners.

Serve alongside a crisp salad or warm flatbread to complete this unforgettable meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 366 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredient Rundown for Spiced Chicken Skewers

• Chicken Thighs: Tender and flavorful cut perfect for absorbing spices and maintaining juiciness during cooking.
• Garlic Powder: Adds deep, aromatic flavor without raw garlic intensity.
• Onion Powder: Provides subtle sweetness and depth to the spice blend.
• Paprika: Offers mild warmth and beautiful reddish color to the chicken.
• Cayenne Pepper: Introduces gentle heat and vibrant kick to the marinade.
• Turmeric: Brings earthy undertones and golden hue to the spice mix.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and helps tenderize meat.
• Black Pepper: Contributes sharp, warming notes to the spice profile.
• Avocado Oil: Helps distribute spices evenly and promotes even cooking.

• Garlic: Creates rich, intense aromatic base for the finishing butter.
• Honey: Balances spices with subtle sweetness and helps caramelize surface.
• Parsley: Adds fresh, bright herbal notes and visual appeal.

• Bamboo Skewers: Allows easy handling and attractive presentation of chicken.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and facilitates clean cooking process.

Equipment to Prep Spiced Chicken Skewers

• Mixing Bowls: Small and medium sizes for spices and chicken preparation.
• Air Fryer: Essential for cooking chicken skewers evenly and quickly.
• Bamboo Skewers: Perfect for threading and grilling chicken pieces.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for cutting chicken into uniform pieces.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for precise chicken cutting.
• Measuring Spoons: Accurate for measuring spices and honey.
• Pot: Used for making garlic herb butter.
• Tongs: Helpful for flipping skewers during cooking.
• Pastry Brush: Used for spreading garlic herb butter on cooked skewers.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking in air fryer basket.

Grilling Instructions for Herb Butter Chicken Skewers

• Chicken Preparation

Slice chicken into bite-sized chunks for easy cooking and maximum flavor absorption.

• Spice Blend Magic

Create a tantalizing spice mixture combining warm and zesty seasonings that will transform ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal.

• Flavor Infusion

Massage spices and oil into chicken pieces, allowing ingredients to mingle and develop rich, deep flavors for about 20 minutes.

• Garlic Herb Butter Creation

Gently warm pan and develop a luscious butter sauce by softening garlic and blending with honey and fresh herbs for a decadent finish.

• Skewer Cooking

Arrange seasoned chicken on skewers and air fry until perfectly golden and crispy, ensuring juicy interior and delightful exterior texture.

• Final Touch

Generously drizzle warm garlic herb butter over sizzling skewers and sprinkle with additional fresh herbs for a restaurant-quality presentation.

Chicken Skewers Variations & Flavor Tweaks

• Spice Master's Twist: Experiment with different spice blends like za'atar, Moroccan ras el hanout, or Indian garam masala to transform the flavor profile and take your chicken skewers on a global culinary journey.
• Marinade Magic: Boost protein absorption by scoring chicken pieces lightly before marinating, which helps spices penetrate deeper and ensures maximum flavor infusion throughout the meat.
• Skewer Smart: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading chicken to prevent burning during high-heat cooking, guaranteeing perfectly grilled results without charred edges.
• Butter Brilliance: For a dairy-free alternative, swap butter with olive oil or coconut oil and add fresh herbs like cilantro or chives to maintain the vibrant, aromatic finish of the original recipe.
• Temperature Tip: Always use a meat thermometer to check chicken's internal temperature, ensuring safe consumption while maintaining juicy, tender meat that doesn't dry out during cooking.

Serving Suggestions for Skewers

• Picnic Perfect Platter: Arrange skewers on a large wooden board with colorful fresh herbs, lemon wedges, and a small bowl of extra garlic herb butter for dipping.
• Mediterranean Meal Companion: Serve alongside warm pita bread, cucumber salad, tzatziki sauce, and a light quinoa pilaf to create a complete and balanced Mediterranean-inspired feast.
• Weekend Gathering Delight: Present skewers with grilled vegetable medley like zucchini, bell peppers, and red onions, creating a vibrant and protein-packed dish that will impress guests at backyard barbecues or casual dinner parties.
• Healthy Lunch Solution: Pack cooled skewers in meal prep containers with a side of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of remaining garlic herb butter for a protein-rich, low-carb lunch option perfect for work or school.

Best Way to Store Skewers Post-Cook

• Quick Batch Cooking: Prepare multiple batches of chicken skewers during weekend meal prep. Store marinated and uncooked skewers in sealed containers for up to 24 hours before cooking, maximizing your time and meal efficiency.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Cool cooked skewers completely before storing in airtight containers. Safely refrigerate for 3-4 days, ensuring optimal freshness and maintaining delicious flavor profiles when reheating.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual skewers in freezer-safe wrap or place in vacuum-sealed bags. Freeze uncooked marinated skewers for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before air frying for convenient future meals.
• Reheating Technique: Restore crispy texture by reheating skewers in air fryer at 350F for 3-4 minutes. Brush with additional garlic herb butter to revive moisture and enhance initial cooking flavors, preventing dryness during second heating.

Succulent Spiced Chicken Skewers with Garlic Herb Butter

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic-herb chicken skewers showcase Middle Eastern spice mastery with complex flavor profiles. Grilled perfection meets creamy butter sauce, inviting diners to savor each expertly seasoned bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 grams) chicken thighs, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 tbsp avocado oil
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• ¼ tsp turmeric
• 1 stick (113 grams) butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp parsley, freshly chopped (plus extra for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Dice chicken thighs into uniform bite-sized cubes for consistent cooking and seasoning distribution.
2. Spice Blend: Combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, turmeric, kosher salt, and black pepper in a mixing container.
3. Marination: Drizzle avocado oil over chicken, thoroughly coat with spice mixture, massaging seasonings into meat for maximum flavor absorption. Let rest at room temperature for 20-25 minutes.
4. Garlic Herb Butter: Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat, add minced garlic until aromatic. Stir in honey and chopped parsley to create a vibrant herb-infused sauce.
5. Skewering: Thread marinated chicken pieces onto pre-soaked bamboo skewers, ensuring even spacing for balanced grilling.
6. Air Frying: Line air fryer basket with parchment paper, arrange skewers in a single layer. Cook at 400F, rotating midway to achieve golden-brown coloration and ensure internal temperature reaches 165F.
7. Finishing: Remove skewers, brush generously with garlic herb butter. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

• Prep Precision: Cut chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes for even cooking and consistent seasoning absorption.
• Marination Magic: Let chicken rest at room temperature for 20-25 minutes to allow spices to deeply penetrate the meat, enhancing overall flavor profile.
• Skewer Strategy: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning during high-heat cooking.
• Temperature Tip: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165F internally, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked protein.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 366
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 290 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 112 mg