Dustin’s Chicken Spiedini: An Italian-Southern Fusion

I can still remember the first time I tasted spiedini. It wasn’t in some fancy Italian trattoria, but at a potluck in my small hometown in Georgia. A neighbor, Dustin, brought a platter piled high with these golden-brown, savory skewers. The aroma alone was intoxicating – a mix of herbs, melted cheese, and something subtly sweet. One bite, and I was hooked. The tender chicken, the creamy Asiago, the crispy breadcrumbs… it was an explosion of textures and flavors that felt both familiar and excitingly new. Turns out, Dustin had adapted a traditional Italian recipe with his own Southern twist, and it quickly became a family favorite.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Servings: 3 spiedinis
• Yield: 3
• Dietary Type: N/A

Ingredients

• 3 large boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 6 ounces Asiago cheese, cut into 3 cubes (or any good Italian cheese)
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
• 4 dried bay leaves
• 1 large white onion, sliced thickly lengthwise
• Cooking spray

Equipment Needed

• Baking Pan
• Toothpicks

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This moderate temperature ensures the chicken cooks through without burning the breadcrumbs.

2. Lightly spray a baking pan with cooking spray. This prevents the spiedini from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

3. Now comes the fun part: assembling the spiedini. Take each chicken strip and wrap it around a cube of Asiago cheese. Secure the chicken around the cheese with a toothpick to keep it all together during cooking.

4. Prepare for breading. Dip each chicken-cheese bundle into the olive oil, ensuring it’s well coated. The oil helps the breadcrumbs adhere and adds richness to the flavor.

5. Next, roll the olive oil-coated chicken in the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently to make sure they stick. A generous coating of breadcrumbs is key to achieving that satisfying crunch.

6. Place the breaded chicken spiedini in the prepared baking pan, spacing them evenly.

7. Top with bay leaves and sliced onions. The bay leaves infuse the chicken with a subtle, earthy aroma, while the onions caramelize during baking, adding sweetness and depth. Arrange the bay leaves around the spiedini and scatter the onion slices in the pan.

8. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through, the cheese has melted, and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the chicken strips and the accuracy of your oven. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

9. Remove from the oven and let the spiedini rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to firm up slightly and prevents it from squirting out when you bite into it.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For extra crispy breadcrumbs, try toasting them lightly in a dry skillet before coating the chicken. This will remove some of the moisture and create a more satisfying crunch.
• If you’re short on time, you can assemble the spiedini ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before baking for even cooking.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking pan. Overcrowding can cause the chicken to steam instead of bake, resulting in soggy breadcrumbs. Work in batches if necessary.
• Experiment with different types of Italian cheese. Provolone, mozzarella, or even a sharp provolone would all work well in this recipe.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumbs for a little bit of heat.
• For a richer flavor, use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Dustin’s Chicken Spiedini is best served hot, right out of the oven. The melted cheese and crispy breadcrumbs are at their peak when fresh. Arrange the spiedini on a platter and garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the breadcrumbs will lose some of their crispness.

These are best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to freeze them, wrap each spiedini individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	1312.4 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	584 g	45%
Total Fat	65 g	99%
Saturated Fat	13 g	64%
Cholesterol	93.6 mg	31%
Sodium	1531.4 mg	63%
Total Carbohydrate	159.8 g	53%
Dietary Fiber	39.7 g	158%
Sugars	6.7 g	26%
Protein	52.1 g	104%

Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
• Cheese Swap: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, mozzarella, or fontina.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
• Herb Infusion: Mix fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano into the breadcrumbs for added flavor.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or halloumi cheese for a vegetarian alternative.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese instead of cubing it?

A: While you could use shredded cheese, cubing it helps create a molten core inside the chicken, providing a more satisfying texture.

Q: Can I make these on the grill?

A: Absolutely! Grill the spiedini over medium heat, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted. Be careful not to let the breadcrumbs burn.

Q: What if I don’t have Italian seasoned breadcrumbs?

A: You can make your own by mixing plain breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs like oregano and basil.

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

A: Yes, chicken thighs will work, but they may require a slightly longer cooking time. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

Q: Can I add vegetables to the skewers?

A: Sure! Bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini would be delicious additions. Just thread them onto the skewers along with the chicken and cheese.

Final Thoughts

Dustin’s Chicken Spiedini is more than just a recipe; it’s a culinary story of Italian inspiration meeting Southern comfort. It’s a testament to how creativity and a little experimentation can transform a simple dish into something truly special. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the delightful fusion of flavors for yourself. Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on it, and most importantly, share it with the people you love. Let me know in the comments how yours turned out! This pairs wonderfully with a crisp Pinot Grigio and a simple side salad.