Chicken spiedini is a summer BBQ favorite. It mixes Italian heritage with American backyard cooking. Born in Binghamton, New York, this dish uses a lemon herb marinade.
The marinade has olive oil, fresh lemon juice, herbs like parsley and basil, and garlic. It makes the chicken breasts tender and juicy. You can marinate it overnight or up to 3 days.
This recipe is perfect for summer gatherings. It has crispy grilled edges and moist, flavorful meat. The lemon zest, herbs, and spices in the marinade make each bite burst with flavor.
Chicken spiedini is great as appetizers or main dishes. It’s easy to adapt to any summer BBQ recipe. It’s a favorite for entertaining friends and family.
What is Chicken Spiedini? An Italian-American Grilling Classic
Chicken Spiedini mixes Italian roots with American grilling. It’s a dish of marinated chicken in crispy breading, great for outdoor meals. The name “spiedini” means skewers in Italian, showing its tasty, portable nature.
The Origins of Spiedini in Italian Cuisine
In Italy, spiedini are skewers of veggies or small meats. In Binghamton, NY, Italian-Americans made a new version with chicken. They marinated chicken breasts in olive oil, lemon, garlic, and red pepper flakes, then coated them in seasoned breadcrumbs.
Why Chicken Spiedini Has Become an American BBQ Favorite
Grilled chicken spiedini is loved for its crispy outside and tasty inside. It’s perfect for barbecues: serve with lemon butter sauce or marinara. You can also enjoy it with salads or pasta. Its easy prep makes it a favorite in American grilling.
Key Ingredients That Define Authentic Chicken Spiedini
Real Italian grilled chicken spiedini needs a few important things:
- Marinade: Olive oil, lemon zest, garlic, parsley, and red pepper flakes.
- Breading: Italian breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Finishing touch: A zesty lemon butter sauce drizzled at serving.
Marinate chicken for 24 hours for more flavor. Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s temperature. Serve with kale salad or pesto pasta for a complete meal.
Creating the Perfect Lemon & Herb Marinade
The key to a great spiedini marinade is finding the right mix. Acidic stuff like lemon juice makes meat tender. Olive oil carries the flavors of herbs and citrus into the chicken.
Fresh parsley, basil, and mint add a bright taste. Garlic and white wine add depth. This mix makes the chicken taste amazing.
- Ingredients (for 2 lbs chicken):
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ cup dry white wine (Pinot Grigio recommended)
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (parsley, basil, mint)
Put all ingredients in a bag that seals. Make sure the chicken is covered well. This helps it soak up all the flavors.
Marinate for at least 30 minutes. But, marinating too long can make the meat tough. For more flavor, add red pepper flakes or lemon zest.
After grilling, add a herb butter sauce or a light white wine butter sauce. This sauce has butter, garlic, chives, and lemon juice. It makes the chicken taste like it’s from a fancy restaurant.
Step-by-Step Chicken Spiedini Preparation
Learning to make chicken skewers recipe is all about the prep. Follow these steps for homemade chicken spiedini that’s golden outside and juicy inside.
Selecting and Preparing the Chicken
Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Remove any extra fat and cut into 1-inch cubes. This makes sure everything cooks evenly.
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before you do anything else.
Marinating Techniques for Maximum Flavor
Marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs. Use rosemary, thyme, and oregano. Add Better Than Bouillon chicken base for extra flavor.
Let it sit in the fridge for 12–24 hours. Then, coat the chicken in panko, Italian breadcrumbs, and Parmesan for a crispy outside.
Skewering Tips for Even Cooking
- Soak wooden skewers in water 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Alternate chicken cubes with cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for color.
- Press skewers gently to secure ingredients without overpacking.
Grilling Times and Temperature Guide
Heat your grill to medium (350–375°F). Cook the chicken for 4–5 minutes on each side. Make sure it reaches 165°F inside.
For oven cooking, bake at 400°F for 15 minutes. Then, broil for 3–4 minutes on each side. Always check with a thermometer.
Don’t overcrowd the grill. Cook in batches if you have to. Let the meat rest for 5 minutes after cooking to keep it juicy.
Serving Suggestions and Complementary Side Dishes
Choosing the right sides and drinks makes Italian grilled chicken even better. It turns into a full summer BBQ recipes feast. These picks balance flavors and textures, making your meal better, whether it’s casual or fancy.
Traditional Italian Accompaniments
Serve skewers on Italian grilled chicken buns. Take out the skewers so the meat can settle into the bread. Add white wine butter sauce, parmesan, and herbs. Try grilled veggies, caprese salad, and Italian bread torn into pieces.
Steamed veggies or sauerkraut are great outdoor grilling recipes choices too.
Modern American Pairings
Mix new favorites with old flavors for these sides:
- Garlic Bread (20 mins, 8 servings): It’s crispy and buttery, great for dipping.
- Zucchini Parmesan (25 mins, 6 servings): It’s crispy zucchini with cheese, perfect for summer.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Scalloped Potatoes (35 mins, 6 servings): It’s tangy and hearty, adding flavor.
- Roasted Potato Wedges with rosemary: They’re crispy on the outside and savory.
- Creamy Roasted Garlic & Spinach Orzo (55 mins, 6 servings): It’s creamy pasta with fresh herbs.
Wine and Beverage Recommendations
Drink crisp whites like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc with lemon zest. Light reds like Chianti are good for richer tastes. Try sparkling lemonade or iced herbal tea if you don’t drink alcohol. For a taste of Italy, have limoncello after your meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the use of lemon in chicken?
Lemon enhances the flavor with its tangy, citrusy notes and helps tenderize the chicken for a juicier texture.
Where did chicken spiedini originate?
Chicken spiedini originates from Italy, where skewered meats are grilled and served as part of traditional cuisine.
What are the spices in chicken spiedini?
Common spices include garlic, rosemary, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper, creating a fragrant and savory seasoning blend.
What is lemon chicken sauce made of?
The sauce typically combines lemon juice, chicken broth, butter, garlic, and sometimes cream or cornstarch for richness and thickness.
What does lemon chicken taste like?
Lemon chicken has a zesty, tangy flavor balanced by savory and slightly sweet undertones from the chicken and seasonings.
What does lemon juice do to a sauce?
Lemon juice brightens flavors, adds acidity, and can help emulsify or thicken sauces while providing a fresh, tangy kick.
Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Chicken Spiedini for Your Next Gathering
Chicken spiedini is a mix of Italian tradition and American creativity. It’s crispy and zesty, perfect for outdoor grilling. It’s great for BBQs or dinner parties, impressing everyone with its smoky taste and tender meat.
To make homemade chicken spiedini, marinate chicken in rosemary, garlic, and olive oil. Then, coat it with seasoned breadcrumbs before grilling. It’s versatile, going well with bruschetta or roasted veggies. Let guests make their own skewers for a fun cooking activity.
Enjoy chicken spiedini with Prosecco or Pinot Grigio for a refreshing taste. Use leftover chicken in salads or sandwiches. This dish shows that great grilling is simple with good marinades and seasoning.
Want to make your next outdoor meal special? Try new marinades or sides. Share your chicken spiedini creations. Fire up the grill and mix tradition with new flavors for your next dish.