Name: Chicken Spiedini
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: For the Marinade and Chicken:; ¼ cup olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest; 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes; Olive oil, for the grill; For the Breading:; 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; 1 tablespoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest; ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan; ¼ cup freshly grated Pecorino; For the Lemon Butter Sauce:; ⅓ cup olive oil; 5 tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons lemon zest; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Chicken Spiedini is a delicious Italian-inspired dish featuring tender marinated chicken cubes that are breaded, skewered, grilled to golden perfection, and finished with a zesty lemon-butter sauce. Simple, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, these skewers make a perfect centerpiece for any weeknight meal or outdoor gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Spiedini offers the perfect balance of crispy exterior and juicy, flavorful interior. The marinade infuses the chicken with citrus and spice, while the breadcrumb coating creates a golden, cheesy crust. The final drizzle of lemon-butter sauce brightens the dish with fresh, savory notes. It’s easy to prep, quick to cook, and absolutely irresistible served with a side salad, pasta, or grilled vegetables.

Chicken Spiedini

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Marinade and Chicken:

olive oil
salt
freshly ground black pepper
red pepper flakes
freshly grated lemon zest
boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
olive oil (for grilling)

For the Breading:

Italian-style breadcrumbs
chopped fresh parsley
garlic powder
freshly grated lemon zest
freshly grated parmesan
freshly grated pecorino

For the Lemon Butter Sauce:

olive oil
butter
garlic, minced
lemon zest
chopped fresh parsley
salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions

Marinate the Chicken:

In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and lemon zest.
Add the chicken cubes and toss to coat evenly.
Let the chicken marinate for 20–30 minutes at room temperature.

Soak the Skewers:
4. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water during the marinating time to prevent burning. Skip this step if using metal skewers.

Prepare the Breading:
5. In a separate bowl, mix breadcrumbs, parsley, garlic powder, lemon zest, parmesan, and pecorino cheese until well combined.

Bread the Chicken:
6. Dredge each marinated chicken cube in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.

Assemble the Skewers:
7. Thread the breaded chicken pieces onto the skewers, dividing evenly among them.

Grill the Chicken:
8. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Lightly brush the grill grates with olive oil.
9. Grill the skewers for about 5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).

Make the Lemon Butter Sauce:
10. In a small saucepan, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
11. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
12. Stir in lemon zest and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
13. Remove from heat.

Serve:
14. Drizzle the warm lemon-butter sauce over the grilled chicken spiedini just before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Marinating time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

Variations

Oven-Baked Spiedini: Bake skewers at 425°F on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Air Fryer Option: Cook skewers at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, turning once.
Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the breadcrumb mix.
Herb Swap: Use basil or oregano in place of parsley for a different herb profile.
Protein Variation: Try using turkey instead of chicken.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:

Store cooled chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or in the microwave in short bursts.
For best results, drizzle with fresh lemon-butter sauce before serving.

Freezing:

You can freeze uncooked breaded chicken pieces (not assembled on skewers) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before cooking.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness to the spiedini.

What type of skewers should I use?

Both metal and wooden skewers work. Just be sure to soak wooden skewers in water to prevent burning.

Can I make these in advance?

Yes, you can marinate and bread the chicken ahead of time. Assemble skewers just before grilling.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?

Marinating enhances flavor and tenderness but if short on time, even 15 minutes helps.

What should I serve with chicken spiedini?

Serve with lemon rice, roasted vegetables, pasta salad, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Can I bake these instead of grilling?

Absolutely. Bake at 425°F for about 18–20 minutes or until golden and cooked through.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer—internal temperature should reach 165°F.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon zest gives the best flavor, but you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch for the sauce.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Not as written. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and confirm your cheeses are gluten-free.

Can I skip the cheese in the breading?

Yes, but the cheese adds savory depth. You can replace it with a dairy-free alternative or omit it if preferred.

Conclusion

Chicken Spiedini is a flavorful and impressive dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight but elegant enough for entertaining. With juicy marinated chicken, crispy golden coating, and a bright lemon-butter finish, every bite delivers a perfect balance of texture and taste. Fire up the grill and enjoy this Italian favorite any time of year.