chicken spiedies recipe.
Chicken Spiedies Recipe
These Chicken Spiedies are tender, juicy, and packed with delicious Italian-inspired flavor. Marinated chicken is skewered and grilled until lightly charred, then served on soft Italian bread or a hero roll for a classic Upstate New York sandwich.
Chicken Spiedies Recipe – Binghamton-Style Marinated Chicken
Make this easy Chicken Spiedies recipe with tender marinated chicken, garlic, herbs, lemon, and vinegar. Grill the chicken and serve it on Italian bread for a classic New York sandwich.
Why You'll Love These Chicken Spiedies
- Tender and juicy chicken: Marinating the chicken gives it plenty of flavor and helps keep it juicy when grilled.
- Bold Italian-inspired flavor: Garlic, lemon, vinegar, herbs, and olive oil create a bright and savory marinade.
- Classic New York recipe: Chicken Spiedies are strongly associated with the Binghamton and Endicott area of Upstate New York.
- Perfect for grilling: The chicken develops deliciously browned and lightly charred edges over high heat.
- Easy to prepare: The marinade comes together quickly with simple ingredients.
- Great for sandwiches: Serve the grilled chicken on soft Italian bread or a hero roll for the classic Spiedie experience.
- Perfect for summer: These grilled chicken skewers are ideal for cookouts, picnics, tailgates, and family gatherings.
- Make-ahead friendly: Marinate the chicken ahead of time so it's ready to grill when you're ready to cook.
- Versatile: Enjoy the chicken on bread, over salad, with rice, or alongside grilled vegetables.
What Are Chicken Spiedies?
Chicken Spiedies are a regional specialty associated with Binghamton and Endicott, New York. The dish consists of small pieces of chicken marinated in an oil-and-acid-based mixture with garlic and herbs, then skewered and grilled. The grilled chicken is traditionally served on Italian-style bread or a soft hero roll.
The marinade varies from recipe to recipe, but common ingredients include olive oil, lemon juice or vinegar, garlic, basil, oregano, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Marinade
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
For Serving
- 6 soft Italian rolls or hero rolls
- Fresh parsley, optional
- Extra lemon wedges, optional
How to Make Chicken Spiedies
1. Cut the Chicken
Cut the chicken into approximately 1 to 1½-inch cubes. Try to keep the pieces similar in size so they cook evenly.
2. Make the Marinade
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, basil, parsley, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
3. Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken to the marinade and toss until every piece is well coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight. Some traditional recipes use longer marinating times, but chicken generally should not be left in a highly acidic marinade indefinitely because the texture can become undesirable.
4. Prepare the Skewers
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes.
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between the pieces.
5. Grill the Chicken
Preheat a grill to medium-high heat.
Grill the chicken skewers for approximately 8–12 minutes, turning several times, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred on the outside.
Cook chicken to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Serve
Remove the chicken from the skewers and place it inside soft Italian bread or a hero roll.
Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Spiedies
- Cut the chicken evenly: Similar-sized pieces cook more evenly.
- Marinate overnight: This gives the chicken plenty of time to absorb the garlic, herbs, lemon, and vinegar.
- Don't overcrowd the skewers: Leave small spaces between chicken pieces so they grill rather than steam.
- Use medium-high heat: This helps create flavorful browned edges without drying the chicken.
- Don't overcook the chicken: Use an instant-read thermometer to check for 165°F (74°C).
- Use fresh garlic: Fresh garlic gives the marinade a much more vibrant flavor.
- Try chicken thighs: Boneless chicken thighs are especially juicy and flavorful.
- Choose good bread: Soft Italian bread or a hero roll is an important part of the classic sandwich.
- Turn frequently: Rotating the skewers helps the chicken cook evenly and develop light char.
- Prepare ahead: Make the marinade and chicken the day before for an easy cookout meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Spiedies with:
- Italian bread or hero rolls
- Potato salad
- Coleslaw
- Pasta salad
- French fries
- Grilled vegetables
- Corn on the cob
- Green salad
- Cucumber salad
- Pickles
- Potato chips
For a classic Upstate New York-inspired meal, serve the grilled chicken on a soft Italian-style roll with simple sides such as potato salad, coleslaw, or chips.
Variations
Chicken Thigh Spiedies
Replace chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juicy and flavorful Spiedies.
Spicy Chicken Spiedies
Add ½–1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
Lemon Herb Chicken Spiedies
Increase the fresh lemon juice slightly and add extra parsley and basil for a brighter herb flavor.
Garlic Chicken Spiedies
Add an extra clove or two of fresh garlic for a stronger garlic flavor.
Chicken Spiedies Salad
Serve the grilled chicken over lettuce with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and your favorite Italian-inspired dressing.
Storage
Store leftover cooked Chicken Spiedies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet, oven, or air fryer until warmed through.
For best texture, store the chicken separately from the bread and assemble the sandwiches just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Chicken Spiedies?
Chicken Spiedies are a regional Upstate New York dish made from marinated chicken that is skewered, grilled, and traditionally served on Italian-style bread or a hero roll. They are particularly associated with the Binghamton and Endicott area.
Where did Chicken Spiedies originate?
Spiedies are closely associated with the Binghamton and Endicott area of New York and have Italian-American roots.
What meat can be used for Spiedies?
Chicken is one of the most popular choices today, but Spiedies can also be prepared with pork, beef, lamb, or other meats.
How long should I marinate Chicken Spiedies?
For chicken, 6 hours to overnight is a practical range for this recipe. Some traditional recipes call for longer marination, but highly acidic marinades can eventually affect the texture of chicken.
What bread is used for Chicken Spiedies?
Chicken Spiedies are traditionally served on Italian bread or a soft hero/hoagie roll.
Can I make Chicken Spiedies without a grill?
Yes. You can cook the marinated chicken on a grill pan, skillet, or under a broiler. Cook until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work very well and tend to remain especially juicy when grilled.
Nutrition Facts
Approximate nutrition per serving, including chicken and one roll:
- Calories: 510 kcal
- Protein: 38 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Total Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 4 g
Nutrition information is an estimate and can vary depending on the chicken cut, amount of marinade absorbed, bread, and other ingredients used.
Similar Recipes
- New York Chicken Spiedies
- Chicken Kebabs
- Italian Grilled Chicken
- Chicken Skewers
- Chicken Souvlaki
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich
- Chicken Parmesan Sandwich
Final Thoughts
Chicken Spiedies are a delicious Upstate New York specialty featuring tender chicken marinated with garlic, herbs, lemon, vinegar, and olive oil before being grilled to perfection. The flavorful chicken develops lightly charred edges and is traditionally served on soft Italian bread or a hero roll.
Serve Chicken Spiedies with potato salad, coleslaw, grilled vegetables, or your favorite summer sides for a delicious family meal, cookout, or tailgate gathering.
Try this easy Chicken Spiedies recipe at home and enjoy tender, flavorful grilled chicken with classic Binghamton-inspired flavor in every bite!

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