Grilled Chicken Spiedies: A Marinated Masterpiece for Your Grill

Spiedies, those glorious marinated meat cubes originating from Binghamton, New York, are a summer grilling staple. While traditionally made with lamb, pork, or veal, chicken spiedies offer a lighter and equally delicious alternative. The secret? A flavorful, herbaceous marinade that tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with unforgettable taste. This guide provides everything you need to create perfect grilled chicken spiedies at home, from the perfect marinade recipe to expert grilling tips.

**What are Spiedies?**

Before diving into the chicken version, let’s understand the essence of spiedies. They’re essentially marinated meat cubes, typically skewered and grilled. The key lies in the marinade – a tangy, garlicky, and herb-rich concoction that transforms the meat into tender, flavorful bites. Served on soft Italian bread or rolls, they are a simple yet satisfying meal.

**Why Chicken Spiedies?**

While traditional spiedies are fantastic, chicken spiedies are a welcome adaptation for several reasons:

* **Lighter Option:** Chicken is a leaner protein than lamb, pork, or veal, making it a healthier choice.
* **Faster Cooking Time:** Chicken cooks faster than other meats, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
* **Readily Available:** Chicken is widely available and often more budget-friendly.
* **Versatile Flavor Profile:** Chicken readily absorbs the marinade flavors, resulting in a delicious and customizable dish.

**The Star of the Show: The Marinade**

The marinade is the soul of spiedies. It’s what gives them their distinctive flavor and tender texture. Here’s a classic chicken spiedies marinade recipe:

**Ingredients:**

* 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 1 cup olive oil
* ½ cup red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar for a milder tang)
* ¼ cup white wine (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
* 4-6 cloves garlic, minced (adjust to taste)
* 2 tablespoons dried oregano
* 2 tablespoons dried basil
* 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Cut the chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking.
2. **Combine Marinade Ingredients:** In a large bowl or zip-top bag, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), white wine (if using), minced garlic, oregano, basil, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
3. **Marinate the Chicken:** Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Massage the marinade into the chicken or seal the bag tightly, removing any excess air.
4. **Refrigerate:** Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours, and preferably 24-48 hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will become. Turn the bag or stir the chicken occasionally to ensure even marinating.

**Tips for the Perfect Marinade:**

* **Fresh is Best (Sometimes):** While dried herbs work well, using fresh herbs like oregano and basil will elevate the flavor even further. Double the quantity if using fresh herbs.
* **Adjust the Garlic:** The garlic level is a matter of personal preference. Start with 4 cloves and add more if you’re a garlic lover.
* **Acid is Key:** The vinegar tenderizes the chicken. Don’t skip it!
* **Don’t Over-Marinate:** While longer is generally better, marinating for more than 48 hours can sometimes make the chicken texture slightly mushy. Monitor the chicken’s texture after 48 hours.
* **Flavor Variations:** Experiment with different herbs and spices! Consider adding rosemary, thyme, parsley, or even a touch of paprika.
* **Lemon Juice:** A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten the marinade.

**Grilling Your Chicken Spiedies to Perfection**

Now that your chicken is beautifully marinated, it’s time to fire up the grill! Here’s how to achieve perfectly grilled chicken spiedies:

**Preparation:**

1. **Soak Wooden Skewers (If Using):** If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This prevents them from burning.
2. **Preheat the Grill:** Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-450°F or 190-230°C). Make sure the grates are clean.
3. **Thread the Chicken:** Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece to allow for even cooking. Don’t overcrowd the skewers.

**Grilling Instructions:**

1. **Oil the Grates:** Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the chicken from sticking.
2. **Grill the Spiedies:** Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for 8-12 minutes, turning frequently, until the chicken is cooked through and has a slight char. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
3. **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
4. **Baste (Optional):** During the last few minutes of grilling, you can baste the chicken with some of the reserved marinade (make sure it hasn’t touched raw chicken!) for extra flavor.
5. **Rest:** Remove the skewers from the grill and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful spiedies.

**Grilling Tips for Success:**

* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** This is the most accurate way to ensure your chicken is cooked to the proper internal temperature.
* **Control the Heat:** Medium-high heat is ideal for grilling spiedies. Too high, and the outside will burn before the inside is cooked. Too low, and the chicken will dry out.
* **Turn Frequently:** Turning the skewers frequently ensures even cooking and prevents burning.
* **Don’t Crowd the Grill:** Grilling too many skewers at once will lower the grill temperature and result in uneven cooking.
* **Clean the Grates:** Clean grill grates ensure proper heat transfer and prevent sticking.
* **Indirect Heat:** For thicker chicken cubes, consider using indirect heat (placing the chicken away from the direct flame) for a portion of the cooking time to ensure it cooks evenly.

**Serving Suggestions:**

Traditionally, spiedies are served on soft Italian bread or rolls. Here are some popular ways to enjoy them:

* **On a Roll:** Stuff the grilled chicken spiedies into a soft Italian roll. The juices from the chicken will soak into the bread, creating a delicious and satisfying sandwich.
* **Spiedie Salad:** Serve the grilled chicken spiedies over a bed of mixed greens with your favorite vinaigrette.
* **Spiedie Bowl:** Create a healthy and flavorful bowl with rice, quinoa, or other grains, topped with grilled chicken spiedies and your favorite vegetables.
* **Appetizer:** Serve the grilled chicken spiedies as an appetizer with toothpicks for easy dipping.
* **Sides:** Pair your spiedies with classic summer sides like coleslaw, potato salad, corn on the cob, or grilled vegetables.

**Bread Options for Spiedies:**

The type of bread you use can significantly impact the overall experience. Here are some excellent choices:

* **Italian Rolls:** The classic choice. Look for soft, slightly sweet Italian rolls.
* **Hoagie Rolls:** A sturdy option that can hold a generous amount of spiedies.
* **Ciabatta Rolls:** Offer a slightly chewy texture and a rustic flavor.
* **French Rolls:** Provide a light and airy texture.

**Sauce Options:**

While spiedies are delicious on their own, you can enhance their flavor with various sauces. Here are some suggestions:

* **The Marinade:** Use some of the reserved marinade (that hasn’t touched raw chicken!) as a dipping sauce.
* **Garlic Aioli:** A creamy and garlicky sauce that complements the herbs in the marinade.
* **Pesto:** The herbaceous flavor of pesto pairs well with the chicken.
* **Tzatziki Sauce:** A refreshing yogurt-based sauce with cucumber and dill.
* **Hot Sauce:** For those who like a kick, add a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
* **Chimichurri:** An Argentinian herb sauce that adds a vibrant flavor.

**Make-Ahead Tips:**

* **Marinate in Advance:** The chicken can be marinated for up to 48 hours in the refrigerator. This is a great way to prepare ahead of time.
* **Cut the Chicken:** Cut the chicken into cubes and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to marinate it.
* **Prepare the Marinade:** The marinade can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

**Storage Instructions:**

* **Cooked Chicken Spiedies:** Store leftover cooked chicken spiedies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the chicken spiedies in the microwave, oven, or on the grill until heated through.

**Troubleshooting:**

* **Chicken is Dry:** Don’t overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) and remove it from the grill immediately.
* **Chicken is Burning:** Lower the grill heat or move the chicken to a cooler part of the grill. Turn the skewers frequently to prevent burning.
* **Chicken is Not Cooking Evenly:** Ensure the chicken cubes are uniform in size and that the grill temperature is consistent.
* **Marinade is Too Strong:** Reduce the amount of vinegar or garlic in the marinade. You can also add a little sugar to balance the acidity.

**Variations on the Recipe:**

* **Spicy Spiedies:** Add more red pepper flakes to the marinade or use a spicy chili paste.
* **Lemon Herb Spiedies:** Add lemon zest and juice to the marinade, along with fresh rosemary and thyme.
* **Honey Garlic Spiedies:** Add honey and soy sauce to the marinade for a sweet and savory flavor.
* **Vegetarian Spiedies:** Marinate tofu or vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini in the spiedie marinade and grill them.

**Health Benefits:**

Chicken spiedies can be a healthy meal option when prepared with lean chicken and a balanced diet. Chicken provides a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues. The marinade contains herbs and spices that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

**Conclusion:**

Grilled chicken spiedies are a flavorful and versatile dish that’s perfect for summer grilling. With a simple marinade and easy grilling techniques, you can create a delicious and memorable meal that everyone will love. So, fire up the grill and get ready to experience the taste of Binghamton, New York, right in your own backyard! Enjoy!