Chicken Spiedini is a flavorful Italian-style dish made by marinating chicken in herbs and spices, then coating it with crunchy Panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. It’s grilled to juicy perfection and served with a tangy, buttery amogio sauce made from olive oil, butter, garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs. This dish is perfect as a small plate or for a main course, providing a delicious mix of savory, garlicky flavors.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers:
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2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes)
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1/3 cup olive oil
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1/4 cup white wine (or chicken broth)
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2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh rosemary
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1 tablespoon dried oregano
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1 tablespoon lemon zest
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1 teaspoon kosher salt
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1 teaspoon ground black pepper
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3/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs
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1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
For the Amogio Sauce:
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1/2 cup olive oil
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1/4 cup unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
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3 cloves garlic (minced)
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1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
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1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
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1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
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1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions
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Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, white wine (or broth), rosemary, oregano, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Cover and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to marinate.
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Prepare the Skewers: Once marinated, toss the chicken in Panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese until well coated. Skewer the chicken onto bamboo or metal skewers.
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Grill the Chicken: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat and brush with oil. Grill the skewers for 4 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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Make the Amogio Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine olive oil, butter, garlic, lemon juice, parsley, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer on low heat, then remove from heat.
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Serve: Serve the grilled chicken skewers with the amogio sauce on the side for dipping.
Nutrients (per 2 skewers)
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Calories: 864 kcal
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Fat: 66g (102% DV)
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Saturated Fat: 16g (100% DV)
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Monounsaturated Fat: 38g
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Protein: 53g (106% DV)
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Carbohydrates: 13g (4% DV)
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Fiber: 2g (8% DV)
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Sugar: 1g
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Sodium: 1223mg (53% DV)
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Cholesterol: 183mg (61% DV)
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Potassium: 957mg (27% DV)
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Vitamin A: 668 IU (13% DV)
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Calcium: 146mg (15% DV)
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Iron: 2mg (11% DV)
These Chicken Spiedini Skewers are a fun and flavorful way to enjoy grilled chicken with a delicious dipping sauce. Perfect for dinner, parties, or a simple weeknight meal!
The Origins of Chicken Spiedini
The word spiedini comes from the Italian word spiedare, meaning “to skewer.” This dish typically involves marinating meat—often chicken, veal, or pork—then skewering it and grilling it. The skewer allows the meat to cook evenly while retaining moisture, resulting in juicy, flavorful bites. In this recipe, the chicken is marinated in a mixture of olive oil, herbs, and spices to infuse it with rich, aromatic flavors before being coated in a crunchy Panko breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture. The final touch is the addition of the flavorful amogio sauce, a butter-based dipping sauce made with garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs that elevates the dish to another level.
Key Ingredients and Their Role
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Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are cut into 1-inch cubes, providing tender bites that are easy to skewer and cook quickly on the grill. They absorb the marinade well and stay juicy when grilled.
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Olive Oil & White Wine: These ingredients form the base of the marinade, imparting moisture to the chicken and adding richness and flavor. White wine (or chicken broth) adds a subtle acidity that helps tenderize the chicken.
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Herbs & Spices: Fresh rosemary and dried oregano bring a herby, earthy flavor, while lemon zest adds a refreshing citrus note that brightens up the entire dish. Kosher salt and black pepper season the chicken and bring out its natural flavors.
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Panko Breadcrumbs & Parmesan Cheese: This combination creates a crispy and cheesy crust on the chicken that contrasts beautifully with the tender interior. The Panko breadcrumbs give a light, crunchy texture, while the Parmesan adds a rich, savory element.
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Amogio Sauce: The star of the dish, the amogio sauce, is made with olive oil, unsalted butter, garlic, lemon juice, fresh parsley, and basil. It’s rich, tangy, and aromatic, making it the perfect complement to the grilled chicken. The red pepper flakes add a touch of heat, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
How to Make Chicken Spiedini
Making Chicken Spiedini involves a few simple steps to ensure the chicken is flavorful, juicy, and crispy. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this delicious dish:
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Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken cubes with olive oil, white wine (or chicken broth), fresh rosemary, dried oregano, lemon zest, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cover and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to allow the chicken to marinate and absorb the flavors.
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Prepare the Skewers: After marinating, toss the chicken pieces in a mixture of Panko breadcrumbs and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Make sure each piece is well-coated for a crispy, cheesy exterior. Then, skewer the chicken onto bamboo or metal skewers.
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Grill the Chicken: Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat and brush it with a little oil. Grill the chicken skewers for about 4 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the outside is golden and crispy. The key is to avoid overcooking, ensuring the chicken remains juicy and tender.
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Make the Amogio Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine olive oil, unsalted butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, chopped basil, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (optional). Simmer on low heat for a few minutes, allowing the garlic to soften and the flavors to meld together. Once done, remove from heat.
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Serve: Serve the grilled chicken skewers hot with the amogio sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with extra fresh parsley or basil if desired, and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love Chicken Spiedini
Chicken Spiedini is the ultimate combination of flavor, texture, and ease. Here’s why you’ll love this dish:
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Crispy & Juicy: The chicken is perfectly grilled, with a crispy, cheesy exterior and a tender, juicy interior. The Panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan create the perfect texture contrast.
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Garlicky & Herbaceous: The chicken is marinated in a blend of rosemary, oregano, and lemon zest, which infuses the meat with herby, citrusy flavors. The amogio sauce is bursting with fresh garlic, lemon, and herbs, taking the dish to the next level.
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Versatile: Chicken Spiedini is great for many occasions. Serve it as a small appetizer at a party, as a main course for dinner, or as a fun addition to your weekend grilling session. It pairs wonderfully with salads, roasted vegetables, or even pasta.
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Easy to Make: With just a few steps, this dish comes together quickly. Marinating the chicken and preparing the sauce only take a short amount of time, making this a fantastic weeknight meal or party dish.
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Customizable: You can easily swap the chicken for other proteins like turkey or pork, or adjust the seasonings to your liking. The amogio sauce can also be made without red pepper flakes for a milder option.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Chicken Spiedini (2 skewers) provides around 864 calories, with 66g of fat (102% DV), 53g of protein (106% DV), and 13g of carbohydrates. The dish is high in protein and healthy fats, making it a satisfying meal that provides energy and fullness. It also offers a good amount of potassium (957mg) and calcium (146mg), as well as a boost of vitamin A (668 IU). While it’s relatively high in saturated fat, the dish is balanced with plenty of protein and a moderate amount of carbohydrates, making it a great choice for those looking for a hearty yet flavorful meal.
Conclusion: A Flavorful, Fun Dish for Any Occasion
Chicken Spiedini is a flavorful, fun, and easy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of juicy grilled chicken, crispy breadcrumbs, savory Parmesan, and tangy amogio sauce creates a delicious meal that’s sure to please. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer at a party, as a light dinner, or as part of a larger feast, this dish will quickly become a favorite. The balance of garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs gives it a vibrant, satisfying flavor that will have everyone coming back for more!