Garlic butter chicken skewers are the perfect combination of simplicity and flavor—juicy, tender chicken basted with a rich, fragrant garlic butter sauce, grilled to golden perfection. They come together in minutes, making them ideal for busy weeknights or summer entertaining.
The garlic butter does double duty: it’s used as a marinade and then as a basting sauce while grilling. Serve them with rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Prep the Skewers
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Thread the chicken onto the skewers, leaving a little space between pieces for even cooking.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned.
Remove from heat and stir in the parsley, lemon juice, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt. Set aside half of the sauce for serving; reserve the other half for basting.
Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400-450°F / 200-230°C). Clean and oil the grates well.
Grill the Skewers
Place the chicken skewers on the hot grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, basting with the reserved basting butter during the last few minutes of cooking, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C) and has nice char marks.
Rest and Serve
Remove the skewers from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve with the reserved garlic butter sauce for drizzling, lemon wedges, and fresh parsley.
Pro-Tips for Garlic Butter Chicken Skewer Perfection
- Use Chicken Thighs: They’re more forgiving and stay juicier than breasts.
- Soak Wooden Skewers: This prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skewer: Leave a little space between chicken pieces for even cooking and browning.
- Oil the Grates: A well-oiled grill prevents sticking and ensures beautiful grill marks.
- Baste at the End: Adding the butter sauce early can cause flare-ups. Baste during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Check Temperature: Chicken is done at 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to be sure.
- Save Half the Sauce: Reserve some sauce for serving—it’s not just for basting.
- Add Veggies: Thread bell peppers, onions, or zucchini onto the skewers with the chicken for a complete meal.
These Garlic Butter Chicken Skewers are juicy, flavorful, and absolutely delicious.
