Chicken spiedini is a delicious Italian-American dish that has become a favorite appetizer or main course across the United States. This article will explain exactly what chicken spiedini is trace its origins and popularity provide tips for making it, and suggest serving ideas.
What is Chicken Spiedini?
Chicken spiedini consists of boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs that are cut into strips, cubes, or chunks. These chicken pieces are threaded onto skewers (often two per skewer) and marinated in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, and spices After marinating, the chicken is dredged in breadcrumbs or panko to coat it before cooking It is then grilled, broiled, or pan-fried until the chicken is fully cooked and the breading is browned and crispy.
The word “spiedini” comes from the Italian word “spiedo” meaning “spit.” This refers to the traditional method of cooking spiedini by spearing the meat onto sticks or skewers and grilling over an open flame. The skewers allow the marinated chicken to char while keeping the pieces intact and adding a fun, hands-on element when eating.
Chicken spiedini emerged as a creative, lighter adaptation of the classic Italian beef or veal spiedini. Using chicken instead of red meat resulted in a healthier, versatile dish that soon became popular on Italian-American restaurant menus and home tables. The zesty, herbaceous marinade combined with the savory crunch of the breaded exterior makes chicken spiedini a flavorful crowd-pleaser.
History and Popularity of Chicken Spiedini
While the exact origins of chicken spiedini are unknown, most accounts point to Italian-American restaurateurs putting their own spin on the traditional Italian spiedini during the 1970s or 1980s. They substituted chicken for beef or veal to create a lighter and more affordable version.
Chicken spiedini gained widespread popularity when pioneering Kansas City, Missouri restaurants like Garozzo’s and Carmen’s Cafe began serving their renditions in the 1990s. Locals fell in love with this tasty chicken skewered appetizer. Soon it became a staple menu item at Italian restaurants across the Midwest and beyond.
Part of chicken spiedini’s broad appeal is its versatility. The basic concept can be tweaked in countless ways with different marinades, breadings, sauces, and accompaniments. Restaurants often name their versions after family members or local landmarks. Home cooks can easily substitute ingredients to put their own signature spin on chicken spiedini.
While restaurants do drive much of its popularity, chicken spiedini is also an accessible dish for home cooking. The ingredient list is relatively short and affordable. Preparation is straightforward, but the impressive presentation makes it ideal for entertaining guests. Chicken spiedini’s flexibility as either an appetizer or entree makes it a go-to recipe for many families today.
How to Make Chicken Spiedini
Making delicious chicken spiedini at home is easy, especially if you follow some helpful tips:
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Choose your chicken cuts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work well. Breasts stay tender and moist, while thighs offer richer flavor. Cut into 1-2 inch pieces.
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Assemble the marinade: Good marinade flavors include lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, basil, parsley, rosemary. Let chicken marinate 1-4 hours.
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Coat with breadcrumbs: After marinating, dredge chicken in breadcrumbs, panko, or Parmesan to help crust stay crispy.
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Skewer the chicken: Thread 4-5 pieces per skewer, keeping a tight pack. Soak bamboo skewers in water 30 mins first to prevent burning.
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Cook method: You can grill, broil, pan fry or air fry. Cook 10-15 minutes until chicken is 165°F. Turn halfway through.
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Make an easy sauce: Melt butter with lemon juice, garlic, and Italian seasonings for a tasty sauce to drizzle over chicken.
Serving and Pairing Chicken Spiedini
Chicken spiedini makes a great starter or meal when served with complementary sides:
- Italian pastas like angel hair or fettuccine
- Garlic bread or breadsticks
- Fresh vegetables like roasted zucchini or squash
- Leafy green salads with vinaigrette dressing
- Mashed or roasted potatoes
It also pairs well with Italian wines like Chianti, Pinot Grigio, or Moscato. For cocktails, a spritz with Aperol or Campari adds nice citrus notes.
As an appetizer for parties, provide toothpicks and let guests grab their own spiedini pieces. For family dinners, chicken spiedini with pasta or bread makes a satisfying and fast weeknight meal.
Kids love the fun “kebabs” so chicken spiedini is perfect for getting picky eaters to enjoy chicken. It also reheats well and travels nicely in school lunches.
Chicken spiedini’s versatility and crowd-pleasing taste make it a go-to recipe for any home cook. With flavorful chicken, crispy breading, and easy construction, this Italian-American classic is sure to become a favorite dish for your family.
RECIPE TIPS AND FAQ’S:
How to tell if chicken spiedini are cooked? The most accurate way to see if its ready is to use check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Baked chicken should be cooked to a temperature of at least 165°F.
Perfect to grill or cook in the oven all summer long, here is my Easy Chicken Spiedini Recipe (in Oven) with Lemon Butter Sauce – super simple, crispy chicken spiedini that you can prep ahead
What is chicken spiedini made of? – Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are typically used, cut into cubes or strips for skewering. – Marinade: The chicken is marinated to enhance flavor and tenderness. Common marinade ingredients include olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and various herbs like parsley, basil, or rosemary. Sometimes, ingredients like white wine, vinegar, or mustard are added for extra zest. – Breading: After marinating, the chicken pieces are often dredged in breadcrumbs, typically seasoned with Parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, and sometimes additional garlic powder.
Is this chicken recipe low-carb? Yes, this chicken recipe is low-carb. This healthy baked chicken recipe is low carb when you serve it over cauliflower rice or your favorite vegetable noodles.
Chicken Spiedini
FAQ
What is chicken spiedini made of?
Chicken spiedini are juicy chicken skewers coated in Parmesan-herb breadcrumbs for an unexpected crunch! A zesty lemon marinade makes the chicken tender and flavorful, while a garlic Parmesan and parsley drizzle finishes the dish. It’s easy enough for a weeknight and equally great for a casual summer dinner party.
What is spiedini made of?
In Sicilia, spiedini are made with slices of breaded meat, wrapped around a filling of tomato, onion, breadcrumbs, and cheese. Spiedini alla Romano, or Roman skewers, are made with skewered slices of bread and mozzarella, toasted in butter, and topped with a zippy anchovy sauce.
What is the meaning of spiedini?
What is Spiedini? Spiedini translates to skewers in Italian, and there are a million different recipes associated with the name. It often just refers to grilled or roasted meat and vegetables on long wooden skewers, like Spiedini alla Romana, or Italian style kebabs.
Where did chicken spiedini come from?
There are a few things we know for certain about the spiedini: The kebab-style Italian meat skewers beloved in Kansas City originated in Abruzzo, Italy, and the name comes from the Italian word for spit.