How Long to Cook Chicken Spiedini in the Oven: Perfect Juicy Results Every Time

Are you craving those delicious Italian chicken skewers but don’t want to fire up the grill? I’ve got you covered! Chicken spiedini is one of those versatile dishes that can be enjoyed year-round when you know how to make it in your oven. As a home cook who’s made this dish countless times, I’m excited to share exactly how long to cook chicken spiedini in the oven for that perfect, juicy result that will have everyone asking for seconds!

What is Chicken Spiedini?

Before diving into cooking times, let’s understand what we’re making Chicken spiedini (“spiedini” meaning “skewers” in Italian) is a traditional Italian dish featuring marinated chicken pieces that are breaded, threaded onto skewers, and typically grilled. The dish originated in Sicily and has become popular throughout Italy and beyond

While traditionally grilled, baking chicken spiedini in the oven is a fantastic alternative that delivers equally delicious results, especially when you don’t have access to a grill or during colder months.

How Long to Cook Chicken Spiedini in the Oven

The short answer: Chicken spiedini typically takes 20-25 minutes to cook in the oven at 400°F (200°C).

But for the best results. follow this more detailed approach

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C)
• Bake for about 15 minutes
• Flip the skewers
• Bake for another 10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)

This method ensures your chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy while getting that perfect golden brown exterior.

Factors That Affect Cooking Time

Several factors can influence how long your chicken spiedini will take to cook

1. Size of chicken pieces: Smaller pieces cook faster than larger ones. For even cooking, try to cut your chicken into uniform 1-1½ inch cubes.

2. Thickness of skewers: Thicker skewers with more chicken will take longer to cook through.

3. Your oven’s accuracy: Some ovens run hotter or cooler than indicated, so always check for doneness rather than relying solely on time.

4. Marinade ingredients: Marinades containing acidic ingredients like lemon juice or wine can slightly reduce cooking time as they begin breaking down the proteins.

5. Starting temperature of chicken: Room temperature chicken will cook more evenly and slightly faster than chicken straight from the refrigerator.

Complete Recipe for Oven-Baked Chicken Spiedini

Let me share my favorite recipe that consistently delivers juicy, flavorful results:

Ingredients:

For the Chicken and Marinade:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-1½ inch cubes
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup white wine (or chicken broth if marinating overnight)
• 6 garlic cloves, crushed
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 1-2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

For the Breading:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned or plain)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Olive oil cooking spray

For the Lemon Butter Sauce (Optional but Recommended):

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped Italian parsley
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• Red pepper flakes to taste

Instructions:

1. Marinate the chicken:

   • Place chicken cubes in a large zip-lock bag or bowl
   • Add garlic, lemon zest, olive oil, water, wine, and salt
   • Seal bag (removing air) or cover bowl tightly with plastic wrap
   • Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 12-24 hours (if marinating overnight, use broth instead of wine)

2. Prepare for baking:

   • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
   • If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20-30 minutes to prevent burning
   • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and spray with cooking spray

3. Bread and skewer the chicken:

   • Spread breadcrumbs on a large plate
   • Remove chicken pieces from marinade one by one and coat in breadcrumbs
   • Thread 4-6 chicken pieces onto each skewer
   • Arrange skewers on prepared baking sheet, not touching
   • Spray chicken with olive oil cooking spray

4. Bake:

   • Bake for 15 minutes
   • Carefully flip skewers (they’ll be hot!)
   • Bake for another 10 minutes or until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature and breadcrumbs are golden brown

5. Make lemon butter sauce (while chicken is baking):

   • Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat
   • Add olive oil and salt
   • Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, parsley, and red pepper flakes

6. Serve:

   • Drizzle with lemon butter sauce or serve sauce on the side
   • Enjoy while hot!

Tips for Perfect Chicken Spiedini

After making this dish countless times, I’ve learned a few tricks:

• Don’t rush the marinade: The longer you marinate (up to 24 hours), the more flavorful your chicken will be.

• Cut chicken pieces evenly: This ensures they all finish cooking at the same time.

• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: Leave space between skewers for air circulation and even cooking.

• Use a meat thermometer: The most reliable way to know your chicken is perfectly cooked is to check that it reaches 165°F.

• Rest before serving: Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute.

• Make ahead option: You can prep the entire dish ahead of time! Marinate the chicken, bread it, and thread onto skewers up to 2 days before cooking. Just store covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Alternate Cooking Methods

While we’re focusing on oven baking, you can also cook chicken spiedini:

On the Stovetop:

• Heat a grill pan or large skillet to medium-high heat
• Spray with cooking spray
• Cook skewers 4-5 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F

On the Grill:

• Preheat grill to medium-high heat
• Oil grates and chicken
• Grill about 3 minutes on first side and 2 minutes on remaining sides

Serving Suggestions

Chicken spiedini pairs beautifully with:

• Italian-style sautéed greens
• Lemon parmesan orzo
• Simple green salad with vinaigrette
• Pasta aglio e olio
• Roasted vegetables
• Crusty Italian bread

Common Questions About Chicken Spiedini

Can I make chicken spiedini without breadcrumbs?

Yes! For a lower-carb option, you can skip the breadcrumbs entirely or substitute with almond flour or crushed pork rinds.

How do I know when chicken spiedini is done?

The safest way is to use a meat thermometer – chicken is done at 165°F. If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest piece – there should be no pink and juices should run clear.

Can I freeze chicken spiedini?

Yes! You can freeze either before or after cooking:

• Before cooking: Assemble skewers, freeze flat on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to airtight containers. Freeze up to 3 months.
• After cooking: Remove chicken from skewers, cool completely, and store in freezer-safe containers for 2-3 months.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be even juicier, though they may take slightly longer to cook.

Final Thoughts

Oven-baked chicken spiedini is one of those dishes that looks impressive but is actually pretty simple to make. The key is getting the cooking time right – 15 minutes, flip, then 10 more minutes at 400°F is the sweet spot for most ovens.

I love making this dish for family gatherings because I can prep it ahead, pop it in the oven when guests arrive, and serve a restaurant-quality meal without being stuck in the kitchen. The combination of the crispy exterior, juicy chicken, and that zesty lemon butter sauce is simply irresistible!

Whether you’re making this for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, follow these guidelines and you’ll have perfectly cooked chicken spiedini every time. Buon appetito!