Chicken Spiedini Recipe

You know what? Sometimes, you crave a dish that doesn’t require a dozen ingredients or an overnight marinade to feel special. The Chicken Spiedini Recipe is proof. It’s straightforward, honest, and ridiculously good-tasting. Think juicy morsels of chicken seasoned with garlic and herbs, then rolled around in seasoned breadcrumbs, threaded onto a skewer, and grilled or baked until golden and crunchy. That’s it. There is none of that fancy stuff or drama, just good chunks of deliciousness impaled on a stick.

But here’s the thing: Spiedini is not just another grilled chicken recipe. It bears the warm, delicious imprint of Sicilian kitchens and the happy whirl of midwestern Italian-American homes, where it’s been a family favorite for generations. It grew from humble tradition to restaurant signature in places like Kansas City. And now? You’re taking it home, but not because you’re putting your spin on it.

Serve it over buttery noodles like our Beef Stroganoff, pair it with a side of Green Bean Almondine, or snack straight off the skewer with a cold drink and zero shame. However you plate it, Chicken Spiedini doesn’t just feed; it connects. It’s part comfort food, part celebration, and 100% worth repeating.

A Skewer with a Story – Where Chicken Spiedini Comes From

Let’s clarify: Spiedini isn’t new but has a moment. Originally from Sicily, spiedini means “little skewers.” Back then, meat was expensive, so home cooks stretched every bite by rolling it with breadcrumbs, herbs, and sometimes cheese. It was brilliant, humble, and flavorful, like the Italian version of making something out of nothing. Sound familiar?

Fast forward to the American Midwest. Italian immigrants brought their food traditions across the ocean, and Chicken Spiedini landed in places like Kansas City and St. Louis, where it became a comfort food icon. Suddenly, you’d find it beside buttered linguine or lemon cream sauce on restaurant menus. Families made it for holidays, cookouts, or no occasion just because it tastes like home. One bite, and you get why it stuck around.

Today, it’s more versatile than ever. From weeknight dinners to grill-day showstoppers, Spiedini wears many hats and does it well. You can keep it classic, get creative with fillings (hello, provolone!), or even serve it over a scoop of Mashed Potato Cups for something unexpected. It’s tradition, but you get to call the shots now.

Chicken Spiedini Recipe Tips

Want your Chicken Spiedini to hit that sweet spot between juicy and crispy? These little nuggets of wisdom will help you get there without overcomplicating things.

• Marinate for at least 30 minutes but if you’ve got time, go longer. Even 2 hours can take the flavor from “nice” to whoa. A mix of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and Italian herbs does wonders here.
• Don’t skip the breadcrumb coating. Seriously, that golden crunch is what gives Spiedini its signature texture. Use Italian-style breadcrumbs, or mix plain crumbs with grated Parmesan, dried parsley, and a pinch of crushed red pepper.
• Use thin, evenly cut chicken pieces. They cook faster and more evenly on the skewer. If you’re starting with chicken breasts, slice them into strips and give them a quick flattening with a meat mallet (or the bottom of a mug hey, it works).
• If you’re not grilling, the oven works great. Just bake on a wire rack at 400°F and finish with a 2–3 minute broil for that crispy edge. No outdoor flame needed.
• Want an oozy, melty surprise? Tuck a small piece of provolone or mozzarella into the center of each roll. Cheesy Spiedini = guaranteed table silence (and then recipe requests).
• Serve with something saucy on the side. A squeeze of lemon is great, but a drizzle of garlic butter or even a ladle of Spicy Tomato Juice-inspired marinara? That’s when things get serious.
• And finally don’t overthink the skewer. Metal or wood, it doesn’t matter. Just soak wooden ones for 20 minutes if you’re grilling so they don’t go up in flames. Unless you’re aiming for drama, which… we don’t recommend.

Chicken Spiedini Variations – Because Rules Were Made to Be Buttered

• No Skewers, No Problem: Feeling lazy? Threading meat onto sticks not your thing today? Just coat the marinated chicken in breadcrumbs and pan-fry. You’ll miss the “spiedini” name, but not the flavor.
• The Cheesy Midwesterner: Stuff each rolled chicken strip with a sliver of provolone or fontina before skewering. It melts just enough to surprise you, but not so much that it oozes out all over the grill. Kansas City would be proud.
• Lemon Butter Bomb: Skip the marinara. Instead, drizzle your skewers with warm lemon-garlic butter right after they come off the grill. It’s buttery, tangy, and deeply indulgent, especially served with buttered noodles or next to these Mashed Potato Cups.
• Mediterranean Picnic-Ready: Swap breadcrumbs for crushed pita chips and toss in chopped fresh parsley, lemon zest, and sumac. Serve with a side of tzatziki and call it a mezze moment.
• The Sunday Sauce Version: Lay the grilled Spiedini in a shallow dish, smother in Spicy Tomato Juice-inspired marinara, and finish under the broiler with shaved Parmesan. Bread on the side is non-negotiable.

Health Benefits of Chicken Spiedini – Comfort That Doesn’t Feel Like a Cheat Meal

Okay, so Chicken Spiedini isn’t exactly “diet food”, but it doesn’t have to be a guilty pleasure either. When you keep things grilled (instead of fried) and stick to a lean marinade and breadcrumb coating, it’s a protein-packed, lighter-than-it-looks option that’s actually kind to your macros.

Chicken breast is naturally low in fat, high in protein, and super versatile. Add some olive oil, herbs, garlic, and breadcrumbs? Now you’re boosting flavor without tipping the nutritional scale too far.

And if you’re tracking numbers or just curious, here’s a quick look at what you’re really getting in one average serving (about 1 skewer with 4 oz chicken):

Values based on Nutritionix data and standard breadcrumb portions.

So yes, this dish satisfies cravings, feeds your protein goals, and doesn’t drown you in grease or sugar. That’s what we call a win.

Summer Guide: What to Serve With Chicken Spiedini (and How to Win the Backyard BBQ)

Chicken speeding is the dish that slides right into summer as if it’s been waiting all year. It’s quick, flavorful, and feels fancy and casual, just like your favorite pair of linen shorts. Whether you’re grilling for the family or low-key flexing at a dinner party, here’s how to build the perfect plate around those golden skewers.

• Chilled Drinks that Get It: Start with something fresh and fizzy to cut through the garlic and breadcrumbs. Our Blackberry Mojito Recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s tart, sweet, and minty enough to wake your taste buds. More of a creamy-sipper type? Cool things down with a frosty Easy and Quick Iced Capp, especially if you pair Spiedini with spicy pasta or roasted veggies.
• Sidekicks that Steal the Show: Balance the richness of Chicken Spiedini with vibrant sides. Think roasted summer squash, a lemony arugula salad, or even grilled corn topped with feta and basil. Or lean into cozy-meets-summer by serving them over Mashed Potato Cups or alongside Spicy Tomato Juice simmered into a quick dipping sauce.
• Sweet Finishers: Bring out something cool and indulgent after the skewers are gone and the sun’s sliding down. We love serving Salted Caramel Ice Cream or Pistachio Ice Cream in tiny bowls or cones. It’s a nod to tradition with some extra flair, just like Spiedini.
• The Playlist & the Vibe: Add a little Dean Martin, a string of lights, and an extra chilled wine. You’ve got yourself a summer evening that would make Nonna proud.

Chicken Spiedini Recipe From OoohDelish!

Chicken Spiedini Recipe

Tender marinated chicken, coated in garlicky breadcrumbs, skewered, and grilled to golden perfection. This rustic Italian-American favorite comes together fast, and tastes like home.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Resting Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course chicken

Cuisine Italian-Inspired

Servings 3

Calories 210 kcal

Equipment

• 1 Mixing bowl – for marinating chicken
• 1 Set of skewers – metal or wooden (soak wooden skewers)
• 1 Grill or oven – to cook your Spiedini to golden glory
• 1 Baking tray with rack – for oven method (crisps them beautifully)

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb chicken breast – sliced into thin strips
• ¼ cup olive oil – for marinade
• 2 tbsp lemon juice – freshly squeezed
• 2 cloves garlic – minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp butter – melted optional finishing touch

Instructions

 

• In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
• Add chicken strips and toss to coat. Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours).
• In a separate bowl, mix breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan.
• Remove chicken from marinade, roll each piece in the breadcrumb mixture until well coated.
• Thread the coated chicken onto skewers.
• Grill over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side until fully cooked.
• Oven method: Bake at 400°F on a rack for 15-20 minutes, then broil for 2-3 minutes for crisp edges.
• Optional: Brush hot skewers with melted butter before serving.

Notes

Nutrition (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount (Approx.)
Calories	210 kcal
Protein	29g
Fat	8g
Carbohydrates	6g
Sodium	270mg

 

Based on Nutritionix data.

---

Serve Chicken Spiedini with a drizzle of lemon butter, next to a crisp salad, or over Mashed Potato Cups. You can also dip it in Spicy Tomato Juice marinara for extra flavor.

 

Keyword breadcrumb chicken, chicken spiedini, easy italian dinner, grilled chicken skewers

Share Your Twist on This Chicken Spiedini!

Did you sneak in a cube of mozzarella? Swap the breadcrumbs for crushed pita chips? Maybe you grilled it over charcoal for that smoky edge or added a drizzle of balsamic glaze? We’re drooling already.

📸 Snap a pic of your delicious skewers and tag us on Instagram or Facebook using #OoohDelishTwist. Your version might just get featured!

💌 Got a genius twist your Nonna would be proud of? Email it to us at contact@ooohdelish.com. If we test it and love it, we’ll publish it, with your name in the spotlight.

Let’s keep the skewers sizzling, your twist might become someone’s new family tradition.

FAQs: Chicken Spiedini Recipe