If you’re craving something crispy, juicy, and utterly delicious, this Breaded Chicken Skewers Recipe has you covered. Imagine tender chicken breast pieces marinated just right, threaded onto skewers, and then coated in a crunchy Italian-style breadcrumb crust that sizzles to a perfect golden brown. Each bite bursts with flavor thanks to a simple yet flavorful marinade and the magic of frying, making this dish an absolute crowd-pleaser for any meal or gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential, each bringing a unique touch to create that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in your breaded chicken skewers. From the creamy mayonnaise that keeps the chicken moist to the Italian-style breadcrumbs that create that irresistible crunch, get ready to make magic happen in your kitchen.
- Chicken breast (2 lbs): The star of the show, cut into uniform pieces for even cooking and juiciness.
- Italian-style breadcrumbs (1 cup): Adds that golden, flavorful crunch that everyone loves.
- Mayonnaise (3/4 cup): Keeps the chicken tender and helps the seasoning and crumbs stick better.
- Mrs. Dash seasoning (1 tsp): A salt-free blend loaded with herbs and spices for extra zest.
- Fine sea salt (1 tsp): Enhances all the natural flavors of the chicken and seasonings.
- Freshly ground black pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor.
- Extra light olive oil or canola oil: Used for frying to achieve that perfectly crispy exterior without heavy greasiness.
- Small wooden skewers (12): For threading the chicken pieces and making serving effortless and fun.
How to Make Breaded Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breast into pieces about 3/4 inch wide for ideal, even cooking. Toss these pieces in a large bowl with salt, pepper, and Mrs. Dash seasoning. For a creamy touch that locks in moisture and carries the flavor, mix in 3/4 cup of mayonnaise. Letting this marinate in the fridge for at least an hour or overnight really amps up the tenderness and allows all those herbs and spices to soak in deeply.
Step 2: Thread the Chicken Pieces
Now it’s time to get your hands a little messy, which is always a fun sign you’re diving into good food! Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the wooden skewers, making sure the flat sides all face the same direction. This thoughtful step helps the chicken cook evenly and look beautifully uniform once finished.
Step 3: Coat with Breadcrumbs
Pour your Italian-style breadcrumbs onto a large plate or platter, then roll each chicken skewer gently but thoroughly until every piece is covered in a crunchy, seasoned coat. This breadcrumb layer is what’ll give you that crave-worthy texture once fried, so don’t rush through it.
Step 4: Fry Until Golden and Cooked Through
Heat enough oil in a nonstick pan to coat the bottom generously, then place the skewers in the pan over medium heat. Each skewer should sizzle right away. Cook for about 3 minutes on each side, flipping carefully until every side is a gorgeous golden brown. If you want to be exact, use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165˚F — perfectly safe and juicily cooked.
Step 5: Drain and Serve
Once your chicken skewers are crisp and cooked, transfer them to a platter lined with paper towels to soak up any extra oil. This step guarantees that clean, satisfying crunch without any greasiness, ready for you to dive in.
How to Serve Breaded Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up these skewers with fresh garnishes like a sprinkle of chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice. The fresh herbs add a lovely pop of color and a fragrant lift, while a hint of citrus cuts through the richness and makes every bite feel light and balanced.
Side Dishes
These breaded chicken skewers pair wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad, garlic roasted potatoes, or even a chilled cucumber yogurt dip. Each side complements the crunchy, savory skewers by adding freshness, creaminess, or a contrast in texture that rounds out the whole meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist when entertaining, serve skewers standing upright in a decorative jar or lined up on a wooden board alongside colorful dipping sauces. You can also place them on a bed of mixed greens or rice for an easy, visually appealing single-plate meal that’s sure to impress guests and family alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers — though that might be unlikely because these skewers disappear fast — store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for 2 to 3 days, making for a quick snack or next-day meal.
Freezing
These chicken skewers freeze well if you want to prep ahead. Freeze the cooked skewers in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can keep them for up to 2 months and enjoy that crispy joy any time.
Reheating
The best way to reheat breaded chicken skewers is in the oven or an air fryer to keep that crispy coating intact. Warm them at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until hot all the way through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the coating soggy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast for this Breaded Chicken Skewers Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit juicier and more forgiving if you’re worried about drying out the meat. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
Is mayonnaise necessary in the marinade?
Mayonnaise helps keep the chicken tender and also acts as a binding agent for the breadcrumbs. You could substitute it with Greek yogurt or buttermilk if you’re looking for a lighter or tangier option.
Can I bake these skewers instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The crust might not be quite as crispy, but baking is a great healthier alternative.
What dipping sauces go well with these Breaded Chicken Skewers?
Think classic marinara, honey mustard, ranch, or even a spicy sriracha mayo. The creamy or zesty sauces complement the crispy crust and juicy chicken brilliantly.
How do I prevent the breadcrumbs from falling off?
Make sure the chicken is well coated in the mayonnaise marinade before rolling in the breadcrumbs; this moisture is key to helping the crumbs stick firmly during cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Breaded Chicken Skewers Recipe is a fantastic dish to have in your cooking repertoire because it’s straightforward to make, endlessly satisfying, and effortlessly impressive. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or throwing a casual party, these skewers bring big flavor and delightful textures that everyone will adore. Give it a try and enjoy every crunchy, juicy bite!
Print
Breaded Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 28 minutes
- Yield: 12 skewers
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy and flavorful Breaded Chicken Skewers marinated in a seasoned mayo blend, coated with Italian-style breadcrumbs, and pan-fried to a perfect golden brown. These skewers are tender on the inside with a crunchy exterior, making them an irresistible appetizer or main dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 lbs chicken breast
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Mrs. Dash seasoning blend
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Bread Coating
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
For Cooking
- Extra light olive oil or canola oil (enough to generously cover the bottom of the pan)
- 12 small wooden skewers
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into 3/4 inch wide pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl. Season the chicken pieces with sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and Mrs. Dash seasoning. Add 3/4 cup of mayonnaise and mix thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight to marinate and infuse flavors.
- Skewer the Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the wooden skewers, arranging them so the flat sides face one direction. This helps ensure the pieces cook evenly on the stove.
- Bread the Skewers: Spread the Italian-style breadcrumbs on a large plate or platter. Roll each chicken skewer in the breadcrumbs until fully and evenly coated, pressing gently to adhere the coating well.
- Pan-Fry the Skewers: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and add enough oil to generously cover the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is hot, place the coated chicken skewers in the pan. Fry each side for about 3 minutes, flipping carefully, until the breadcrumbs turn golden brown and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) as measured with an instant-read thermometer.
- Drain and Serve: Transfer the cooked skewers to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
- For even better flavor, marinate the chicken overnight instead of just 1 hour.
- Ensure oil is hot before frying to achieve a crispy coating without excessive oil absorption.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check that chicken is fully cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Wooden skewers should be soaked in water for 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning during cooking.
- Extra light olive or canola oil is preferred for frying because of their high smoke points.
