Delicious Chicken Spiedini Recipes to Try Tonight
If you’re craving a mouthwatering dish that’s juicy, packed with flavor, and perfect for dinner any night of the week, then you’re in for a treat with Chicken Spiedini. This Italian-inspired recipe features tender chicken skewers marinated in a zesty mixture of herbs, lemon, and garlic, grilled to perfection for a dish that’s both simple and spectacular. Discover easy and tasty Chicken Spiedini recipes perfect for a quick dinner. Juicy, flavorful skewers to impress your family tonight!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Chicken Spiedini comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Fresh and Flavorful: The marinade infuses the chicken with bright herbs and citrus, creating a deliciously refreshing taste.
- Healthy Choice: Loaded with lean protein and minimal added fat, this recipe fits perfectly into balanced meal plans.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect for grilling, broiling, or pan-frying, so you can cook it all year round regardless of your setup.
- Family Favorite: The tender, juicy skewers are sure to please kids and adults alike, making dinner a delight for everyone.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Spiedini recipe is made with simple, fresh ingredients that each play an essential role in building up the vibrant flavors and tender texture. You’ll find everything is easy to source, and their combination is what makes this dish truly special.
- Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless for even cooking and a juicy bite every time.
- Fresh lemon juice: Adds a tangy brightness that tenderizes the meat and balances the herbs.
- Garlic cloves: Finely minced to infuse aromatic flavor into every skewer.
- Olive oil: Creates a silky marinade base that keeps the chicken moist during cooking.
- Italian seasoning: A classic herb blend of oregano, basil, and thyme to complement the lemony zest.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- Wooden skewers: Soak in water beforehand to prevent burning while grilling.
Variations for Chicken Spiedini
One of the best parts about Chicken Spiedini is how easy it is to adapt and make your own. Whether you want to add a spicy kick, cater to dietary preferences, or simply switch up flavors, these variations make it fun to experiment.
- Spicy twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne in the marinade for a kick of heat.
- Herby extravaganza: Mix fresh parsley, rosemary, and basil into your marinade for an intense herb flavor.
- Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free seasoning blends and double-check any pre-made marinades to keep it safe for gluten sensitivities.
- Vegetable skewers: Alternate chicken with bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and zucchini for added color and nutrients.
- Sheet pan variation: Skip the skewers, and bake the chicken pieces marinated in the same blend on a sheet pan for an easy cleanup option.
How to Make Chicken Spiedini
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined. This marinade is the secret to tender and flavorful chicken.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and add them to the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to soak in deeply.
Step 3: Soak Wooden Skewers
While the chicken marinates, soak wooden skewers in water for 20-30 minutes to keep them from burning during grilling.
Step 4: Assemble the Spiedini
Thread marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers evenly, making sure pieces aren’t packed too tightly to ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Cook the Skewers
Grill the skewers over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and has beautiful grill marks. Alternatively, broil or sauté the skewers if grilling is not an option.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove skewers from heat, let rest for a couple of minutes, then garnish and serve with your favorite sides.
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Spiedini
- Marinate adequately: A minimum of 30 minutes is best, but marinating for 2-4 hours deepens flavor and ensures tenderness.
- Even pieces: Cut chicken into uniform sizes for even cooking and juicy results.
- Keep skewers soaked: Prevent the skewers from burning on the grill by soaking them well in water.
- Don’t overcrowd: Leave small gaps between chicken pieces on skewers to allow heat circulation and avoid steaming.
- Use a meat thermometer: Cook chicken until it reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe and juicy perfection.
How to Serve Chicken Spiedini
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a pop of color and fresh herbal notes, while a wedge of lemon on the side offers extra zing.
Side Dishes
Pair these skewers with a crisp green salad, garlic roasted potatoes, or a light couscous for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Chicken Spiedini stacked on a wooden platter with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt for an inviting rustic look. Alternatively, tuck the skewers into pita bread with tzatziki and veggies for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover cooked skewers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days, keeping flavors fresh and ready for a quick meal.
Freezing
Chicken Spiedini can be frozen either before or after cooking. To freeze marinated chicken, thread it on skewers and wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the skewers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through, avoiding the microwave to keep the chicken juicy and tender.
FAQs
What cut of chicken is best for Chicken Spiedini?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for a tender, juicy texture, but chicken thighs can be used if you prefer a richer flavor.
Can I make Chicken Spiedini without a grill?
Absolutely! You can broil them in the oven or cook in a hot skillet for similar delicious results without a grill.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 30 minutes is recommended, but for more robust flavor and tenderness, marinate up to 4 hours.
Are wooden skewers necessary?
Wooden skewers are traditional and great for absorbing marinade flavors, but metal skewers are reusable and perfect if you have them on hand.
Can I prepare Chicken Spiedini in advance?
Yes, you can marinate and assemble the skewers several hours ahead for convenience, making dinner prep a breeze.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Spiedini is a true crowd-pleaser that brings juicy, herb-infused chicken straight to your table with minimal fuss. With simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and endless ways to customize, it’s a perfect choice for anyone looking to impress family or friends on a weeknight or special occasion. Give this recipe a try tonight and savor every flavorful bite!
