Chicken Spiedini recipe

Chicken Spiedini is a delicious Italian dish consisting of marinated chicken skewered and grilled to perfection. It’s a popular choice for gatherings and family dinners due to its delightful flavor and easy preparation. The term “spiedini” refers to small pieces of meat cooked on a skewer, a method that enhances the taste and texture of the chicken.

Ingredients

Essential Ingredients for Chicken Spiedini:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Optional Ingredients for Added Flavor:

• Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
• Fresh basil leaves
• Zest of one lemon
• Cherry tomatoes for skewering alongside the chicken

Preparation

Prepping the Chicken:

1. Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes.
2. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.

Marinating the Chicken:

1. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning.
2. Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for deeper flavor.

Skewering the Chicken

Tips for Properly Skewering the Chicken:

1. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
2. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece for even cooking.

Alternative Skewering Options:

1. Use metal skewers for a more reusable and durable option.
2. Alternate chicken pieces with vegetables like bell peppers and onions for added flavor and texture.

Cooking Methods

Grilling Chicken Spiedini:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has a nice char.

Baking Chicken Spiedini:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange the skewers on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, turning once, until the chicken is cooked through.

Pan-Frying Chicken Spiedini:

1. Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the skewers for 4-5 minutes on each side, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.

Making the Sauce

Traditional Sauce Recipe:

1. In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 2 cloves minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
2. Heat over low heat until warmed through.

Variations of Sauces:

1. Garlic Butter Sauce: Melt 1/2 cup butter, add minced garlic, and cook until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice and parsley.
2. Marinara Sauce: Serve with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Serving Suggestions

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Spiedini:

1. Serve with a fresh green salad.
2. Pair with garlic bread or crusty Italian bread.
3. Enjoy with a side of grilled vegetables or roasted potatoes.

Presentation Tips:

1. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
2. Arrange the skewers on a large platter for an appealing presentation.

Storage Tips

Storing Leftovers:

1. Remove the chicken from the skewers and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:

1. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
2. Alternatively, microwave on high for 1-2 minutes.

Variations

Different Types of Meat for Spiedini:

1. Try using beef, pork, or lamb for a different flavor profile.
2. Adjust cooking times accordingly based on the type of meat used.

Adding Vegetables to the Skewers:

1. Add chunks of bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes to the skewers.
2. This adds color and extra flavor to the dish.

Tips for Success

Ensuring Juicy and Tender Chicken:

1. Do not overcook the chicken to prevent it from becoming dry.
2. Marinating the chicken for an extended period helps to tenderize and infuse flavor.

Enhancing the Flavor:

1. Use fresh herbs and quality olive oil for the marinade.
2. Season well with salt and pepper throughout the cooking process.

FAQs

1. Can I Use Chicken Thighs?
   • Yes, chicken thighs can be used for a juicier alternative. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
2. How Long Should I Marinate the Chicken?
   • For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but overnight is ideal.
3. Can I Prepare Chicken Spiedini Ahead of Time?
   • Yes, you can marinate and skewer the chicken a day in advance. Store in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
4. What Type of Skewers Should I Use?
   • Both wooden and metal skewers work well. Soak wooden skewers in water before using to prevent burning.
5. How Do I Prevent the Chicken from Sticking to the Grill?
   • Ensure your grill is preheated and lightly oiled before adding the skewers. This helps to prevent sticking.

Conclusion

Chicken Spiedini is a versatile and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether grilled, baked, or pan-fried, the marinated chicken skewers offer a delightful taste that’s sure to please everyone. With the right preparation and cooking techniques, you can create a delicious meal that’s both impressive and easy to make.

Yield: 6

Chicken Spiedini recipe

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Chicken Spiedini is a versatile and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether grilled, baked, or pan-fried, the marinated chicken skewers offer a delightful taste that’s sure to please everyone. With the right preparation and cooking techniques, you can create a delicious meal that's both impressive and easy to make.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Marinate Time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients

• For the chicken
• 2 pounds chicken breasts boneless, skinless
• salt more or less to taste
• freshly ground black pepper more or less to taste
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup dry white wine such as pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
• For the garlic butter sauce
• ½ cup butter 1 stick
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley finely chopped

Instructions

• Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces, then season to taste with salt and black pepper.

• In medium glass bowl, whisk together olive oil, white wine and lemon juice. Add chicken pieces to bowl, then cover with lid, plastic wrap or foil. Place bowl in fridge, and let chicken marinate for at least 1 hour and up to 12 hours.

• When ready, remove bowl from fridge, then remove chicken from marinade with tongs and place on plate. Add breadcrumbs to shallow bowl, then dunk chicken pieces into breadcrumbs until fully coated.

• Slide 4 to 5 pieces of chicken coated with breadcrumbs onto skewers.

• Lightly spray grill or grill pan with spray cooking oil, and heat on medium-high heat. Add chicken skewers to grill and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, then flip skewers, and continue cooking for another 4 to 5 minutes, or until chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Once cooked, remove from grill and set aside to rest for a few minutes.

• Add butter to small saucepan, and melt over medium-high heat. once melted, add minced garlic and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often, or until fragrant.

• Remove saucepan from heat, stir in lemon juice and fresh parsley. Drizzle garlic butter sauce all over chicken spiedini, and serve warm with side of choice.