The Best Italian Chicken Spiedini Recipe: Grilled Skewers with Zesty Garlic Butter

Imbued with the vibrant, sun-drenched flavors of Italy, this chicken spiedini recipe offers a delightful and incredibly easy way to elevate your weeknight dinner or impress guests. Imagine succulent pieces of chicken breast, lovingly marinated to perfection, then coated in fragrant Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, skewered, and grilled until they achieve an irresistible crispy golden exterior while remaining wonderfully tender and juicy within. Served alongside a luscious, bright garlic butter sauce, this dish is a guaranteed family favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s a culinary journey to the heart of Italian cuisine, right in your own kitchen.

What are Chicken Spiedini?

Originating from Southern Italy, particularly Sicily, “spiedini” literally translates to “skewers” or “small spits.” These delightful culinary creations typically feature cubes of meat, and sometimes vegetables, that are often breaded, then threaded onto skewers and grilled, baked, or pan-fried. Chicken spiedini, in particular, has gained immense popularity for its tender texture and ability to absorb bold flavors. Our recipe captures the essence of traditional Italian spiedini, transforming simple chicken breast into an extraordinary dish through a strategic marinade, a flavorful breading, and the perfect grilling technique, all crowned with an aromatic garlic butter drizzle.

What Makes This Chicken Spiedini Recipe So Good?

• Explosive Flavor in Every Bite! The secret to truly exceptional chicken spiedini lies in the marinade. Our recipe calls for chicken breast pieces to be bathed in a dynamic mixture of rich olive oil, bright lemon juice, and a crisp dry white wine. This combination not only tenderizes the chicken but also infuses it with a profound depth of Mediterranean flavor. Following the marinade, the chicken is coated in Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, creating a beautifully crispy crust when grilled, perfectly contrasting with the incredibly tender and moist chicken inside. The texture and taste combination of these chicken skewers are truly out of this world satisfying, making each bite a memorable experience.
• Effortless Elegance for Any Occasion. Whether you’re planning a sophisticated dinner party or simply seeking a quick and satisfying meal for a busy Tuesday night, this chicken spiedini recipe is your answer. It’s remarkably simple to prepare, requiring minimal hands-on time, and cooks astonishingly fast. The universal appeal of perfectly grilled, flavorful chicken ensures that everyone, from the pickiest eaters to the most discerning palates, will absolutely adore this dish. Its adaptability makes it ideal for any season: fire up the outdoor grill for a delightful barbecue gathering in the warmth of summer, or effortlessly transition to an indoor grill pan or heavy cast iron skillet during the colder months, bringing the taste of summer indoors.
• Unleash Your Culinary Creativity with Versatile Pairings. One of the many joys of chicken spiedini is its incredible versatility when it comes to side dishes. Classic pairings often include various pasta dishes, from a simple marinara to a creamy Alfredo, allowing the garlic butter sauce to meld beautifully with your chosen pasta. Alternatively, a fluffy bed of rice provides a comforting base. For a lighter, more vibrant meal, consider serving your spiedini with an array of grilled or roasted vegetables like crisp broccolini, delicate spaghetti squash, or tender cauliflower. These skewers are also exceptionally delicious with a fresh, crisp side salad, such as a refreshing strawberry goat cheese salad for a touch of sweetness, or a robust and savory antipasto salad to complement the Italian flavors. Don’t forget a slice of crusty bread to sop up any leftover garlic butter sauce!

Key Ingredients for Authentic Flavor

Achieving the authentic, mouthwatering taste of Italian chicken spiedini relies on a few key ingredients that work in harmony to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Understanding the role of each component will help you master this delightful dish:

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are chosen for their lean protein content and quick cooking time. Cutting them into uniform 1-inch pieces is crucial for even cooking on the skewers, ensuring every piece is perfectly tender.
• The Marinade: This is where the magic begins.
  • Olive Oil: Acts as a carrier for flavors and helps keep the chicken moist during grilling, preventing it from drying out.
  • Dry White Wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc): Adds a sophisticated layer of flavor and its acidity gently tenderizes the chicken, preparing it for the grill. If you prefer not to use wine, a good quality chicken broth or additional lemon juice can be substituted.
  • Lemon Juice: Provides essential brightness and acidity, cutting through the richness and enhancing the overall fresh taste. It also aids in tenderizing the meat.
  • Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that enhance the chicken’s natural flavor.
• Italian Seasoned Breadcrumbs: These breadcrumbs are typically a blend of dried breadcrumbs with Italian herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and sometimes garlic powder and onion powder. They create that signature crispy, flavorful crust on the spiedini.
• Garlic Butter Sauce: The crowning glory of the dish.
  • Butter: The base of the sauce, providing richness and a luxurious mouthfeel.
  • Minced Garlic: Infuses the butter with its pungent and aromatic essence, a quintessential Italian flavor.
  • Lemon Juice: A small amount brightens the sauce and adds a zesty counterpoint to the richness of the butter and garlic.
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds a touch of herbaceous freshness and a beautiful pop of color, completing the sauce.

Chef’s Tips for Perfect Chicken Spiedini

• The Art of Marinating for Maximum Flavor and Juiciness. Marinating the chicken is not just an optional step; it’s crucial for infusing every piece with incredible flavor and ensuring it remains wonderfully juicy throughout the cooking process. We recommend letting the chicken steep in the mixture for a minimum of 1 hour to allow the flavors to penetrate, but for an even more profound taste, aim for 2 to 4 hours. You can even marinate it for up to 12 hours in the refrigerator. However, be cautious not to over-marinate beyond 12 hours, especially with acidic marinades, as this can sometimes alter the texture of the chicken, making it a bit too soft or mealy.
• Choosing and Preparing Your Skewers. You have the flexibility to use either metal or wooden skewers for this recipe; both options work exceptionally well. If you opt for wooden skewers, a vital step is to soak them fully submerged in water for approximately 30 minutes before you thread the chicken bites onto them. This simple precaution will prevent the wooden skewers from burning or splintering when they are exposed to the direct heat of the grill or grill pan, ensuring your spiedini cook perfectly and safely.
• Customizing Your Italian Seasoned Breadcrumbs. Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs are a pantry staple and usually quite easy to find in most grocery stores. However, if for any reason you only have plain breadcrumbs on hand, don’t despair! You can effortlessly create your own seasoned version. Simply add ½ to 1 teaspoon of dry Italian seasoning (adjust to your taste preference) to your plain breadcrumbs and stir it in thoroughly. This trick works beautifully with gluten-free breadcrumbs as well, allowing those avoiding wheat to enjoy this delicious dish without compromise. You can also experiment by adding a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for extra depth of flavor.
• Achieving Even Cooking. To ensure that all your chicken pieces cook uniformly and achieve that perfect crispy exterior and tender interior, it’s essential to cut the chicken breasts into roughly equal 1-inch cubes. Uniformity prevents smaller pieces from overcooking and drying out while larger pieces are still raw.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Grill. When placing the skewers on the grill or grill pan, make sure not to overcrowd them. Leave enough space between each skewer for proper air circulation. This allows for even cooking and ensures the chicken gets a good sear and crispy breading rather than steaming.
• Check for Doneness. The best way to ensure your chicken spiedini are perfectly cooked, tender, and safe to eat is to use a meat thermometer. Chicken is fully cooked when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of a chicken piece, avoiding the skewer, for an accurate reading.

Grilling vs. Pan-Frying Spiedini

The beauty of chicken spiedini is its adaptability to different cooking methods, allowing you to enjoy this dish year-round, regardless of your cooking setup or the weather outside.

• Outdoor Grilling: For those beautiful sunny days, firing up the outdoor grill is an excellent choice. Grilling imparts a wonderful smoky flavor and creates those desirable char marks that add to both the aesthetic and the taste. Ensure your grill grates are clean and oiled to prevent sticking. Direct heat cooking over medium-high heat works best for quickly cooking these skewers and achieving a crispy crust.
• Grill Pan or Cast Iron Skillet (Indoor): When outdoor grilling isn’t an option, a grill pan or a heavy cast iron skillet is a fantastic alternative. These tools can replicate a good sear and crispness similar to an outdoor grill. Preheat the pan thoroughly over medium-high heat and lightly grease it before adding the skewers. The key is to get the pan hot enough to create that beautiful crust without burning the breading. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, which can lower the pan temperature and lead to steaming instead of searing.
• Oven Baking (Alternative Method): While grilling or pan-frying yields the crispiest results, chicken spiedini can also be baked in the oven. This method is great for hands-off cooking, though the breading might not get as crispy. Preheat your oven to a high temperature (around 400°F/200°C) and place the skewers on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Bake until cooked through, turning halfway, then you can briefly broil them at the end for extra crispness, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Meal Prep & Storage Tips

Chicken spiedini is a fantastic candidate for meal prepping, saving you time and effort on busy days.

• Advance Preparation: You can marinate the chicken up to 12 hours in advance. For ultimate convenience, you can even thread the breaded chicken onto skewers a few hours before cooking. Store them covered in the refrigerator until ready to grill.
• Storing Leftovers: Cooked chicken spiedini can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, an air fryer or oven is your best bet to maintain some of that desirable crispness. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 5-10 minutes, or use an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. Microwaving is an option for speed, but the breading will become soft.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Spiedini

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
  Yes, absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative, offering a richer flavor and often staying even juicier. Just be aware that chicken thighs may require a slightly longer cooking time than breasts, so always check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• How can I prevent the breading from falling off?
  To ensure the breading adheres well, make sure the chicken pieces are patted dry before marinating. After marinating, drain off any excess liquid before coating in breadcrumbs. When coating, press the breadcrumbs firmly onto all sides of the chicken pieces. Don’t handle the skewers too much once breaded until they are ready to cook.
• What if I don’t have white wine for the marinade?
  If you prefer not to use white wine, you can substitute it with an equal amount of good quality chicken broth for a savory depth, or add an extra tablespoon or two of lemon juice for more brightness and acidity.
• Can I add vegetables to the skewers?
  Yes, you can! Bell peppers, red onion, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes are great additions. If you’re adding vegetables, ensure they are cut into pieces roughly the same size as the chicken so they cook evenly. Keep in mind that some vegetables might cook faster than chicken, so you might consider putting them on separate skewers or adding them to the chicken skewers slightly later in the cooking process.

More Delicious Chicken Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed the flavors and simplicity of this Chicken Spiedini recipe, we encourage you to explore more of our fantastic chicken dishes:

• Chicken Pomodoro
• Grilled Chicken And Rice
• Keto Orange Chicken
• Creamy Chicken Enchiladas
• Hibachi Chicken With Fried Rice And Vegetables