Quick & Savory Spiced Chicken Skewers with Garlic Herb Butter Recipe

Spicy chicken skewers bring fire and flavor to your dinner table, promising an explosion of mouthwatering sensations.

Marinated meat becomes a canvas for complex aromatics that dance across your palate.

Bold spices whisper stories of culinary adventures waiting to unfold.

Tender chunks of protein absorb intense seasonings, creating a vibrant dining experience.

Sizzling ingredients promise robust flavor profiles that tantalize your taste buds.

Grilling techniques unlock incredible depth in every single bite.

A perfect balance of heat and herbal notes will transport you to a world of delicious possibilities.

Explore this recipe and craft an ordinary meal into an extraordinary feast.

What Makes These Chicken Skewers Irresistible

• The blend of garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, and turmeric creates a bold, complex taste profile that dances across your palate with every bite.
• Air fryer technique ensures crispy exterior and juicy interior in just 16-18 minutes, making this a perfect weeknight dinner solution for busy home cooks.
• Skewers work brilliantly as appetizers, main course, or party food, easily adaptable for casual family meals or entertaining guests with minimal preparation effort.
• Using chicken thighs and avocado oil provides lean protein with heart-healthy fats, while the herb butter adds a gourmet touch without excessive calories.

Ingredients for Chicken Skewers with Garlic Herb Butter

• Chicken Thighs: A juicy and flavorful meat that absorbs spices well, perfect for skewers. Dark meat provides richer taste and moisture.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Adds deep savory background flavor to the chicken.
• Paprika, Cayenne Pepper, Turmeric: Creates warm, complex spice profile with mild heat and earthy undertones.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall seasoning and bringing out chicken's natural flavors.

• Avocado Oil: Helps distribute spices and provides healthy fat for marinating.
• Minced Garlic: Adds intense aromatic flavor to the herb butter.
• Honey: Provides subtle sweetness and helps caramelize the chicken.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds brightness and color to the dish.
• Bamboo Skewers: Useful for easy grilling and serving.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

How to Make Savory Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Carefully trim chicken thighs and slice into uniform 2-inch chunks. Transfer pieces to a clean mixing bowl, ensuring even sizing for consistent cooking.

Step 2: Create Flavor Blend

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Turmeric
• Kosher salt
• Ground black pepper

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Pour spice mixture and avocado oil over chicken pieces. Massage seasonings thoroughly into meat, ensuring complete coverage. Let chicken rest in refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to absorb flavors.

Step 4: Craft Garlic Herb Butter

Select a small saucepan and warm over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden. Gently stir in honey and finely chopped fresh parsley. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 5: Skewer and Cook Chicken

• First side: 10 minutes
• Flip skewers
• Second side: 6-8 minutes

Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Generously brush cooked skewers with prepared garlic herb butter. Sprinkle additional fresh parsley for bright color and added flavor. Serve immediately while warm.

Tips for Juicy and Flavorful Chicken Skewers

• Maximize Marinade Magic: Let chicken sit in spices for at least 20 minutes to allow flavors to deeply penetrate the meat, ensuring every bite bursts with delicious seasoning.
• Prevent Skewer Sticking: Soak bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading chicken to prevent burning and ensure even cooking in the air fryer.
• Temperature Precision Matters: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches exactly 165F, guaranteeing juicy, perfectly cooked protein without dryness.
• Butter Brushing Technique: Apply garlic herb butter immediately after cooking while skewers are hot, allowing the butter to melt and enhance the chicken's rich flavor profile.
• Spice Balance Tip: Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on personal heat preference, starting with less and adding more gradually for controlled spiciness.

Best Ways to Store and Reheat Chicken Skewers

• Refrigerate: Seal cooled chicken skewers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in Air Fryer: Warm skewers at 350F for 3-4 minutes, turning once to ensure even heating and maintain crispy exterior.
• Microwave Option: Place skewers on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, being careful not to dry out the meat.

Pairing Tips for Chicken Skewers

• Craft Aromatic Wine Pairing: Complement the spicy, herbal chicken skewers with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio, which will balance the bold cayenne and turmeric flavors while refreshing the palate.
• Create Zesty Side Companion: Serve alongside a cool cucumber-yogurt tzatziki or Greek salad to contrast the skewers' warmth and provide a creamy, tangy counterpoint to the spiced chicken.
• Design Fresh Herbal Accompaniment: Prepare a quinoa or couscous salad with fresh mint, lemon zest, and chopped parsley to echo the dish's herb notes and add a light, nutritious element that matches the skewers' vibrant profile.
• Boost Flavor Experience: Add grilled pita bread or warm naan to soak up the delicious garlic herb butter, creating a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal that enhances the skewers' rich, spicy character.

Skewer Flavor Variations to Explore

• Mediterranean Fusion: Replace cayenne with za'atar spice blend, add lemon zest to marinade, and serve with tzatziki sauce for a Greek-inspired version.
• Smoky Korean Style: Swap paprika for gochugaru, incorporate gochujang paste in marinade, and brush with sesame-soy glaze during final cooking stage for a bold Korean flavor profile.
• Caribbean Jerk Inspiration: Substitute spices with jerk seasoning, use coconut oil instead of avocado oil, and finish with fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro for a vibrant tropical taste.
• Indian Tandoori Remix: Blend yogurt into marinade, include garam masala and ground cumin, swap parsley for fresh mint, and serve with cooling cucumber raita for an authentic Indian touch.

Chicken Skewers Questions Answered

• How long should I marinate the chicken?

The chicken should marinate for at least 20 minutes to allow the spices to fully penetrate the meat and enhance flavor.

• Can I use a different cooking method if I don't have an air fryer?

Absolutely! You can grill these skewers over medium-high heat or bake them in a preheated oven at 425F for about 15-18 minutes, turning once halfway through.

• What's the best way to check if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165F, which guarantees the chicken is safe to eat and perfectly done.

• How can I make these skewers ahead of time?

You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and prepare the garlic herb butter the night before. Just cook the skewers fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Savory Spiced Chicken Skewers With Garlic Herb Butter Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mouthwatering Moroccan-style Spiced Chicken Skewers dance with complex layers of aromatic herbs and rich garlic butter. Grilled perfection meets Mediterranean charm, inviting you to savor each tender, flavor-packed bite of culinary delight.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 lb (454 grams) chicken thighs, cut into 2-inch pieces

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Liquid and Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• 1 stick (113 grams) butter
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 6 cloves minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley, plus extra for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Dice chicken thighs into uniform bite-sized cubes, ensuring consistent cooking and even seasoning distribution.
2. Create a robust spice blend by combining garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, turmeric, kosher salt, and black pepper in a mixing container.
3. Drizzle avocado oil over the chicken pieces and thoroughly coat with the prepared spice mixture, massaging the seasonings into the meat for maximum flavor absorption.
4. Allow the seasoned chicken to rest and marinate, enabling the spices to penetrate deeply for approximately 20-25 minutes at room temperature.
5. Gently melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat, introducing minced garlic and stirring until aromatic and softened.
6. Incorporate honey and finely chopped parsley into the garlic butter, creating a vibrant and glossy herb-infused sauce.
7. Carefully thread marinated chicken pieces onto pre-soaked bamboo skewers, ensuring even spacing for balanced grilling.
8. Arrange skewers in a single layer within the air fryer basket lined with parchment paper, preventing direct contact and potential sticking.
9. Cook the skewers at 400F, rotating midway through the cooking process to achieve uniform golden-brown coloration and ensure internal temperature reaches 165F.
10. Remove skewers from air fryer and generously brush with the prepared garlic herb butter, allowing the sauce to glaze the meat.
11. Garnish with additional fresh parsley for a burst of color and added herbal freshness before serving immediately.

Notes

• Spice Blend Mastery: Combine multiple ground spices like garlic, onion, paprika, and cayenne for a complex, layered flavor profile that elevates the chicken’s taste.
• Marination Magic: Let the chicken soak in spices and oil for at least 20 minutes to ensure deep flavor penetration and tender meat texture.
• Temperature Control: Cook chicken skewers at 400F, flipping midway to guarantee even golden-brown exterior and fully cooked interior without drying out.
• Herb Butter Finishing Touch: Sauté fresh garlic and honey into melted butter, then brush over hot skewers for a glossy, aromatic coating that adds richness.
• Safe Cooking Tip: Always check internal chicken temperature reaches 165F to prevent foodborne illness and ensure juicy, perfectly cooked meat.
• Skewer Preparation: Use bamboo skewers and line air fryer basket with parchment paper for easy cleanup and non-stick cooking experience.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg