Lemon Butter Parmesan Chicken Spiedini

Lemon Butter Parmesan Chicken Spiedini is a easy Italian recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Allrecipes on YouTube.

Prep: 45 min | Cook: 13 min | Total: 1 hr 8 min

Cost: $12.79 total, $3.20 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra‑virgin, for marinade)
  • 2 tablespoons Dry White Wine (use a dry variety like Sauvignon Blanc)
  • 1 large Lemon (juice and zest)
  • 3 pieces Garlic Cloves (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (kosher or table salt)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
  • 1.5 pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (cut into 1‑inch cubes)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
  • 1/2 cup All‑Purpose Breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 8 pieces Skewers (bamboo or metal, pre‑soaked if bamboo)
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (cut into pieces for microwaving)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (additional for sauce)

Instructions

  1. Make Marinade

    In a mixing bowl combine olive oil, white wine, lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and dried oregano. Whisk until fully blended.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Cube Chicken and Marinate

    Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and cut into 1‑inch cubes. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl, toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate for 30–45 minutes.

    Time: PT30M

  3. Prepare Breading Mixture

    In a separate bowl combine Italian seasoning, all‑purpose breadcrumbs, Panko, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of pepper. Mix thoroughly.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Thread Chicken onto Skewers

    If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for 10 minutes. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto each skewer, leaving a small gap between pieces. Lightly spray or brush the skewers with oil.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Air Fry Chicken

    Preheat the air fryer to 390°F. Arrange the skewers in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the coating is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

    Time: PT12M

    Temperature: 390°F

  6. Prepare Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

    In a microwave‑safe bowl melt the butter. Stir in minced garlic, additional lemon juice, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Microwave in 30‑second bursts, stirring until smooth and fragrant.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Plate and Serve

    Arrange the cooked skewers on a serving platter, drizzle the lemon‑garlic butter sauce over them, and garnish with extra chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
20g
Carbohydrates
10g
Fat
12g
Fiber
1g

Dietary info: High protein, Contains gluten, Contains dairy

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten

Last updated: April 17, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Lemon Butter Parmesan Chicken Spiedini

Recipe by Allrecipes

Crispy, lemon‑garlic chicken thigh skewers coated in an Italian breadcrumb‑Parmesan crust, cooked quickly in an air fryer and finished with a bright butter sauce. An easy Italian‑inspired dinner that’s perfect for weeknight meals.

EasyItalianServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
47m
Prep
14m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 11m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$12.79
Total cost
$3.20
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes
  • Ensuring the coating adheres by patting chicken dry before breading
  • Cooking the skewers to an internal temperature of 165°F
  • Preparing the butter sauce without burning the butter

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw chicken with separate utensils to avoid cross‑contamination.
  • Use oven mitts when removing hot skewers from the air fryer.
  • Butter can splatter in the microwave; cover the bowl loosely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Chicken Spadini in Italian cuisine?

A

Chicken Spadini is a lesser‑known Italian classic that originated in the southern regions as a simple street‑food snack, featuring marinated chicken on skewers coated with seasoned breadcrumbs and fried. It reflects Italy’s love of citrus, garlic, and crunchy textures, and today it’s enjoyed as an appetizer or light main dish.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Chicken Spadini in Italy?

A

In Campania the recipe often uses lemon zest and olive oil, while in the north you might find a richer butter‑based glaze and a mix of Parmesan with Pecorino. Some regions add anchovy paste to the breadcrumb coating for an umami boost.

cultural
Q

How is authentic Chicken Spadini traditionally served in Italy?

A

Traditionally the skewers are served hot, drizzled with a lemon‑garlic butter sauce, and accompanied by a simple arugula salad or crusty bread to soak up the juices. They are often enjoyed as a snack with a glass of crisp white wine.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Chicken Spadini traditionally associated with in Italian culture?

A

Chicken Spadini is popular at casual gatherings, street festivals, and family aperitivo hours. It’s also served at summer barbecues and as a finger food during holiday celebrations like Ferragosto.

cultural
Q

What makes Chicken Spadini special or unique in Italian cuisine?

A

The dish combines the bright acidity of lemon, the aromatic punch of garlic and oregano, and a crunchy Parmesan‑infused breadcrumb crust, all cooked quickly in an air fryer, delivering a balance of flavors and textures that is quintessentially Italian yet modern.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Chicken Spadini?

A

Common errors include over‑marinating the chicken, which can make it mushy, not patting the pieces dry before breading, and overcrowding the air fryer basket, which prevents the coating from crisping. Also, be sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.

technical
Q

Why does this Chicken Spadini recipe use an air fryer instead of deep‑frying?

A

The air fryer provides a healthier, less‑messy way to achieve a crisp breadcrumb crust while using minimal oil. It also shortens cooking time and reduces the risk of oil splatters compared to traditional deep‑frying.

technical
Q

Can I make Chicken Spadini ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Marinate the chicken up to 8 hours in advance, and you can also pre‑coat the pieces and keep them refrigerated on a tray. Cooked skewers store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making Chicken Spadini?

A

The coating should be golden‑brown and crisp, while the interior chicken remains juicy and tender. The lemon‑garlic butter sauce should be glossy and lightly coat the skewers without pooling.

technical
Q

How do I know when Chicken Spadini is done cooking?

A

The breadcrumb crust will be deep golden and the meat thermometer inserted into the thickest piece should read 165°F (74°C). The juices should run clear, not pink.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Allrecipes specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Allrecipes focuses on home‑cooked, approachable recipes for everyday meals, offering step‑by‑step video tutorials that cater to cooks of all skill levels.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Allrecipes' approach to Italian cooking differ from other Italian cooking channels?

A

Allrecipes presents Italian dishes with a practical, American‑home‑cook perspective, emphasizing quick methods like the air fryer and using readily available ingredients, whereas many traditional Italian channels focus on classic stovetop or wood‑fire techniques.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

MOST DELICIOUS High Protein Honey Butter Chicken Alfredo Pasta 60g Protein 🍗🍯🧀
7

MOST DELICIOUS High Protein Honey Butter Chicken Alfredo Pasta 60g Protein 🍗🍯🧀

A creamy, high‑protein honey‑butter chicken Alfredo pasta that packs about 630 calories per serving. Easy to make, perfect for meal‑prepping, and loaded with flavor from garlic, sun‑dried tomatoes, and Parmesan.

42 minServes 4$46
Italian‑American
The BEST High Protein Meal Prep Chicken Alfredo You Will Ever Make
6

The BEST High Protein Meal Prep Chicken Alfredo You Will Ever Make

A creamy, protein‑packed chicken alfredo that’s quick to make, freezes well, and makes six satisfying meals. The sauce is blended from cottage cheese, non‑fat yogurt, Parmesan and a splash of lemon for brightness, while chicken tenders stay juicy and the pasta stays al dente.

30 minServes 6$17
Italian‑American
HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN ALFREDO USING STORE BOUGHT ALFREDO SAUCE!? QUICK AND EASY RECIPE!
4

HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN ALFREDO USING STORE BOUGHT ALFREDO SAUCE!? QUICK AND EASY RECIPE!

A quick and easy Italian‑American comfort dish featuring golden‑seared chicken, broccoli, and a store‑bought Alfredo sauce enriched with half‑and‑half and Parmesan. All tossed together with fettuccine for a creamy, satisfying dinner ready in under an hour.

55 minServes 4$29
Italian-American
Crispy Chicken Breast with Cheesy Pasta
6

Crispy Chicken Breast with Cheesy Pasta

A comforting, family‑friendly dinner featuring breaded chicken breast strips served over creamy garlic‑cheese pasta. The chicken stays crispy while the sauce is rich, velvety, and perfect for spreading on bread. Easy to make in under 1½ hours.

1 hr 15 minServes 4$20
American
The Most Flavorful Garlic Butter Shrimp Ever
7

The Most Flavorful Garlic Butter Shrimp Ever

A quick, flavor‑packed garlic butter shrimp served with crispy roasted‑garlic French bread. Perfect as an appetizer, over pasta, rice, or a salad for a satisfying main course.

2 hrs 15 minServes 4$40
Italian‑American
One Pan Lemon Herb Chicken Rice (with Chicken Breast!)
5

One Pan Lemon Herb Chicken Rice (with Chicken Breast!)

A quick and flavorful weeknight dinner where perfectly cooked chicken breast and fluffy lemon‑herb rice are made together in a single skillet. The chicken is seasoned, seared, then simmered with rice, chicken stock, garlic, onion, butter, and fresh lemon juice for a bright, comforting meal. Served with a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest, parsley, and an optional drizzle of balsamic.

55 minServes 4$9
American
30 minute One Pan Lemon Chicken Pasta (creamy)
3

30 minute One Pan Lemon Chicken Pasta (creamy)

A quick, lazy‑day dinner that comes together in one skillet in under 30 minutes. Tender chicken breast, garlic‑infused pasta, a silky lemon‑cream sauce, and Parmesan make a bright, comforting meal with only five core ingredients.

30 minServes 2$11
Italian
15 Minute AIR FRYER CHICKEN TIKKA- Better than the Restaurants!!!
4

15 Minute AIR FRYER CHICKEN TIKKA- Better than the Restaurants!!!

A quick and flavorful Indian-style chicken tikka made in the air fryer. Bite-sized chicken breast pieces are marinated in yogurt, chickpea flour, aromatic spices, saffron, and fenugreek leaves, then threaded onto wooden skewers and air‑fried to a juicy interior with a crisp, charred exterior. Finished with melted butter, fresh lime juice, and a pinch of Jar Masala for an authentic kick.

2 hrs 55 minServes 4$25
Indian