From Italy to Your Plate: The Art of Chicken Spiedini

The Origins of Spiedini

The term "spiedini" translates to "skewers" in Italian and refers to a wide variety of dishes that involve threading ingredients onto skewers for grilling or roasting. Spiedini has roots in Italy's culinary history, where skewered meats were a practical and delicious way to cook small portions of meat over an open flame.

Immigrants brought this tradition to the United States, adapting recipes to fit the ingredients available in their new home. While traditional spiedini in Italy might include lamb, or seafood, Italian Americans often used chicken or beef, resulting in a uniquely American spin on the classic dish.

What Makes Chicken Spiedini Special?

Chicken spiedini is celebrated for its tender texture, smoky flavor, and aromatic breadcrumb coating. Typically marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, the chicken absorbs the vibrant flavors before being coated in seasoned breadcrumbs. 

The skewers are then grilled or baked, creating a crisp exterior while keeping the chicken juicy.The dish is often served with a lemon butter sauce or marinara for dipping, which enhances its overall flavor profile.

How to Cook Chicken Spiedini

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Breadcrumb Coating:

• 2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

For Cooking:

• Wooden or metal skewers (soaked in water if wooden)
• Nonstick cooking spray or oil for the grill

For the Lemon Butter Sauce:

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning in a large bowl. Add the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.

2. Prepare the Breadcrumb Coating

Combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and garlic powder in a shallow dish. Mix well.

3. Assemble the Spiedini

Remove the chicken from the marinade and thread it onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece. Roll the skewered chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

4. Cook the Spiedini

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (or preheat your oven to 400°F).

1. For grilling: Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Grill the spiedini for 3-4 minutes per side, rotating to cook evenly until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
2. For baking: Place the skewers on a baking sheet and cook for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.

5. Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce

Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add lemon juice, garlic, and parsley. Stir until fragrant and well combined.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Drizzle the lemon butter sauce over the cooked spiedini or serve it on the side for dipping. Garnish with additional parsley or Parmesan if desired.

Variations

Spiedini recipe chicken is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit various tastes and dietary preferences:

1. Gluten-Free Option

   Substitute traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.

2. Vegetarian Twist

   You can replace the chicken with cubes of zucchini, or halloumi cheese. Adjust the marinade accordingly to complement the chosen ingredients.

3. Spicy Kick

   Add red pepper flakes to the marinade or breadcrumb mixture for a touch of heat.

4. Herb-Infused Upgrade

   For an extra aromatic profile, experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano in the marinade.

Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Spiedini

1. Soak Wooden Skewers

   If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken to prevent them from burning on the grill.

2. Uniform Sizing

   Cut chicken pieces evenly to ensure consistent cooking.

3. Preheat the Grill

   Make sure your grill is hot before adding the spiedini. This helps create a nice sear and prevents sticking.

4. Don’t Overcook

   Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F. Overcooked chicken can become dry.

5. Rest the Skewers

   Allow the cooked spiedini to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and keep the chicken moist.

Chicken spiedini’s flavorful, tender chicken paired with a crisp breadcrumb coating makes it an adaptable dish that pairs beautifully with various sides. Whether hosting a dinner party or preparing a casual family meal, here are some serving ideas to complete your menu.

1. Pasta Pairings

   Chicken spiedini shines alongside light and simple pasta dishes. Toss linguine, spaghetti, or angel hair pasta with garlic, olive oil, and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a classic Italian pairing. For a more decadent option, serve it with fettuccine Alfredo or a creamy lemon garlic pasta that complements the tangy lemon butter sauce often served with the spiedini.

2. Salads

   Balance the richness of chicken spiedini with fresh, crisp salads. A Caprese salad with ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze is a classic choice. Alternatively, a mixed green salad with arugula, radicchio, and a zesty vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.

3. Grilled Vegetables

   Enhance the meal with grilled or roasted vegetables such as asparagus, zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant. Their smoky flavors pair perfectly with the charred notes of the chicken.

4. Rice or Potatoes

   For a hearty accompaniment, serve spiedini with creamy risotto, buttery mashed potatoes, or roasted baby potatoes seasoned with garlic and rosemary.

5. Bread

   Crusty Italian or garlic bread is ideal for soaking up the flavorful lemon butter sauce. Consider serving warm breadsticks or focaccia as well.

6. Dips and Sauces

   For variety, offer marinara, pesto, or additional lemon butter sauce on the side. These dips add a burst of flavor and elevate the dining experience.

Mixing and matching these suggestions can create a satisfying, well-rounded meal highlighting chicken spiedini’s savory appeal.

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