Why This Chicken Spiedini Recipe Stands Out

Our Chicken Spiedini recipe is meticulously crafted to deliver the most **tender** and **crunchy** chicken skewers you’ll ever experience. This dish epitomizes authentic Italian Street Food, elevated by a bright squeeze of fresh lemon that perfectly complements its rich flavors. It’s a culinary experience that transports you straight to the bustling streets of Italy, right from your backyard grill.

The secret to the unparalleled tenderness of this chicken lies in our thoughtful **marinating** process. By allowing the chicken to soak in a fragrant blend of fresh lemon juice, potent garlic, and high-quality olive oil, the flavors deeply penetrate the meat. This acidic marinade, much like in our Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs, works wonders in breaking down tough muscle fibers, resulting in incredibly moist and succulent chicken. A marinating period of at least an hour, or even up to four, is crucial for unlocking this depth of flavor and tender texture.

Following the marinade, we dredge the chicken skewers in a specially prepared breadcrumb and Parmesan cheese mixture. This coating is not just for flavor; it’s engineered to create an irresistible exterior. As the skewers hit the grill, this breading develops a sensational char and an ultimate crunch, providing a delightful contrast to the tender chicken within. The subtle addition of Parmesan cheese in the breading adds a salty, umami depth that elevates the entire dish. Finally, a generous squirt of fresh lemon juice just before serving brightens all the flavors, bringing a zesty finish that makes these skewers truly irresistible. If you prefer a version without breadcrumbs but still packed with garlic and cheese, consider our Garlic Parm Chicken Skewers.

Essential Ingredient Notes and Smart Substitutions

• Chicken Thighs: For this particular recipe, utilizing chicken thighs over chicken breast is paramount to achieving the desired tenderness and rich flavor profile. Chicken thighs boast a higher fat content, which keeps the meat moist and prevents it from drying out during grilling, unlike leaner chicken breast which can become tough. Traditionally, Spiedini was prepared with veal or sheep, known for their inherent tenderness. Chicken thighs admirably mimic this quality, offering a juicy, flavorful experience that chicken breast simply cannot replicate. If, however, you absolutely must use chicken breast, we recommend preparing it in a method designed to retain moisture, such as our Cast Iron Chicken Breast recipe.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: The choice of breadcrumbs is critical for the signature crunch of Chicken Spiedini. Panko breadcrumbs, originating from Japan, are superior for this recipe due to their larger, flakier structure, which results in a much lighter and crispier coating compared to standard breadcrumbs. While regular Italian seasoned breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute, they tend to absorb more oil and can lead to a denser, heavier crust. For the absolute best crunch and a golden-brown finish, Panko is highly recommended. You can even season plain Panko yourself with Italian herbs, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt to customize the flavor.
• Dijon Mustard: A small amount of Dijon mustard in the marinade plays a vital, unsung role. Beyond adding a subtle tangy note, its primary function here is as an emulsifier and binding agent. Dijon helps the breadcrumb mixture adhere evenly and effectively to the chicken, ensuring a consistent, crunchy coating on every skewer. It acts as a bridge between the moist marinated chicken and the dry breadcrumbs, preventing the coating from falling off during grilling.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Lemon juice is a star in our marinade. Its acidity not only tenderizes the chicken but also infuses it with a bright, zesty flavor that is characteristic of Mediterranean cuisine. Always opt for fresh lemon juice; bottled versions often lack the vibrant acidity and fresh aroma.
• Fresh Garlic: Minced fresh garlic is another cornerstone of the marinade, providing a pungent, aromatic base that pairs perfectly with lemon and olive oil. Using freshly minced garlic maximizes its potent flavor, far surpassing the taste of pre-minced or powdered alternatives.
• Olive Oil: High-quality extra virgin olive oil forms the foundation of our marinade. It acts as a carrier for the flavors, ensures moisture, and helps create a rich, savory crust when grilled. It also contributes to the overall tender texture of the chicken.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese mixed into the breadcrumbs adds a salty, umami depth and an additional layer of crispiness when grilled. Freshly grated Parmesan will melt beautifully and add the best flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley in the breadcrumb mixture introduces a burst of herbaceous freshness, bright green color, and a slight peppery note that beautifully complements the other flavors.

*For detailed measurements and further information on ingredients, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card provided below.

Step-by-Step: Crafting Perfect Chicken Spiedini

Step 1: Prepare the Zesty Marinade. Begin by finely mincing the fresh garlic cloves until they form an almost paste-like consistency. This helps to maximize the release of its pungent flavor. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed lemon juice, robust olive oil, a spoonful of Dijon mustard, a pinch of salt, and your minced garlic until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and emulsified. This aromatic blend will infuse your chicken with incredible flavor and tenderness.

Step 2: Season the Chicken Thighs. Take your boneless chicken thighs and generously season both sides with freshly ground black pepper and an additional sprinkle of salt. Even though a marinade is used, this initial seasoning layer helps to build a foundational flavor profile within the meat itself. Once seasoned, cut the chicken thighs into uniform 1-inch (2.5 cm) squares. Uniformity is key for even cooking on the skewers.

Step 3: Marinate for Flavor and Tenderness. Place the seasoned and cut chicken pieces into the bowl with your prepared marinade. Ensure all chicken pieces are thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or ideally 1 to 3 hours. This crucial marinating time, similar to how we prepare our Bang Bang Chicken Skewers, allows the zesty lemon, pungent garlic, and savory olive oil to deeply penetrate the chicken, tenderizing the meat and infusing it with incredible flavor.

Step 4: Prepare the Crispy Breadcrumb Mixture. While the chicken is marinating, prepare your breadcrumb coating. On a large, shallow plate or baking dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, finely chopped fresh parsley, and a teaspoon of salt. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until evenly distributed. This seasoned mixture is what will give your spiedini its irresistible crunchy exterior.

Step 5: Skewer the Marinated Chicken. Once the chicken has finished marinating, remove it from the fridge. Thread the marinated chicken thigh pieces onto your skewers. Try to keep the pieces relatively uniform in size on each skewer and avoid packing them too tightly. This ensures even cooking and allows the heat to circulate properly, leading to a perfectly cooked skewer.

Step 6: Coat the Skewers for Ultimate Crunch. Take each skewered chicken, one by one, and gently toss or roll it in the prepared breadcrumb mixture. Ensure that every surface of the chicken is thoroughly covered with the breading. Press gently to help the breadcrumbs adhere firmly. The Dijon mustard in the marinade plays a key role here, helping the coating to bind perfectly to the chicken, which is crucial for achieving that ultimate crispy char on the grill.

Step 7: Grill to Crispy Perfection and Serve. Preheat your grill to a medium heat setting. Before placing the skewers, it is essential to spray or brush the grill grates with cooking oil to prevent the breadcrumbs from sticking and tearing off. Carefully place the breaded chicken thighs on the hot grill. Turn the skewers every 3-4 minutes to ensure even cooking and a beautiful golden-brown crust on all sides. Continue grilling for a total of approximately 12-16 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches a safe 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). Once cooked, transfer the chicken spiedini to a serving platter. Give them a final, generous squirt of fresh lemon juice – this burst of acidity enhances all the flavors and adds a bright finish. Serve immediately! This delightful Mediterranean dish is perfect for any occasion. Grilling recipes like these chicken spiedini or our Grilled Stuffed Pork Chops are the quintessential way to savor the summer. For a complete and refreshing meal, consider serving them alongside an invigorating Orzo and Garbanzo Bean Salad.

Pro-Tips for Perfect Chicken Spiedini

1. Optimal Marination Time is Key: While you can get away with marinating for a minimum of 15 minutes if you’re truly short on time, for the absolute best flavor penetration and tender texture, aim for a marination period of 1 to 4 hours. This allows the lemon, garlic, and olive oil to truly work their magic, infusing the chicken with unparalleled juiciness and taste. Avoid marinating for longer than 4 hours, as the acidity in the lemon juice can start to break down the chicken too much, leading to a mushy texture.
2. Ensure a Non-Stick Grill Surface: This step is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your crispy breadcrumb coating. Just before placing your spiedini on the grill, make sure to thoroughly spray the grates with cooking oil or brush them generously with a high-heat oil like grapeseed or vegetable oil. This creates a non-stick barrier that prevents the delicate breadcrumbs from sticking to the hot grill surface, ensuring they stay perfectly intact and achieve that desirable golden-brown char without tearing off.
3. Convenient Advance Preparation: Streamline your meal prep by preparing the spiedini a day in advance. You can fully bread the skewers and then store them carefully in a single layer on a plate or baking sheet, covered tightly with plastic wrap, in the refrigerator overnight. This clever tip allows the flavors to meld even further and significantly reduces your cooking time on the day you plan to grill, making it an excellent option for entertaining or busy weeknights. Just remember to allow them to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before grilling for more even cooking.
4. Uniform Chicken Pieces: When cutting your chicken thighs, strive for pieces of roughly the same size, ideally 1-inch squares. This consistency is vital for ensuring that all the chicken pieces cook evenly and at the same rate, preventing some from being undercooked while others become overcooked and dry.
5. Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Resist the temptation to load too many skewers onto the grill at once. Overcrowding lowers the grill’s temperature and steams the chicken instead of grilling it, preventing a crispy crust from forming. Cook in batches if necessary, allowing ample space around each skewer for even heat distribution and proper browning.

Alternative Cooking Methods for Chicken Spiedini

While the grill undeniably offers the best smoky flavor and char for Chicken Spiedini, making it a summer favorite, there are two excellent alternative cooking methods that yield delicious results, especially when outdoor grilling isn’t an option or if you’re looking for different textures.

Air Fryer Method: The air fryer is a fantastic tool for achieving that desired crispiness without the need for a grill. To cook your spiedini in an air fryer, preheat it to a high temperature of 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). Arrange the skewers in a single layer within the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd them to allow for even airflow. Cook for an initial 8 minutes, then carefully flip each skewer. Continue cooking for another 8 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) and the breading is beautifully golden and crispy, much like our Air Fryer Garlic Parm Wings. This method creates an incredibly crunchy exterior and keeps the inside juicy.

Cast Iron Skillet Method: For a stovetop approach that still delivers a wonderful sear, a cast iron skillet is your best friend. Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a generous drizzle of olive oil, ensuring the bottom is well coated. Place the chicken spiedini in the skillet, again making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each side for approximately 4 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through to 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) and boasts a golden-brown, crispy crust. The cast iron will help create a flavorful, caramelized crust, mimicking some of the char you’d get from a grill.

Recipe Frequently Asked Questions

Chicken Spiedini

Vincent DelGiudice