Easy Chicken Spiedini Recipes to Try Today
If you’re craving tender, flavorful bites that come together quickly and impress every time, then Chicken Spiedini is your new best friend in the kitchen. This delicious Italian-inspired dish offers juicy, skewered chicken pieces marinated and grilled to perfection, delivering a meal that’s both light and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family dinners, weeknight meals, or weekend gatherings, these easy Chicken Spiedini recipes are packed with taste and simplicity, making them a go-to recipe you’ll want to revisit constantly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy Preparation: Chicken Spiedini only requires a few simple steps, perfect for busy days.
- Juicy and Tender Texture: The marinade locks in moisture, ensuring each bite is succulent and flavorful.
- Versatile and Customizable: You can easily switch up herbs, spices, and sides to fit your mood or diet.
- Perfect for Entertaining: Skewered and grilled, Chicken Spiedini looks impressive and is great for sharing.
- Healthy and Balanced: Lean chicken combined with fresh ingredients makes this a nutritious meal choice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Spiedini recipe keeps things simple with fresh, staple ingredients that each play an important role in building layers of vibrant flavor, tender texture, and appealing color.
- Boneless Chicken Breast: Choose fresh, skinless pieces for lean, juicy bites that cook evenly.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps the marinade penetrate the chicken for maximum tenderness.
- Lemon Juice: Provides bright acidity that tenderizes and balances flavors beautifully.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic infuses the chicken with aromatic depth and a mild kick.
- Italian Seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that enhances the dish’s classic taste.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors.
- Wooden or Metal Skewers: Make sure to soak wooden ones prior to use to prevent burning.
Variations for Chicken Spiedini
One of the best things about Chicken Spiedini is how easy it is to tailor the recipe to your preferences, dietary requirements, or available ingredients. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne to the marinade for a bit of heat.
- Herb Infusion: Swap Italian seasoning for fresh rosemary or tarragon for a vibrant twist.
- Vegetable Skewers: Alternate chicken pieces with cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra color and nutrition.
- Gluten-Free Option: This naturally gluten-free recipe is great for sensitive diets; just check marinade ingredients to avoid hidden gluten.
- Grilled Citrus: Grill lemon or orange slices alongside to serve and enhance the zesty flavor.
How to Make Chicken Spiedini
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This blend will infuse the chicken with fresh, tangy flavors and keep it incredibly juicy.
Step 2: Cut and Marinate the Chicken
Slice the chicken breast into even, bite-sized cubes ensuring they will cook uniformly. Toss the chicken pieces in the marinade, cover, and let them rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to soak up all the flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Skewers
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto soaked wooden or metal skewers, keeping them close but not crowded to promote even cooking. If desired, alternate with veggies for a colorful presentation.
Step 4: Grill the Spiedini
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Cook the skewers for about 4-5 minutes per side, turning carefully to get nice grill marks and an appetizing char without drying out the meat.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked through and golden brown, remove the skewers, let them rest briefly, and serve with your favorite sides or garnishes.
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Spiedini
- Uniform Pieces: Cut chicken pieces to the same size so they cook evenly and look professional on the skewers.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Leave a little space between pieces on the skewer for better heat circulation and quicker cooking.
- Marinate Long Enough: Allow at least 30 minutes for the flavors to penetrate but avoid exceeding 4 hours to prevent texture breakdown.
- Maintain Grill Heat: Keep the grill at a steady medium-high to get crispy edges without burning.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety and juiciness.
How to Serve Chicken Spiedini
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or basil sprinkled over your finished chicken add a burst of bright color and enhanced aroma, while a light drizzle of extra lemon juice brings out the dish’s zestiness.
Side Dishes
Serve Chicken Spiedini alongside crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or fluffy couscous to create a balanced, satisfying plate. Garlic bread or creamy polenta also make excellent companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Layout the skewers on a wooden platter with bowls of dipping sauces such as tzatziki, pesto, or a simple garlic aioli for guests to customize their bites. You could even turn them into pita wraps for a fun twist on dining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover unskewered chicken or cooked spiedini in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days, making sure to separate cooked pieces from any marinade.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the uncooked skewered chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to sealed freezer bags; freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before cooking.
Reheating
Reheat leftover chicken spiedini gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through to preserve moisture and texture; avoid microwave reheating to prevent dryness.
FAQs
What is Chicken Spiedini?
Chicken Spiedini is an Italian-style dish featuring marinated chicken pieces threaded onto skewers and grilled to juicy perfection, often served as a quick and flavorful meal.
Can I use other cuts of chicken?
Yes! While boneless chicken breast is common, you can also use thighs or tenders, which tend to be juicier and more forgiving on the grill.
How long should I marinate Chicken Spiedini?
Ideally, marinate for at least 30 minutes up to 4 hours to allow the flavors to develop without compromising the chicken’s texture.
Can I bake Chicken Spiedini instead of grilling?
Absolutely. Bake the skewers in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway, until cooked through.
What sides go best with Chicken Spiedini?
This dish pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides like salads, grilled vegetables, rice pilaf, or even warm flatbreads for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Spiedini combines simplicity and flavor in a way that feels special every time you make it. Whether you’re mastering the classic recipe or experimenting with your own variations, this dish guarantees juicy, tender bites that bring joy to any table. Give it a try today, and you’ll quickly see why it’s become a cherished recipe to have on hand.
