Chicken Skewers with Garlic Recipe

Chicken skewers are a classic, flavorful dish that works for any occasion—whether you’re grilling outdoors on a sunny day or preparing an easy weeknight meal. These Chicken Skewers with Garlic offer an irresistible combination of juicy, tender chicken, smoky paprika, and zesty garlic butter sauce that will make your taste buds dance with joy. The chicken thighs are marinated in a blend of olive oil, spices, and green Tabasco sauce for an extra punch of flavor, while the garlic butter sauce is infused with freshly minced garlic and red pepper flakes for a perfect balance of heat and richness.

This recipe is not only bursting with flavor, but it’s also quick and easy to prepare. The chicken is cooked on skewers for an even char, making it a perfect dish for your grill, oven, or stovetop. Paired with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it with a side of your favorite vegetables, rice, or a crisp salad for a complete, satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Flavorful Chicken

The chicken thighs are marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and green Tabasco sauce, ensuring each bite is packed with zesty, smoky, and slightly spicy flavors.

2. Rich Garlic Butter Sauce

The garlic butter sauce is what truly takes these skewers to the next level, with fresh garlic, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan cheese adding richness and a satisfying depth of flavor.

3. Simple and Easy

This recipe comes together quickly, requiring just a few simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a weekend barbecue.

4. Grill or Oven-Friendly

Whether you prefer to cook your skewers on the grill, in the oven, or on the stovetop, this recipe offers flexibility. The results are juicy, tender chicken every time.

5. Perfect for Any Occasion

These chicken skewers are versatile enough for casual family dinners, outdoor barbecues, or even a dinner party. They’re guaranteed to impress your guests and satisfy your hunger.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 3-inch chunks
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Sea salt
• Black pepper
• Green Tabasco sauce
• Unsalted butter
• Fresh garlic, minced
• Red pepper flakes
• Freshly grated Parmesan
• Fresh lemon juice
• Minced fresh parsley

Variations

Spicy Chicken Skewers

If you enjoy more heat, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the garlic butter sauce, or add a few extra dashes of green Tabasco sauce to the marinade.

Vegetarian Skewers

For a vegetarian version, swap out the chicken for vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and onions. Marinate the veggies the same way, and grill until tender. Serve with the garlic butter sauce.

Grilled Chicken with Herb Butter

For a different flavor profile, use a combination of fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and oregano in the butter sauce instead of red pepper flakes. This will give your skewers an earthy, aromatic flavor.

Lemon Garlic Chicken Skewers

Add extra zest by incorporating lemon zest into both the marinade and the garlic butter sauce for a more citrus-forward flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, black pepper, and green Tabasco sauce. Stir well to create the marinade.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken chunks to the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Add the red pepper flakes and stir to combine. Remove the pan from the heat.

Step 4: Assemble the Skewers

Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 10-15 minutes before threading the chicken to prevent them from burning during cooking.

Step 5: Cook the Skewers

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grill or roast the chicken skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning them halfway through, until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).

Step 6: Add Garlic Butter Sauce

Once the chicken skewers are cooked, brush them generously with the garlic butter sauce. Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan, fresh lemon juice, and minced parsley for garnish.

Step 7: Serve

Serve the skewers immediately with your favorite sides, such as rice, salad, or grilled vegetables. Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Chicken Thighs: Boneless skinless chicken thighs are the best choice for skewers as they stay tender and juicy while cooking. If you prefer, you can use chicken breasts, but be sure not to overcook them to avoid dryness.
• Grill or Oven: This recipe is versatile—grill the skewers for a smoky flavor or bake them in the oven for convenience. Just ensure that the skewers are evenly spaced for even cooking.
• Soak Wooden Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 10-15 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
• Customizable Heat: Adjust the heat by varying the amount of red pepper flakes or Tabasco sauce according to your spice preference.

How to Serve

These Chicken Skewers with Garlic are perfect on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of sides, including:

• Rice: Serve with plain white rice, cilantro lime rice, or even a pilaf for a complete meal.
• Grilled Vegetables: Try pairing with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus.
• Salads: A fresh, crunchy salad such as a Greek salad or a simple green salad complements the richness of the garlic butter sauce.
• Dipping Sauces: Serve with a side of ranch dressing, tzatziki, or a spicy aioli for added flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover chicken skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The garlic butter sauce can also be stored separately in the fridge and reheated when needed.

Freezing

While it’s best to enjoy the skewers fresh, you can freeze the cooked chicken skewers (without the garlic butter sauce) for up to 3 months. Let the skewers cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the oven or on the grill.

Reheating

To reheat the chicken, place the skewers on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Brush with the garlic butter sauce before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but be careful not to overcook them, as they tend to dry out quicker than chicken thighs.

2. Can I make these skewers ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken the night before and cook it when you’re ready. The garlic butter sauce can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge.

3. Can I use a different hot sauce instead of Tabasco?

Yes, feel free to use your favorite hot sauce in place of green Tabasco. Frank’s RedHot, Sriracha, or any other variety will work well.

4. How can I make the skewers spicier?

Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add more Tabasco sauce for a spicier kick.

5. Can I use frozen chicken?

It’s best to use fresh chicken for this recipe. However, if using frozen chicken, ensure it is fully thawed before marinating and cooking.

6. What if I don’t have skewers?

If you don’t have skewers, you can simply grill the chicken pieces directly on the grill or bake them on a baking sheet in the oven.

7. Can I add vegetables to the skewers?

Yes, you can alternate pieces of chicken with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini for added flavor and variety.

8. Can I serve this without the garlic butter sauce?

While the garlic butter sauce really adds flavor to the skewers, you can serve them with a different sauce or just as they are for a lighter option.

9. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, you can use margarine, but butter provides a richer flavor and better texture in the sauce.

10. Can I grill the skewers indoors?

Yes, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop if you don’t have an outdoor grill. Just make sure to cook on medium-high heat for the best results.

Conclusion

These Chicken Skewers with Garlic are a flavorful, satisfying dish that combines the savory richness of garlic butter with the smoky goodness of grilled chicken. With a few simple ingredients and a quick cooking process, you can create a meal that will impress family and friends alike. Whether served as an appetizer, a main dish, or part of a larger spread, these skewers are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!

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