If you love Italian-style chicken skewers that are crispy on the outside and juicy inside, this Chicken Spiedini Recipe is perfect for you. Made with marinated chicken cubes coated in a homemade breading mixture and cooked to perfection, these skewers are ideal for summer grilling recipes or a quick weeknight meal. Whether you use a cast iron grill pan cooking method indoors or fire up the outdoor grill, you’ll get crispy grilled chicken with charred edges that everyone will enjoy. Simple, flavorful, and a true family favorite recipe, these breaded chicken on skewers are perfect with salads, roasted veggies, or pasta sides.
The best part is its versatility. You can grill it in the backyard, cook it on an indoor grill pan chicken, or use an oven or air fryer. Because the method uses a simple marinade with big flavor, the spiedini stays moist even under high heat. Whether you choose traditional grilled chicken kabobs, oven variations, or the how to air fry chicken skewers approach, the result still feels authentic. This guide gives you everything needed to master this dish so you get crispness, tenderness, and bright flavor every single time.
What is Chicken Spiedini?
The chicken spiedini recipe comes from Italian traditions that focus on transforming basic ingredients into rich, satisfying meals. Most cooks use boneless skinless chicken breast because it cooks fast, absorbs flavors well, and creates that perfect crispy texture once breaded. Many people describe spiedini as breaded chicken on skewers, yet it stands out from regular kabobs because the seasoned crumbs cling tightly to the meat and form a golden crust. When grilled at the best temperature for grilling chicken, usually medium-high heat, the breading becomes beautifully crisp without drying the meat.
Spiedini is more than just a dish; it’s a method that focuses on layering bright flavors and textures. You begin with a marinade, later coat the meat in a homemade breading mixture, and then finish it with a warm drizzle with lemon butter to create a balanced finish. Because of this approach, the spiedini tastes both fresh and rich at the same time. Many people now prepare variations across the United States, adding it to their list of go-to perfect summer grilling dish options.
Origin and History
The roots of what is chicken spiedini lead back to old Italian cooking traditions where families used simple meat on grill-safe skewers to create hearty meals. Originally, cooks often used beef or lamb for skewers, but chicken became a favorite once Italian-Americans adapted the recipe to local tastes and availability. These adaptations introduced ingredients like Italian bread crumbs, panko crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh lemon juice, which helped form the modern flavor profile.
Over time, Italian-American restaurants made spiedini popular, including regional versions like Chicken Spiedini Garozzo, which became well known in Missouri and Kansas. Today, the recipe continues to grow because it blends rustic Italian comfort with American grilling style. Families across the country now pass the method down through generations.
What Makes It Unique
What makes the chicken spiedini recipe truly stand out is the combination of a bright white wine chicken marinade, crunchy crumbs, and a lightly tangy lemon butter drizzle that melts into the warm crust. The chicken stays juicy due to the marinade, especially when you coat chicken in marinade long enough to tenderize the meat. When the meat hits the heat, the breading locks in moisture and forms a crisp outer layer.
Another unique feature is flexibility. You can grill the skewers outdoors for a smoky finish, use cast iron grill pan cooking indoors, or try the baked chicken spiedini method for a softer crust. Many home cooks love how quick it is because you only need to cut chicken into 1-inch cubes, prepare the crumbs, and skewer the chicken before cooking. This adaptability makes it perfect for beginners and experts alike.
What Makes It Unique
Ingredients You’ll Need
The chicken spiedini recipe starts with basic pantry items that build a rich and balanced flavor. You want chicken that cooks evenly, so most people choose boneless skinless chicken breast, which absorbs the olive oil marinade and becomes tender during cooking. The marinade uses salt, pepper, herbs, and sometimes wine, although many cooks use a white wine substitute like a chicken broth option if they prefer. These ingredients help infuse the meat with flavor without overwhelming it.
The crust uses a mix of Italian bread crumbs, panko crumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese to create a crisp shell. The combination gives the chicken a golden coating that browns beautifully during medium-high heat grilling. Once cooked, you finish the dish with unsalted butter and fresh lemon juice, giving the spiedini that classic Italian brightness.
Main Ingredients for Chicken Spiedini
The main components include chicken, marinade ingredients, and the crumb mixture. Chicken works best when you choose fresh pieces and cut chicken into 1-inch cubes. The marinade usually contains oil, herbs, and either white wine or a white wine substitute such as broth. The crumbs mix both panko crumbs for crunch and Italian bread crumbs for flavor. This approach creates parmesan breaded chicken that crisps into a pleasing texture and color.
A simple table helps summarize the essentials:
Ingredient Purpose Notes
Boneless skinless chicken breast Main protein Tender and quick to cook
Olive oil marinade Moisture and flavor Helps crumbs stick
Italian bread crumbs / panko crumbs Crust Gives crispy texture
Grated Parmesan cheese Flavor Adds richness
Garlic powder seasoning / red pepper flakes for spice Aroma and heat
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