Why You’ll Love Easy Spiedini Recipe
This Easy Spiedini recipe combines simple ingredients with plenty of savory flavor. The buttery breadcrumb coating becomes beautifully golden during cooking, while Parmesan and garlic add richness and lemon zest keeps every bite bright and fresh.
Another advantage is the flexibility. You can grill the skewers for a lightly smoky flavor, prepare them indoors on a grill pan or cast-iron skillet, or bake them in the oven. The recipe is also easy to scale when serving a larger group.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, flattened and rolled or cut into 1-inch cubes
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ⅔ cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Oil or cooking spray, as needed for cooking
Directions
- If needed, pound the chicken breasts with a meat mallet until they are an even thickness. Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces, approximately 1 inch each, so they cook at the same rate.
- Melt the butter in a small, shallow dish.
- In a separate shallow bowl, combine the seasoned breadcrumbs, freshly grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
- Dip or toss each piece of chicken in the melted butter until coated. Transfer it to the breadcrumb mixture and toss or roll until evenly covered.
- For grilling, soak wooden skewers in water before using them to help prevent burning. Thread the coated chicken onto the skewers, leaving about ⅛ to ¼ inch of space between pieces so heat can circulate.
- Lightly oil the grill grate. Grill the chicken spiedini for about 3 minutes on the first side, followed by approximately 2 minutes on each remaining side. Continue cooking until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- For stovetop cooking, heat a grill pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly coat it with butter, oil, or cooking spray. Add the skewers and cook for approximately 4–5 minutes per side, turning as necessary, until golden and the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- For oven-baked chicken spiedini, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking pan with butter or oil. Arrange the prepared skewers on the pan and lightly spray or brush the tops with oil.
- Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the chicken is completely cooked through, the breadcrumb coating is golden, and the center of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Allow the spiedini to rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm with your favorite side dishes or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Servings and timing
This Easy Spiedini recipe makes approximately 6 servings and takes about 32 minutes from start to finish.
Preparation time can vary slightly depending on whether you need to pound and cut the chicken or soak wooden skewers. Grilling and stovetop cooking are generally faster, while the oven method requires approximately 20 minutes of baking time.
Variations
For a brighter citrus flavor, add a little extra lemon zest to the breadcrumb mixture and serve the finished skewers with fresh lemon wedges.
You can give the spiedini a more herbaceous flavor by adding chopped fresh basil, oregano, or rosemary. Italian seasoning also works well when fresh herbs aren’t available.
For extra richness, increase the amount of freshly grated Parmesan in the breadcrumb coating. Pecorino Romano can also replace some of the Parmesan for a sharper, saltier flavor.
Although chicken is an easy and versatile choice, spiedini can also be prepared with appropriately cut pieces of beef. Adjust the cooking time according to the size of the pieces and desired doneness, using a food thermometer to verify the internal temperature.
For a little heat, mix crushed red pepper flakes into the breadcrumb coating. You can also alternate the chicken with pieces of bell pepper or onion on the skewers, provided everything is cut to sizes that allow it to cook safely and evenly.
Storage/Reheating
Allow leftover chicken spiedini to cool before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly and keep them refrigerated for up to 3–4 days.
For reheating, place the chicken in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through. Covering it loosely for the first portion of reheating can help prevent the chicken from drying out, then uncover it briefly to restore some crispness to the breadcrumb coating.
An air fryer is another convenient option. Reheat at around 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes, checking frequently because the exact time depends on the size of the chicken pieces.
The microwave works when you’re short on time, although the breadcrumb coating will become softer. Heat the chicken in short intervals until thoroughly warmed.
FAQs
What is spiedini?
Spiedini is an Italian term referring to foods cooked on skewers. There are many regional and family variations, with meat, seafood, vegetables, breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs appearing in different versions.
Can I make Easy Spiedini without a grill?
Yes. This recipe includes both stovetop and oven methods, so an outdoor grill isn’t necessary. A cast-iron skillet or grill pan produces excellent results, while the oven is particularly convenient when making several skewers at once.
How do I know when chicken spiedini is cooked?
Chicken spiedini is ready when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. A digital food thermometer is the easiest way to check without overcooking the meat.
Do I have to soak wooden skewers?
Soaking wooden skewers before grilling helps reduce scorching and burning. If you’re using metal skewers, soaking isn’t necessary.
Can I prepare chicken spiedini ahead of time?
Yes. You can cut the chicken and prepare the breadcrumb mixture ahead of time and keep them refrigerated separately. For the best texture, coat the chicken closer to cooking time so the breadcrumbs don’t become overly moist.
What can I serve with chicken spiedini?
Chicken spiedini pairs well with roasted potatoes, pasta, rice, grilled vegetables, salad, or crusty bread. A simple green salad with a lemony dressing complements the buttery Parmesan coating particularly well.
Why is my breadcrumb coating falling off?
Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with melted butter before adding the breadcrumb mixture. Pressing the crumbs gently onto the chicken can also help them adhere. Handle the coated pieces carefully while threading and turning the skewers.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used and will provide a slightly richer, juicier result. Cut them into evenly sized pieces and cook until they reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Can I make Easy Spiedini gluten-free?
Yes. Replace the seasoned breadcrumbs with your preferred gluten-free breadcrumbs. Check the seasoning and other packaged ingredients as well if you need the entire dish to be strictly gluten-free.
Can I freeze cooked chicken spiedini?
Yes. Remove the cooked chicken from the skewers if desired, place it in an airtight freezer-safe container, and freeze it. For the best texture and flavor, use it within about 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating thoroughly.
Conclusion
Easy Spiedini transforms everyday chicken breasts into tender, golden skewers packed with Parmesan, garlic, herbs, butter, and fresh lemon flavor. The simple breadcrumb coating delivers plenty of flavor without requiring complicated preparation.
With grill, stovetop, and oven cooking options, this recipe is easy to adapt to the season and your kitchen setup. Serve the spiedini alongside vegetables, potatoes, pasta, or a crisp salad for a versatile meal that’s equally suited to busy weeknights and relaxed gatherings.
