Breaded Chicken Skewers: the Easy Recipe for a Weeknight Grilled Dinner Ready in Minutes

Breaded chicken skewers… the perfect finger food for backyard barbecues, pool parties, or a casual weeknight meal. These skewers are easy to make. Tender chicken cubes are coated in a flavorful breadcrumb mixture, then grilled or baked to crispy perfection. Just a few ingredients and minimal prep work for a crowd-pleasing dish. The breadcrumb coating is versatile and you can customize it with your favorite herbs and spices. You’ll love this new midweek wonder!

What Are Breaded Chicken Skewers?

Skewering meat for cooking has been practiced for centuries across various cultures. From shish kebabs in the Middle East to yakitori in Japan, the concept of grilling bite-sized pieces of meat on sticks offers a portable and convenient cooking method. The addition of a breaded coating to skewered meats is likely a more recent innovation. Breading protects the meat from drying out while adding a crispy and flavorful exterior.

Tips

• Cut your chicken into uniform bite-sized cubes for even cooking. This ensures all the pieces cook evenly.
• Soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken. This prevents them from burning on the grill.
• Thread the chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
• Regardless of the cooking method, cook the chicken skewers until golden brown on the outside and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Can I Use Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs Instead Of Breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative as they tend to be juicier than breasts. Just be aware that they may take a few minutes longer to cook through due to their slightly higher fat content.

What Can I Substitute For Breadcrumbs?

Crushed crackers, crushed tortilla chips, or even cornflakes can be used as a substitute for breadcrumbs. Experiment with different options to find your favorite flavor and texture combination.

Do I Have To Soak The Wooden Skewers?

Soaking the skewers is not essential, but it helps prevent them from burning on the grill. If you forget to soak them, keep a close eye on them while grilling and move them around frequently to prevent burning.

Can I Bake The Chicken Skewers Instead Of Grilling Them?

Yes, baking is a great alternative, especially for those without access to a grill. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the skewers for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

What Will Make Breading Stick to The Chicken?

The breading will stick to the chicken due to the addition of olive oil and lemon juice, which help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken cubes. Mixing these wet ingredients with the seasoned breadcrumbs creates a coating that clings to the chicken when applied.

How Do I Keep The Chicken From Drying Out?

To keep the chicken from drying out, the addition of olive oil and lemon juice in the breadcrumb mixture helps retain moisture during grilling, while the short grilling time ensures the chicken remains juicy.

More Skewers Recipes You Need to Try For Your Dinners

Zucchini Skewers

Pork Loin Skewers

Squid Skewers

Shrimp Skewers

Spicy Chicken Skewers

How to Store Breaded Chicken Skewers

Leftovers can be stored for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

How To Make Breaded Chicken Skewers

Cut the chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized cubes for even cooking.

In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the thyme, salt, pepper, garlic powder, zest, olive oil, and lemon juice.

Add the chicken cubes to the breadcrumb mixture, tossing to coat them evenly.

Thread the breaded chicken cubes onto wooden skewers.

Preheat oil in a grill to medium-high heat. Carefully add the chicken skewers to the grill.

Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and golden on the outside.

Serve immediately.