Ingredients CHICKEN – 2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast – cut into 1 inch to 1 ½ inch pieces – 6 garlic cloves – kept whole and slightly crushed depends how small or large they are, and how much you like garlic. I used smaller sized cloves. – 2 teaspoons lemon zest – ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil – 1-2 Tablespoons water – ¼ cup white wine – 1 teaspoon sea salt – 1 cup breadcrumbs use Italian if you have them on hand – baking spray I used olive oil spray LEMON BUTTER DIPPING SAUCE – 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter – 4 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil – 2 Tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice – 1 Tablespoon Italian parsley – the leaves finely chopped – 1 teaspoon sea salt – red pepper flakes to taste.
Chicken spiedini is a delicious Italian-American dish that has become a favorite appetizer or main course across the United States. This article will explain exactly what chicken spiedini is trace its origins and popularity provide tips for making it, and suggest serving ideas.
What is Chicken Spiedini?
Chicken spiedini consists of boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs that are cut into strips, cubes, or chunks. These chicken pieces are threaded onto skewers (often two per skewer) and marinated in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, and spices After marinating, the chicken is dredged in breadcrumbs or panko to coat it before cooking It is then grilled, broiled, or pan-fried until the chicken is fully cooked and the breading is browned and crispy.
“Spiedini” comes from the Italian word “spiedo,” which means “spit.” This is the traditional way to cook spiedini, which is to stick the meat on sticks or skewers and grill them over an open flame. The skewers let the chicken that has been marinated char while keeping the pieces together. They also make eating more fun and hands-on.
Chicken spiedini emerged as a creative, lighter adaptation of the classic Italian beef or veal spiedini. Using chicken instead of red meat resulted in a healthier, versatile dish that soon became popular on Italian-American restaurant menus and home tables. The zesty, herbaceous marinade combined with the savory crunch of the breaded exterior makes chicken spiedini a flavorful crowd-pleaser.
History and Popularity of Chicken Spiedini
While the exact origins of chicken spiedini are unknown, most accounts point to Italian-American restaurateurs putting their own spin on the traditional Italian spiedini during the 1970s or 1980s. They substituted chicken for beef or veal to create a lighter and more affordable version.
In the 1990s, Kansas City, Missouri restaurants like Garozzo’s and Carmen’s Cafe were among the first to serve chicken spiedini. It quickly became a big hit. Locals fell in love with this tasty chicken skewered appetizer. In no time, it was on the menu at Italian restaurants all over the Midwest and beyond.
Part of chicken spiedini’s broad appeal is its versatility. With different marinades, breadings, sauces, and sides, the basic idea can be changed in a huge number of ways. Many restaurants name their versions after family members or important places in the area. People who cook at home can easily change the ingredients in chicken spiedini to make it their own.
While restaurants do drive much of its popularity, chicken spiedini is also an accessible dish for home cooking. The ingredient list is relatively short and affordable. Preparation is straightforward, but the impressive presentation makes it ideal for entertaining guests. Chicken spiedini’s flexibility as either an appetizer or entree makes it a go-to recipe for many families today.
How to Make Chicken Spiedini
Making delicious chicken spiedini at home is easy, especially if you follow some helpful tips:
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Pick the chicken cuts you want. Chicken breasts or thighs that are boneless and skinless work well. Breasts stay tender and moist, while thighs offer richer flavor. Cut into 1-2 inch pieces.
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Assemble the marinade: Good marinade flavors include lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, basil, parsley, rosemary. Let chicken marinate 1-4 hours.
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Coat with breadcrumbs: After marinating, dredge chicken in breadcrumbs, panko, or Parmesan to help crust stay crispy.
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Skewer the chicken: Thread 4-5 pieces per skewer, keeping a tight pack. Soak bamboo skewers in water 30 mins first to prevent burning.
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Cook method: You can grill, broil, pan fry or air fry. Cook 10-15 minutes until chicken is 165°F. Turn halfway through.
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Make an easy sauce: Melt butter with lemon juice, garlic, and Italian seasonings for a tasty sauce to drizzle over chicken.
Serving and Pairing Chicken Spiedini
Chicken spiedini makes a great starter or meal when served with complementary sides:
- Italian pastas like angel hair or fettuccine
- Garlic bread or breadsticks
- Fresh vegetables like roasted zucchini or squash
- Leafy green salads with vinaigrette dressing
- Mashed or roasted potatoes
It also pairs well with Italian wines like Chianti, Pinot Grigio, or Moscato. For cocktails, a spritz with Aperol or Campari adds nice citrus notes.
As an appetizer for parties, provide toothpicks and let guests grab their own spiedini pieces. For family dinners, chicken spiedini with pasta or bread makes a satisfying and fast weeknight meal.
Kids love the fun “kebabs” so chicken spiedini is perfect for getting picky eaters to enjoy chicken. It also reheats well and travels nicely in school lunches.
Chicken spiedini’s versatility and crowd-pleasing taste make it a go-to recipe for any home cook. With flavorful chicken, crispy breading, and easy construction, this Italian-American classic is sure to become a favorite dish for your family.
RECIPE TIPS AND FAQ’S:
How do you know if chicken spiedini are done? A meat thermometer is the best way to find out. Baked chicken should be cooked to a temperature of at least 165°F.
Perfect to grill or cook in the oven all summer long, here is my Easy Chicken Spiedini Recipe (in Oven) with Lemon Butter Sauce – super simple, crispy chicken spiedini that you can prep ahead
What are chicken spiedini made of? – Chicken: chicken breasts or thighs that have been boneless and skinless and cut into cubes or strips which are then skewered. – Marinade: The chicken is marinated to enhance flavor and tenderness. Common marinade ingredients include olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and various herbs like parsley, basil, or rosemary. Sometimes, ingredients like white wine, vinegar, or mustard are added for extra zest. – Breading: After marinating, the chicken pieces are often dredged in breadcrumbs, typically seasoned with Parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, and sometimes additional garlic powder.
Is this chicken recipe low-carb? Yes, this chicken recipe is low-carb. This healthy baked chicken recipe is low carb when you serve it over cauliflower rice or your favorite vegetable noodles.
Chicken Spiedini
FAQ
What is chicken spiedini made of?
Chicken spiedini are juicy chicken skewers coated in Parmesan-herb breadcrumbs for an unexpected crunch! A zesty lemon marinade makes the chicken tender and flavorful, while a garlic Parmesan and parsley drizzle finishes the dish. It’s easy enough for a weeknight and equally great for a casual summer dinner party.
What is spiedini made of?
In Sicilia, spiedini are made with slices of breaded meat, wrapped around a filling of tomato, onion, breadcrumbs, and cheese. Spiedini alla Romano, or Roman skewers, are made with skewered slices of bread and mozzarella, toasted in butter, and topped with a zippy anchovy sauce.
What is the meaning of spiedini?
What is Spiedini? Spiedini translates to skewers in Italian, and there are a million different recipes associated with the name. A lot of the time, it only means meat and vegetables cooked on long wooden skewers, like Spiedini alla Romana or Italian-style kebabs.
Where did chicken spiedini come from?
There are a few things we know for certain about the spiedini: The kebab-style Italian meat skewers beloved in Kansas City originated in Abruzzo, Italy, and the name comes from the Italian word for spit.