How Long Do You Cook Chicken Spiedies in the Oven? The Ultimate Guide for Perfect Results

Ever stood in your kitchen wondering exactly how long those delicious chicken spiedies need to bake? You’re not alone! As a passionate home cook who’s obsessed with these flavorful marinated chicken chunks, I’ve spent way too many weekends perfecting the art of oven-baked spiedies. Today, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned about getting that perfect balance of juicy inside and golden-brown outside

What Are Chicken Spiedies Anyway?

For those who haven’t experienced the joy of spiedies (where have you been?!) these tasty morsels are a beloved culinary tradition from Binghamton, New York. They’re basically cubed chicken that’s been marinated in a special Italian herb dressing, then traditionally grilled on skewers. The name comes from the Italian word “spiedino” which means skewer – pretty neat, right?

But not all of us want to fire up the grill every time we crave these flavor bombs. That’s where oven-baking comes in handy!

The Perfect Cooking Time for Oven-Baked Chicken Spiedies

Here’s the short answer: Cook your chicken spiedies in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

But like most things in cooking, there’s more to the story than just a time and temperature.

Preparing Your Chicken Spiedies for the Oven

Before we talk more about cooking times, let’s make sure we’re setting ourselves up for success:

1. Marinating is CRUCIAL – For maximum flavor, marinate your chicken cubes for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight. Trust me, this makes ALL the difference!

2. Cube size matters – Aim for 1 to 1.5-inch cubes of chicken. Too small and they’ll dry out; too large and they won’t cook evenly.

3. Choosing the right chicken – Both breast and thigh meat work great. Breast is leaner, but thighs tend to stay juicier during cooking.

Step-by-Step Oven Baking Method

Here’s my foolproof method for perfect oven-baked spiedies every time:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is non-negotiable! Always let your oven fully heat up.

2. Prepare your baking vessel – Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. You can also use a shallow baking dish.

3. Arrange the chicken in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan or they’ll steam instead of browning nicely.

4. If using skewers (which looks prettier for serving), you can place them on a wire rack over your baking sheet. Metal skewers work best, but if using wooden ones, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes first to prevent burning.

5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

6. Optional browning step – For extra color, switch to the broiler setting for the last 2-3 minutes, but WATCH CAREFULLY to prevent burning.

7. Rest before serving – Let the chicken rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

My Spiedies Are Dry! Help!

If your chicken spiedies are coming out dry, here are some possible culprits:

• Overcooking – Use a meat thermometer! Once they hit 165°F, they’re done.
• Chicken pieces too small – Larger chunks retain moisture better
• Not enough marination time – Longer marination = juicier spiedies
• Using only breast meat – Try mixing in some thigh meat for juicier results

My Spiedies Are Browning Too Quickly

If the outside is getting too dark before the inside is cooked:

• Lower the oven temperature by 25 degrees and continue baking
• Tent with foil to prevent further browning
• Cut your chicken into more consistent sizes for even cooking

Creative Serving Ideas for Your Oven-Baked Spiedies

The traditional way to serve spiedies is on soft Italian bread or rolls, sometimes with a drizzle of additional marinade or sub sauce. But why stop there? Here are some fun alternatives:

• Spiedie Salad – Toss with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette
• Spiedie Pasta – Mix with your favorite pasta and sauce
• Spiedie Stir-fry – Add some fresh peppers and onions
• Spiedie Omelet – Chop up leftover (already cooked) spiedies for a flavorful breakfast
• Spiedie Alfredo – A rich, creamy pasta dish with tons of flavor

FAQ About Oven-Baked Chicken Spiedies

Can I use frozen chicken for spiedies?

Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely before marinating. The marinade won’t penetrate properly if the chicken is still frozen.

What’s the best marinade for chicken spiedies?

The traditional marinade includes olive oil, vinegar, Italian herbs, garlic, and sometimes lemon juice. But feel free to experiment with your own favorite flavors!

Can I add vegetables to the baking sheet with the spiedies?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms are great additions. Just keep in mind that vegetables might require different cooking times, so you might need to add them partway through the cooking process.

How long do leftover spiedies last?

Store leftover cooked chicken spiedies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Can I reheat spiedies in the oven?

Yes! Reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but they may become slightly drier.

My Family’s Secret Tip for Extra-Special Spiedies

Okay, I’m about to share my family’s secret trick for taking oven-baked spiedies to the next level. Right after they come out of the oven (while still hot), toss them quickly in a bowl with a splash of the marinade you set aside BEFORE adding the raw chicken. This gives them an amazing flavor boost without any food safety concerns!

Comparing Cooking Methods

While we’re focusing on oven-baking, let’s quickly compare the different ways to cook spiedies:

Final Thoughts

Perfecting your oven-baked chicken spiedies is all about finding the right balance. The 20-25 minute timeframe at 375°F is your starting point, but don’t be afraid to adjust based on your specific oven, the size of your chicken pieces, and your personal preference for doneness.

Remember, the marinade does a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to flavor, so don’t rush that step. And always, ALWAYS use a meat thermometer to check for doneness rather than relying solely on time.

What’s your favorite way to serve spiedies? Do you stick with the traditional bread method or get creative? Drop me a comment below – I’d love to hear how yours turn out!

P.S. If you’re ever in the Binghamton area of New York, make sure to try authentic spiedies from the source! There’s nothing quite like the original.