Prepare to elevate your weeknight dinners with the absolute easiest and most incredibly flavorful Chicken Spiedini recipe! Imagine succulent, tender chicken pieces, infused with a simple yet powerfully aromatic marinade, all threaded onto skewers and grilled to golden perfection. These Italian chicken skewers aren’t just delicious; they’re healthy, fuss-free, and surprisingly quick to whip up, making them the ideal choice for busy evenings or when you crave a taste of Italy without spending hours in the kitchen.

Easy Chicken Spiedini: Grilled Italian Chicken Skewers

What Exactly is Chicken Spiedini? The Authentic Italian Way

In Italian, the word “spiedino” directly translates to “meat skewer,” with “spiedini” being its plural form. So, when we talk about Chicken Spiedini, we are quite literally referring to delicious Italian chicken skewers. This dish is a true celebration of simple, fresh ingredients, allowing the quality of the chicken and the vibrancy of the marinade to shine through. While some Americanized versions might feature breaded chicken, our recipe embraces the more traditional Italian approach: juicy, grilled chicken enhanced solely by a fragrant blend of herbs and spices.

This recipe proudly features no breadcrumbs, making these skewers not only lighter and healthier but also significantly easier and faster to prepare. It’s a genuine taste of the Mediterranean, focusing on lean protein and fresh flavors without any unnecessary fuss. You’ll love how the natural sweetness of the chicken pairs with the bright, herbaceous marinade, creating an unforgettable culinary experience that’s perfect for any time of year. Whether you’re grilling outdoors under the summer sun or using your indoor broiler during colder months, these skewers deliver exceptional taste with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Spiedini Recipe

This Chicken Spiedini recipe isn’t just another dish; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. Here’s why it’s destined to become a staple in your recipe rotation:

• Effortlessly Delicious: With minimal prep and quick cooking times, these skewers are perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal fast. The marinade works its magic quickly, infusing every piece of chicken with incredible taste.
• Healthy & Wholesome: Made with lean chicken breast, healthy olive oil, and fresh herbs, this recipe is naturally low in carbs and packed with protein. It’s a fantastic choice for those following a balanced or Mediterranean-inspired diet.
• Bursting with Italian Flavors: The simple yet potent marinade, featuring rosemary, oregano, and lemon, transports your taste buds straight to the sun-drenched coasts of Italy. Each bite offers a harmonious balance of earthy, bright, and savory notes.
• Versatile & Adaptable: These chicken skewers are incredibly versatile. Serve them with a variety of side dishes, from fresh salads to roasted vegetables, or even add your favorite seasonal veggies directly onto the skewers for a complete meal.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, preparing a casual family dinner, or meal prepping for the week, Chicken Spiedini is a crowd-pleaser that fits seamlessly into any culinary agenda.

Mastering the Marinade: The Heart of Flavorful Chicken Spiedini

The secret to truly irresistible Chicken Spiedini lies in its vibrant, flavor-packed marinade. This simple concoction does more than just add taste; it tenderizes the chicken, ensuring every bite is moist and succulent. Here’s a closer look at the key components and why they’re essential:

• Fresh Rosemary: Earthy, piney, and aromatic, fresh rosemary is a cornerstone of Italian cooking. When finely chopped, it releases its essential oils, deeply flavoring the chicken and creating a wonderfully fragrant aroma as it cooks.
• Dried Oregano: A classic Mediterranean herb, dried oregano adds a robust, slightly peppery, and sweet note. It complements the rosemary beautifully, contributing to that distinctive Italian flavor profile.
• Lemon Zest: The bright, citrusy notes from fresh lemon zest are crucial. Lemon not only adds a burst of freshness but also contains enzymes that help to tenderize the chicken, keeping it incredibly juicy during grilling.
• High-Quality Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil acts as the perfect carrier for all these wonderful flavors. It helps distribute the herbs evenly and, perhaps most importantly, keeps the chicken moist and prevents it from sticking to the grill or broiler.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: These fundamental seasonings enhance all the other flavors, bringing them into perfect harmony. Don’t be shy with a generous pinch!

For the best results, aim to marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. If you have more time, marinating for 2-4 hours, or even overnight in the refrigerator, will yield even deeper, more profound flavors and incredibly tender chicken. Simply cover the bowl and chill until you’re ready to cook.

Prepping for Perfection: Essential Steps Before You Grill

Proper preparation is key to achieving flawless Chicken Spiedini. Before you even think about firing up the grill or broiler, a couple of crucial steps will ensure a smooth cooking process and perfectly cooked skewers:

Soak Your Wooden Skewers

If you opt for wooden skewers, this step is non-negotiable. You need to soak them in a tray of water for at least 30 minutes prior to cooking. Skipping this simple step will likely result in burnt skewers, which is certainly not ideal for presentation or handling! Soaking saturates the wood with water, making it resistant to scorching under high heat. Plan ahead and get your skewers soaking while you prepare the chicken and marinade.

Consider Metal Skewers for Convenience

Alternatively, if you prefer a reusable and maintenance-free option, metal skewers are an excellent choice. They conduct heat well, cooking the chicken from the inside out, and best of all, they require no pre-soaking! If using metal skewers, you can skip straight to preparing your chicken.

Prepare Your Chicken Evenly

For uniform cooking, cut your chicken breasts into approximately 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubed pieces. Consistency in size ensures that all pieces cook through at the same rate, preventing some from being undercooked while others become dry. Once cut, combine the chicken with all the marinade ingredients in a bowl, stirring thoroughly until every piece is beautifully coated. This is where the magic begins, allowing those fantastic Italian flavors to penetrate the chicken.

How to Make Chicken Spiedini – Step by Step Guide

Follow these simple steps to create your own tender and juicy Italian chicken skewers:

1. Prepare Skewers: If you are using wooden skewers, immerse them in a tray of water for at least 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning during the cooking process.
2. Cut and Marinate Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into uniform 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes. Place the chicken pieces in a medium-sized bowl. Add the finely chopped fresh rosemary, dried oregano, lemon zest, olive oil, and a generous pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir all the ingredients together until the chicken is thoroughly coated.
3. Allow to Marinate: You can cook the chicken immediately, but for enhanced flavor and tenderness, cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even up to 4 hours.
4. Preheat Broiler or Grill: Heat your broiler to high. If grilling outdoors, preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
5. Thread the Chicken: Evenly thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the prepared skewers. Arrange the threaded skewers on a baking tray or directly onto the clean grill grates.
6. Cook to Perfection: Place the baking tray on a high shelf under the preheated broiler. Cook for 5 minutes, then carefully turn the skewers over and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the chicken is beautifully browned, cooked through, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If grilling outdoors, cook for about 3-4 minutes per side.
7. Serve with Zest: Transfer the cooked chicken skewers to a serving platter. Drizzle with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice for an extra burst of brightness and serve immediately.

Serving Your Delicious Chicken Spiedini: Perfect Pairings

These Italian chicken skewers are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, making them perfect for any meal. I particularly love to serve them alongside an assortment of grilled vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant (courgette/aubergine), or vibrant bell peppers. The smoky char from the grilled veggies beautifully complements the tender chicken. A generous handful of fresh arugula (rocket), lightly drizzled with high-quality olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper, creates a refreshing, healthy, and nutritious side that cuts through the richness of the meat.

Here are a few other delightful ideas that would work perfectly to complete your Italian-inspired feast:

• Italian Roast Potatoes – Rosemary And Garlic:Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, infused with aromatic rosemary and garlic.
• Italian Farro Salad:A wholesome and hearty grain salad with fresh tomatoes and herbs, offering a delightful texture contrast.
• Creamy White Bean Mash With Rosemary And Lemon:A lighter alternative to mashed potatoes, offering a rich, savory, and zesty side.
• Classic Caprese Salad – Easy, Fresh & Delicious:Layers of fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze, providing a refreshing counterpoint.
• Easy Green Bean Salad with Mustard and Garlic Dressing:A vibrant and tangy salad that adds a wonderful crunch and zest to your meal.

Creative Variations and Expert Tips for Your Chicken Spiedini

While the classic Chicken Spiedini is fantastic as is, don’t hesitate to get creative with variations and keep these expert tips in mind for optimal results:

• Cutting the Chicken: Always cut your chicken into even, 1-inch pieces. This ensures that every cube cooks at the same rate, preventing some pieces from drying out while others remain undercooked.
• Herb & Spice Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices! Try adding a pinch of dried thyme, a dash of garlic powder, a touch of paprika for subtle smokiness, or even a tiny bit of red pepper flakes for a kick. Fresh parsley or mint can also add a delightful freshness to the marinade.
• Add Vegetables to Skewers: For a complete meal on a stick, thread chunks of bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or red onion in between the chicken pieces. They’ll cook beautifully alongside the chicken and absorb some of that delicious marinade flavor.
• Outdoor Grilling: If you have access to a BBQ, take advantage of it! Grilling these skewers outdoors during warmer months imparts an incredible smoky flavor that’s hard to replicate indoors. On a hot barbecue, they’ll typically need around 3-4 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of your chicken and the heat of your grill.
• Marinade Boost: For an extra layer of flavor and moisture, reserve a small amount of the marinade *before* adding the raw chicken. You can then brush this fresh marinade onto the skewers during the last few minutes of cooking, ensuring maximum juiciness and flavor (make sure to boil any reserved marinade that came into contact with raw chicken before using as a sauce).

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezing Tips

Chicken Spiedini is wonderfully accommodating, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or enjoying leftovers:

• Prepping in Advance: You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Simply combine the chicken and marinade ingredients in an airtight container or a Ziploc bag and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to thread and cook. This allows the flavors to deepen even further.
• Storing Leftovers: Cooked Chicken Spiedini can be stored in a sealed airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes them perfect for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
• Reheating: To reheat, you can place the skewers back in the oven or under the broiler (grill) until they are piping hot all the way through. Alternatively, the chicken is also delicious served cold, especially in salads or wraps.
• Freezing: These skewers freeze beautifully, both before and after cooking.
  • Uncooked: Marinate the chicken, thread it onto skewers, then place the skewers on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen skewers to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking as directed.
  • Cooked: Allow cooked skewers to cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

More Delicious Italian Recipes You Might Like

If you’ve enjoyed the vibrant flavors of these Italian chicken skewers, you’re in for a treat with these other beloved Italian dishes from our kitchen:

• Pistachio Crusted Chicken with Arugula Salad
• Involtini alla Palermitana (Sicilian Beef Involtini)
• Eggplant Parmigiana (Parmigiana di Melanzane)
• Stuffed Pork Tenderloin with Prosciutto & Pistachios
• Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Garlic and Pancetta

If you’ve tried this Chicken Spiedini Recipe or any other recipe on the blog, please let us know how you got on in the comments below! We love hearing from you! You can also Follow us on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more delicious food and what we’re cooking up.

Chicken Spiedini – Italian Chicken Skewers

By Emily

Prep: 10 mins

Cook: 10 mins

Total: 20 mins

Servings: 4 servings

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The easiest Chicken Spiedini made with tender and juicy chicken and a simple flavour packed marinade. These Italian chicken skewers are grilled to perfection and taste incredible, so easy and healthy they’re perfect for whipping up when you’re short on time or want a fuss-free dinner!

Equipment

• 4 wooden skewers (or metal skewers)

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• Zest of 1 whole lemon
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to season
• A squeeze of fresh lemon juice, for serving

Instructions

1. If using wooden skewers, soak them in a tray of water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
2. Cut the chicken into uniform 1-inch cubed pieces and add to a mixing bowl.
3. Add all the fresh herbs, lemon zest, olive oil, and a good pinch of salt and pepper to the chicken. Stir until thoroughly combined, ensuring all chicken pieces are coated. You can use the chicken immediately or place it in the fridge to marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes, up to 4 hours, until you’re ready to cook.
4. Heat the broiler (grill) to high. Alternatively, preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high heat.
5. Evenly thread the marinated chicken onto the wooden or metal skewers. Arrange the skewers on a baking tray for broiling, or directly on the grill grates.
6. For broiling: Place the chicken on a high shelf under the broiler and cook for 5 minutes. Carefully turn the skewers and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the chicken is browned, cooked through, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For outdoor grilling: Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until thoroughly cooked.
7. Serve the chicken skewers on a plate with an extra squeeze of fresh lemon juice and your favorite grilled vegetables or salad.

Notes

• Cutting the chicken: Ensure chicken is cut into even pieces so they cook uniformly.
• Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herb combinations like thyme or marjoram, or add a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the marinade.
• Outdoor grilling: These skewers are fantastic on a BBQ, gaining an extra smoky flavor. Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
• Leftovers: Store cooked chicken spiedini in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or under the broiler, or enjoy cold with a fresh salad.
• Freezing: You can freeze these skewers either before or after cooking. If freezing raw, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.

Helpful Info for All Recipes

• We always recommend using extra virgin olive oil in all of our recipes unless stated otherwise for the best flavor.
• When using canned or jarred tomatoes of any kind, we prefer Cirio or Mutti brands for their consistent quality and exceptional flavor.
• All vegetables are assumed to be medium-sized unless specifically noted.
• All recipes on this site are tested and developed using a fan (convection) oven.
• Find out more about how nutrition information is calculated on our website.
• Check out our comprehensive guide to Italian Pantry Staples to stock your kitchen.
• Explore all our Essential Kitchen Tools for Italian Cooking for a well-equipped culinary space.

Nutrition

Calories: 325kcal |
Carbohydrates: 1g |
Protein: 48g |
Fat: 13g |
Saturated Fat: 2g |
Cholesterol: 145mg |
Sodium: 844mg |
Potassium: 852mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 1g |
Vitamin A: 118IU |
Vitamin C: 5mg |
Calcium: 34mg |
Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.