Ultimate Grilled Chicken Spiedini: A Flavorful Italian Classic

Prepare to elevate your dinner game with this utterly delicious and surprisingly simple Chicken Spiedini recipe. These skewered chicken bites, generously coated with Italian seasoned breadcrumbs and grilled to golden perfection, are truly a culinary delight. What makes them even more irresistible is the vibrant, super flavorful herb butter sauce that accompanies them. This fun and versatile dish is guaranteed to become a cherished favorite for you and everyone you share it with, bringing the authentic taste of Italy right to your kitchen.

What is Chicken Spiedini? Discover This Italian Culinary Gem

Spiedini, an Italian term meaning “skewers” or “spits,” refers to a traditional dish of meat, fish, or vegetables threaded onto skewers and cooked. While various forms of skewered meats exist globally, Italian spiedini typically feature ingredients that are often breaded and then grilled, baked, or fried until they achieve a wonderfully crispy exterior. Our chicken spiedini recipe showcases tender chicken pieces, first marinated in a bright and zesty white wine and lemon mixture, then expertly coated in a flavorful, seasoned breading before being grilled to a beautiful golden crisp. This method creates a delightful culinary experience, offering a captivating contrast between the tender, juicy chicken and its irresistible crunchy crust. It’s a truly enjoyable and interactive way to savor chicken, promising a unique and memorable meal.

This dish is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, making it ideal for both casual family dinners and more festive gatherings. The simple act of serving food on skewers adds a fun, convivial touch that everyone appreciates. Whether you’re new to Italian cooking or a seasoned enthusiast, these chicken spiedini are sure to impress with their authentic flavor and satisfying texture.

Why This Chicken Spiedini Recipe Is a Must-Try for Your Next Meal

• Irresistible Flavor and Perfect Texture: Prepare for a culinary sensation where the chicken is incredibly tender and juicy on the inside, perfectly complemented by a super crispy, golden-brown crust. The magic truly culminates with our rich, garlicky, and deeply flavorful herb butter sauce. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of complex tastes and textures, ensuring a profoundly satisfying dining experience that will leave you craving more.
• Effortless Elegance for Any Occasion: Despite its gourmet appearance, this chicken spiedini recipe is remarkably simple to prepare. The steps are straightforward and accessible, making it suitable for home cooks of all skill levels. It’s the kind of dish that garners compliments and looks impressive on the plate, yet doesn’t demand excessive time or effort in the kitchen. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal when entertaining guests.
• Enjoyable Year-Round, Rain or Shine: Whether you’re longing for the distinct smoky char of an outdoor grill during a summer BBQ or prefer the convenience and warmth of an indoor grill pan on a cooler day, these versatile chicken skewers are a fantastic choice. Their adaptability means you can enjoy them anytime, making them a consistent go-to recipe for a delicious and easy meal, regardless of the season.
• Highly Versatile and Perfect for Pairing: While these delectable chicken skewers are absolutely delightful enjoyed on their own, their balanced and savory flavor profile makes them an exceptional canvas for a wide array of side dishes. Consider serving them over a fluffy bed of rice, artfully tossed with spaghetti and a light sauce, or as a lean protein atop a fresh mixed green salad for a healthier option. For specific and delightful pairings, we recommend a crisp and refreshing cucumber and tomato salad, a hearty and protein-rich white bean salad, a comforting plate of sweet and savory roasted carrots and potatoes, or the ever-popular classic Italian green beans. Each pairing promises to enhance your meal and create a perfectly balanced spread.

Expert Tips for Crafting the Perfect Chicken Spiedini

Achieving restaurant-quality chicken spiedini at home is easier than you think with these professional insights and techniques:

• Selecting and Managing Your Wine Marinade: When choosing a dry white wine for the marinade, Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc are highly recommended. Their crisp acidity not only helps to tenderize the chicken but also infuses it with a delicate, bright flavor that complements without overpowering. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, feel free to use a non-alcoholic white wine, chicken broth, or vegetable broth as a direct substitute. The ideal marination time is crucial: aim for at least 1 to 2 hours to allow flavors to fully develop, but do not exceed 12 hours. Over-marinating, especially with citrus components, can cause the meat’s proteins to break down excessively, potentially leading to a less desirable, mushy texture.
• Pre-Soaking Wooden Skewers for Safety and Success: If your recipe calls for wooden or bamboo skewers, a critical preparatory step is to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before you begin assembling your chicken. This simple action saturates the wood with moisture, which is vital in preventing the skewers from catching fire or charring too much when exposed to the high heat of the grill. You can conveniently soak them while your chicken is marinating.
• Mastering the Art of Doneness: Since the chicken pieces are cut into approximately 1-inch cubes, they will cook quite rapidly, typically requiring only 8 to 10 minutes of total grilling time. The key to succulent chicken spiedini is to cook them just until done, preventing them from becoming dry and tough. The most reliable method for checking doneness is to use an internal meat thermometer; insert it into the thickest part of a chicken piece, and remove the skewers from the heat once it reaches 165°F (74°C). After grilling, it’s imperative to let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes. This resting period allows the internal juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat, guaranteeing maximum tenderness and flavor.
• Ensure Uniform Chicken Pieces: For truly even cooking across all your skewers, it’s vital to cut all chicken pieces into roughly the same 1-inch cube size. This consistency is key to ensuring that every piece cooks at the same rate, preventing some from being undercooked while others become overcooked and dry.
• Achieving a Flawless Breading: When coating the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, take a moment to gently press the chicken into the crumbs. This technique significantly improves the adhesion of the breading, creating a thicker, more durable, and ultimately crispier crust that will stay intact during the grilling process, yielding a superior texture.

More Italian-Inspired Recipes You’ll Love

If you savor the rich and diverse flavors of Italian cuisine, we’re confident you’ll adore these other exceptional recipes. Each one brings a unique taste of Italy to your table, perfect for expanding your culinary repertoire:

• Zuppa Toscana: A hearty and flavorful Tuscan soup, perfect for a comforting meal.
• Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta with Caramel Sauce: A silky smooth, elegant dessert that melts in your mouth.
• Asiago Tortelloni Alfredo With Grilled Chicken: A creamy, rich pasta dish with tender grilled chicken and savory Asiago cheese.
• Garlic Bread Casserole: A delightful twist on classic garlic bread, baked to perfection in a casserole.
• The Best EVER Risotto Recipe: Learn how to make a perfectly creamy and rich risotto every time.
• Crusted Chicken Romano: A flavorful chicken dish with a delicious Romano cheese crust.
• Pasta Napoletana: A simple yet incredibly satisfying pasta dish inspired by Neapolitan flavors.
• Chicken Francese: Lightly battered chicken cutlets in a bright, lemony butter sauce.

Chicken Spiedini: The Complete Recipe Card

Chicken Spiedini

By: Sam Guarnieri

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Marinate time: 1 hour

Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes

This recipe for Chicken Spiedini features succulent chicken pieces marinated in a vibrant white wine and lemon sauce, meticulously coated in a crispy mixture of Italian seasoned breadcrumbs and Panko, then skewered and grilled to tender perfection. Each serving is generously drizzled with a rich, aromatic herb butter sauce, elevating this simple dish to an exquisite culinary experience.

Servings: 6

Equipment You’ll Need

• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Large mixing bowl (preferably with a lid, or plastic wrap for covering)
• Whisk
• Large shallow bowl
• Skewers (you can use either metal or wooden skewers; see Notes for wooden skewer preparation)
• 2 plates
• Grill pan (or an outdoor grill if you prefer)
• Neutral cooking oil (or cooking spray for greasing)
• Tongs
• Internal meat thermometer (for precise doneness)
• Small saucepan
• Silicone spatula

Ingredients for This Delicious Recipe

For the Chicken Spiedini

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt (to taste)
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• ½ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• ¾ cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
• ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs

For the Herb Butter Sauce

• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic (finely minced)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (finely chopped)
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives (finely chopped)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Part 1: Preparing and Grilling the Chicken Spiedini

1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts on your cutting board. Trim any undesirable parts as needed, then carefully cut the chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes. Once all the chicken has been cut, season the pieces generously on all sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preferences. Set the seasoned chicken aside.
   

   
   

2. Marinate the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, dry white wine, and fresh lemon juice. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until they are well-combined. Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the bowl, ensuring they are coated. Cover the bowl securely with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the chicken to marinate for a minimum of 1 hour, but do not exceed 12 hours, to achieve optimal flavor and tenderness.
   

   
   

3. Drain the Marinade: Once the chicken has marinated for the desired length of time, remove the bowl from the refrigerator. Carefully drain all the marinade liquid from the bowl, leaving only the marinated chicken pieces. Set the chicken aside while you prepare the breading.
4. Bready the Chicken: In a large shallow bowl, combine the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs and Panko breadcrumbs. Mix them together thoroughly until they are well-blended. Take pieces of the marinated chicken and place them into the breadcrumb mixture. Work in small batches to avoid overcrowding the bowl. Flip and turn the chicken pieces to ensure all sides are fully coated in the breadcrumbs, gently pressing the chicken into the crumb mixture to help the crumbs adhere well.
   

   
   

5. Skewer the Chicken: Carefully slide 4 to 5 pieces of the breaded chicken onto each skewer, distributing them evenly. Place the prepared skewers on a clean plate and set aside. Repeat this process with the remaining chicken pieces until all the chicken has been breaded and neatly skewered.
   

   
   

6. Prepare for Grilling: Heat your grill pan to medium-high heat. If you are using an outdoor grill, preheat it to medium-high as well. Once the cooking surface is warm, lightly grease the pan or grill grates with neutral cooking oil or a cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking.
7. Grill the Spiedini: Place the chicken skewers on the hot grill pan or grill. Cook them in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, which can reduce the cooking temperature and prevent proper browning. Grill for approximately 4 to 5 minutes on one side, then carefully flip the skewers over and continue to cook for an additional 4 to 5 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when checked with a reliable meat thermometer.
8. Rest the Chicken: Once the chicken is fully cooked and golden, carefully transfer the skewers to a clean plate and set them aside. Repeat this process with any remaining skewers until all the chicken is perfectly grilled. Allow the cooked chicken spiedini to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving to ensure the juices redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.

Part 2: Crafting the Herb Butter Sauce

1. Melt the Butter: Heat a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Once the pan is warm, add the butter and allow it to melt completely. Swirl the pan occasionally to ensure the bottom is evenly coated with the melted butter.
2. Infuse with Garlic: When the butter is fully melted, add the olive oil and finely minced garlic. Stir well to incorporate all ingredients, then gently sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly softened, but be careful not to let it brown.
3. Finish the Sauce: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the fresh lemon juice, finely chopped fresh parsley, and finely chopped fresh chives. Stir thoroughly to incorporate all the vibrant fresh ingredients into the sauce, creating a rich and aromatic blend.
4. Serve with Spiedini: Divide the cooked chicken spiedini into your desired portions. Generously drizzle the warm, fragrant herb butter sauce over the chicken skewers and serve them immediately with your preferred side dishes. Enjoy this delightful Italian-inspired meal!

Recipe Notes and Handy Variations

Enhance your chicken spiedini experience with these additional tips and adaptable suggestions:

• Preparing Wooden Skewers: If you opt for wooden or bamboo skewers, a crucial step for preventing charring and splintering is to soak them in warm water for at least 30 minutes before you begin assembling the chicken. This pre-soaking allows the wood to absorb moisture, making them more resilient to the heat of the grill.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: To make this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet, simply substitute the regular Italian seasoned breadcrumbs and Panko with their gluten-free counterparts. If pre-made gluten-free Italian breadcrumbs are not readily available, you can easily create your own by combining plain gluten-free breadcrumbs with approximately ½ to 1 teaspoon of your favorite Italian seasoning blend.
• Wine Alternatives: If you prefer not to use white wine in the marinade, don’t worry! You can achieve a similar savory depth by substituting it with an equal amount of chicken broth or vegetable broth. Alternatively, a non-alcoholic white wine is also an excellent option.
• Baked Spiedini Option: No grill or grill pan? No problem! You can easily bake your chicken spiedini in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through. For an extra crispy finish, you can briefly broil them for the last couple of minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
• Flavor Boosters: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breading for a subtle kick, or a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese for a richer, more savory crust.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Chicken Spiedini

Can I prepare Chicken Spiedini ahead of time for convenience?

Yes, you can certainly streamline your cooking process by preparing some components in advance. You can cut and marinate the chicken for up to 12 hours before you plan to cook. Additionally, you can pre-mix the breadcrumbs and finely chop the herbs required for the butter sauce. However, for the crispiest and best textured results, we highly recommend breading and grilling the chicken just before serving. If breaded too far in advance, the breadcrumbs can absorb moisture from the marinated chicken, leading to a less crisp coating.

What are some alternative dipping sauces for Chicken Spiedini?

While our signature herb butter sauce is truly exceptional, if you’re looking to explore different flavors or offer additional options, several sauces pair wonderfully with chicken spiedini. A classic marinara sauce provides a tangy, rich contrast. A creamy garlic aioli can add a luxurious and savory depth. For a fresh, herbaceous touch, a vibrant pesto sauce is an excellent choice. If you prefer a bit of heat, a spicy arrabbiata sauce could also offer an exciting kick to complement the crispy chicken.

Can I use other types of meat for Spiedini, or is chicken essential?

Absolutely! While chicken is a popular and delicious choice for spiedini, the dish is incredibly versatile and can be made with various other types of meat. In many Italian regions, veal spiedini are traditional, often featuring thin slices of veal rolled and stuffed with ingredients like cheese and prosciutto before being skewered. You can also successfully use pork tenderloin, beef (such as sirloin or tenderloin), or even firm fish like swordfish or salmon. Simply cut your chosen protein into uniform cubes, marinate, bread, and skewer them following the same general method for a delightful variation on this classic Italian dish.

Approximate Nutrition Information for One Serving

Based on a yield of 6 servings, the approximate nutritional values for a single serving of Chicken Spiedini with Herb Butter Sauce are as follows:

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 473 cal
• Protein: 35 g
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Cholesterol: 117 mg
• Sodium: 475 mg
• Potassium: 637 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Net Carbs: 15 g
• Vitamin A: 389 IU
• Vitamin C: 8 mg
• Calcium: 53 mg
• Iron: 2 mg

Important Nutrition Disclaimers

The number of total servings provided is an approximation. The actual number of servings you obtain from this recipe will ultimately depend on your preferred individual portion sizes.

The nutritional values presented here are general guidelines and are based on the ingredients listed in this recipe, without including any optional additions. Please be aware that actual macronutrient and micronutrient content may vary slightly depending on the specific brands and precise types of ingredients you choose to use.

For those seeking to determine the exact weight of a single serving, we recommend preparing the recipe as instructed. Once the entire dish is cooked, weigh the finished recipe (excluding the weight of the container it’s in), then divide that total weight by your desired number of servings. The result will provide the precise weight of one individual serving.