Chicken Spiedini

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Spiedini is a delicious and flavorful grilled dish featuring bite-sized pieces of chicken marinated in a zesty blend of lemon, garlic, and spices, then breaded with a crispy coating of panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan. This dish is a perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors, and the garlic butter sauce adds the finishing touch of richness. Quick to prepare yet packed with flavor, it’s an ideal meal for weeknights or when entertaining guests. Serve it with a side of fresh salad or over rice for a complete meal that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

2 lbs chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
¼ cup olive oil
¼ cup chicken broth
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 ½ tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp sea salt
1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

For the Breading:

2 cups buttermilk
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 cup panko bread crumbs
⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Cooking:

1 cup garlic butter sauce
8 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken:

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl or heavy-duty zip-top bag.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, lemon juice, minced garlic, black pepper, salt, red pepper flakes, and parsley.
Pour the marinade over the chicken and toss to coat. Refrigerate for 1 hour, or up to 24 hours for more flavor.

2. Prepare the Breading:

In a shallow bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
In another shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.

3. Assemble the Skewers:

Thread the marinated chicken onto the soaked skewers, packing them tightly.
Dredge the chicken skewers first in the buttermilk mixture, then roll them in the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture to coat evenly.

4. Rest the Skewers:

Place the coated chicken skewers on a platter and let them rest for about 15 minutes. This helps the breading adhere to the chicken.

5. Grill the Chicken:

Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and lightly coat with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for about 4 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If the chicken begins to char too quickly, reduce the heat.

6. Serve:

Serve the grilled chicken skewers with garlic butter sauce and sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including marinating)

Variations

• Non-Dairy Option: For a dairy-free version, substitute the buttermilk with a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk or almond milk.

• Add Veggies: Add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to the skewers for more flavor, color, and nutrition.

• Spicy Version: Increase the red pepper flakes for a spicier kick, or add chopped jalapeños to the skewers for extra heat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the skewers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until heated through, or reheat in a grill pan over medium heat for a few minutes on each side.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs are a great option and will add more flavor and tenderness to the skewers. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if the pieces are larger.

2. Can I bake these chicken skewers instead of grilling them?

Yes, you can bake the skewers at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You may need to flip them halfway through for even cooking.

3. How can I prevent the breading from falling off the chicken?

Allow the skewers to rest for about 15 minutes after breading. This helps the breading adhere better during cooking. Also, avoid flipping the skewers too frequently while grilling.

4. Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the marinade and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before using it to marinate the chicken.

5. Can I make this recipe without skewers?

Yes, you can skip the skewers and cook the breaded chicken pieces directly on the grill or in the oven.

6. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s safe to eat.

7. Can I use a non-stick pan instead of grilling?

Yes, a non-stick skillet or grill pan works well. Just make sure it’s lightly oiled to prevent sticking, and cook the chicken on medium-high heat, turning every few minutes until it’s fully cooked.

8. Can I freeze the marinated chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken for up to 3 months. Just ensure it’s in an airtight container or zip-top bag, and defrost it in the fridge before breading and cooking.

9. Can I add cheese to the chicken skewers before grilling?

Yes, you can add small pieces of mozzarella or a similar cheese between the chicken pieces before grilling for a cheesy version of spiedini.

10. Can I make the garlic butter sauce in advance?

Yes, you can make the garlic butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Conclusion

Chicken Spiedini is a flavorful, fun-to-eat dish that combines juicy marinated chicken with crispy, golden breading, all served with a rich garlic butter sauce. It’s perfect for grilling season, but it’s easy enough to make any time of the year. Whether you serve it with a side of salad or over rice, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table with its delicious flavors and satisfying texture. Enjoy this easy yet impressive meal with family or friends!

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