I tried this Chicken Spiedini Recipe the other night, and wow, it was a total hit! These golden, crispy skewers are packed with tender, flavorful chicken, thanks to a tangy, zesty Italian marinade.
The smells of garlic, parsley, and a hint of lemon fill the kitchen while cooking, and the final touch of garlic butter sauce really seals the deal. Whether you’re having a cozy weeknight dinner or looking to elevate your entertaining game, these skewers are your ticket to Italian perfection.
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make this mouthwatering recipe. Opt for fresh, high-quality ingredients to bring out the best Italian flavors.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts (1.5 pounds): Tender and juicy when marinated and cooked.
- Olive oil (¼ cup): Helps carry the marinade flavors. Use extra virgin for added richness.
- Lemon juice (3 tablespoons): Adds tanginess and keeps the chicken tender. Freshly squeezed is ideal.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): A must-have ingredient for that bold, aromatic base.
- Fresh parsley (3 tablespoons, chopped): Brings a bright, herbaceous note.
- Salt (1 teaspoon) and Black pepper (½ teaspoon): For essential seasoning.
- Red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon): Adds the perfect zing, but adjust for spice tolerance.
- Egg (1, beaten): Ensures the breadcrumb coating sticks beautifully.
- Breadcrumbs (1 cup): Gives the spiedini their signature crispy exterior.
- Parmesan cheese (¼ cup, grated): Adds a savory depth to the coating.
Note: Yields approximately 4 servings of finger-licking Chicken Spiedini.
Creative Variations You’ll Want to Try
Here are some fun and easy twists you can make to this recipe, so everyone finds their perfect spiedini!
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground almonds.
- Kid-Friendly: Skip the red pepper flakes and increase the parmesan for a cheesy alternative.
- Meat Swap: Consider using chicken thighs or even shrimp for a different take on the classic.
- Extra Zest: Add lemon zest to the breadcrumb mixture for an extra citrus kick.
Cooking Time You’ll Need
This recipe comes together easily with a little marinating and cooking time!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Marinating Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Equipment to Make Cooking a Breeze
You don’t need much to make this recipe, but these tools will help you every step of the way.
- Wooden skewers (6–8): Perfect for threading the chicken pieces.
- Mixing bowls (2–3): For marinating, mixing, and coating the chicken.
- Skillet or frying pan: Great for frying to a golden crisp.
- Baking sheet with rack (optional): If you’re opting for the baked version.
How to Make Chicken Spiedini? Step-by-Step Instructions
You’ll love how easy and fun this recipe is to make. Get your skewers ready and follow these simple steps!
Whip Up the Marinade
Mix together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, parsley, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. The fresh, zesty aroma of this marinade is just the beginning of the flavor adventure!
Marinate the Chicken Pieces
Cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized, 1-inch chunks. Add them to your marinade, making sure every piece is coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let those flavors sink in. Trust me, marinating makes all the difference in keeping your chicken juicy.
Prep the Coating
Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge, and stir in the beaten egg to help the coating stick. Then, in another bowl, mix together breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Roll each chicken piece in the breadcrumb mixture until well coated.
Assemble and Cook
Thread three to four pieces of chicken onto each skewer, leaving a little space between the pieces to cook evenly. For frying, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the skewers for about 7–8 minutes, rotating to all sides until golden and crisp. For a healthier version, bake at 350°F for 20–30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Serve with a Final Touch
Drizzle garlic butter sauce (if you’re like me, shower it generously!) over the skewers before serving. Add wedges of lemon or a sprinkling of fresh parsley for extra flavor and presentation.
Tips from My Kitchen
These little tricks will help make your spiedini even better every time you cook!
- Don’t Rush the Marinating: Give the chicken enough time to soak in those flavors for extra tenderness.
- Toast the Breadcrumbs: Quickly toast them in a dry pan before coating for an even crunchier result.
- Use Even-Sized Pieces: Cut uniform chicken chunks so they cook at the same time.
- Fry in Batches: If frying, don’t overcrowd the skillet to ensure the spiedini cook crisply on all sides.
How to Serve Chicken Spiedini?
This dish is versatile and pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. For a full, hearty meal, serve it with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery risotto. If you’re going for something lighter, a Mediterranean cucumber salad or a simple arugula and cherry tomato mix works wonders. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley and grated parmesan to bring everything together beautifully!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a glimpse at the nutrition per serving so you can plan your meal with care.
- Calories: 652
- Protein: 55g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 37g
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
This recipe is easy to prep in advance, so you can focus on hosting or relaxing.
Refrigerate
Cooked leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Gently reheat in a skillet or oven to retain their crispy texture.
Freeze
If you want to prep ahead, freeze the coated but uncooked chicken skewers in a single layer. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. Thaw overnight and cook fresh when ready.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This Chicken Spiedini recipe is bound to become one of your favorites! Here’s why it stands out from the rest.
- Bursting with Flavor: The marinade makes every bite incredibly juicy and flavorful.
- Easy to Make: Requires minimal prep but delivers maximum results, even for beginner cooks.
- Customizable: Perfect for adapting to dietary needs or flavor preferences.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for family dinners, parties, or any special occasion.
- Light and Crispy: A perfectly balanced texture with juicy chicken inside and crunchy breadcrumbs outside.
You’ll love the simplicity and rich flavors of this recipe, and your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing while making it. Grab your skewers and get cooking today!
Chicken Spiedini Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch chunks
- ¼ cup olive oil extra virgin preferred
- 3 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 3 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional
- 1 egg beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Mix together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, parsley, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. The fresh, zesty aroma of this marinade is just the beginning of the flavor adventure!
- Cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized, 1-inch chunks. Add them to your marinade, making sure every piece is coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let those flavors sink in. Trust me, marinating makes all the difference in keeping your chicken juicy.
- Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge, and stir in the beaten egg to help the coating stick. Then, in another bowl, mix together breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Roll each chicken piece in the breadcrumb mixture until well coated.
- Thread three to four pieces of chicken onto each skewer, leaving a little space between the pieces to cook evenly. For frying, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the skewers for about 7–8 minutes, rotating to all sides until golden and crisp. For a healthier version, bake at 350°F for 20–30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Drizzle garlic butter sauce (if you’re like me, shower it generously!) over the skewers before serving. Add wedges of lemon or a sprinkling of fresh parsley for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Gluten-Free: Use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes.
- Cheesy: Double the Parmesan for extra richness.
