Olive Garden Chicken Speidies: A Flavor-Packed Grill Delight

The summer my family drove cross-country, our budget was tighter than a drum. We relied heavily on picnic lunches and the occasional affordable restaurant treat. I vividly remember the sheer joy of discovering Olive Garden’s Chicken Speidies. The savory marinated chicken, punctuated by sweet peppers and onions, served with that creamy, tangy sauce… it was a little taste of vacation indulgence we savored with every bite. I’ve been chasing that flavor memory ever since, and this recipe comes as close as I’ve ever gotten.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes (plus 2 hours marinating)
• Servings: 7
• Yield: 28 Speidies
• Dietary Type: Varies (see notes)

Ingredients

Chicken Marinade:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 garlic clove, crushed or minced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts

Appetizer Sauce:

• 1 cup mayonnaise (see notes for vegan alternatives)
• 2 teaspoons dried tarragon
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 1 teaspoon garlic, finely chopped

Assembly of Speidies:

• 3 large red bell peppers, cut into 1/2-inch by 1-inch strips
• 2 large green bell peppers, cut into 1/2-inch by 1-inch strips
• 1 large yellow onion, cut into 1/2-inch by 1-inch strips
• 28 bamboo skewers, 8-inch long, soaked in water in the refrigerator overnight

Ingredient Notes: For a lighter sauce, consider using light mayonnaise or a mixture of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise. To make this recipe dairy-free and vegan, replace the mayonnaise with a high-quality vegan alternative.

Equipment Needed

• Non-aluminum mixing bowl
• Waxed paper
• Meat mallet or rolling pin
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Grill or griddle
• Refrigerator

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Marinade: In a non-aluminum mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, dried tarragon, and dried oregano. Mix thoroughly until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved. The non-aluminum bowl is crucial, as the acid in the vinegar can react with aluminum and impart a metallic taste.

2. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between sheets of waxed paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken breasts until they reach an even thickness of approximately 3/16 inch. This ensures even cooking on the grill. Cut the chicken into 1-inch squares.

3. Marinate the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, ensuring it’s completely covered. Refrigerate and allow to marinate for 2 hours. This marinating time is essential for the chicken to absorb the flavors and tenderize.

4. Drain the Chicken: After 2 hours, remove the chicken from the marinade and drain well. Discard the marinade; do not reuse it.

5. Prepare the Appetizer Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, dried tarragon, Dijon mustard, pineapple juice, and finely chopped garlic just until blended.

6. Chill the Sauce: Cover the appetizer sauce and chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld. This chilling period significantly improves the taste of the sauce.

7. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash the bell peppers and cut them into 1/2-inch by 1-inch strips. Cut the yellow onion into similar-sized strips and separate the layers. Uniformly sized vegetables ensure even cooking.

8. Assemble the Speidies: Thread the ingredients onto the soaked bamboo skewers in the following order: red bell pepper, onion, chicken (fold into a “C” shape on the skewer), green bell pepper, onion, chicken (C shape) alternately, finishing with a strip of red pepper after the 4th piece of chicken on each skewer. Soaking the skewers prevents them from burning on the grill.

9. Space the Skewers: Spread the skewered items out on each skewer so they will cook quickly and evenly. Avoid overcrowding the skewers.

10. Grill the Speidies: Place the speidies on a preheated grill or griddle. Cook for approximately 1 minute per side, turning 4 times to cook each side. Aim for a light char on the vegetables and ensure the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

11. Adjust Cooking Time: Adjust the cooking time according to the heat output of your grill or griddle. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.

12. Serve Immediately: Serve the Chicken Speidies immediately with about 1/4 cup of the chilled dipping sauce per serving. 1 serving is 4 skewers.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Marinating Time: Don’t skimp on the marinating time! The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will become. You can even marinate it overnight for maximum impact.
• Chicken Preparation: Pounding the chicken to an even thickness is crucial for even cooking. This prevents some pieces from drying out while others are still raw.
• Grilling Surface: A well-oiled grill or griddle will prevent the chicken and vegetables from sticking, ensuring a beautiful char.
• Doneness Check: Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Visual cues alone are not always reliable.
• Sauce Consistency: If the appetizer sauce is too thick, add a little more pineapple juice to thin it to your desired consistency.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Chicken Speidies immediately after grilling for the best flavor and texture. Arrange the skewers artfully on a platter with a generous bowl of the dipping sauce. Leftover Speidies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before reheating. Note that the texture of the vegetables may change slightly after freezing.

Nutritional Information

(Estimated values per serving)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	370.7 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	197 g	53%
Total Fat	21.9 g	33%
Saturated Fat	3.3 g	16%
Cholesterol	71 mg	23%
Sodium	548.8 mg	22%
Total Carbohydrate	20.8 g	6%
Dietary Fiber	2.9 g	11%
Sugars	10.1 g	40%
Protein	22.7 g	45%

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is estimated and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicier Speidies: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken marinade for a subtle kick.
• Lemon Herb Marinade: Substitute the red wine vinegar with lemon juice and add fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme for a brighter, more Mediterranean flavor.
• Vegetarian Speidies: Replace the chicken with firm tofu or halloumi cheese for a vegetarian-friendly option. Marinate the tofu or halloumi in the same marinade as the chicken.
• Different Vegetables: Experiment with other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you ensure your Dijon mustard is gluten-free.
• Pineapple Substitute: If you don’t have pineapple juice, apple juice makes a good substitute.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs in the marinade?
A: Yes, dried herbs work well in this recipe. Use about one-third the amount of fresh herbs called for in the recipe.

Q: How long can I marinate the chicken?
A: You can marinate the chicken for as little as 2 hours or up to overnight. Marinating longer than 2 hours will result in a more flavorful and tender chicken.

Q: Can I grill these indoors?
A: Yes, you can use a grill pan on your stovetop or an indoor electric grill to cook the speidies indoors.

Q: What should I serve with these Chicken Speidies?
A: These speidies are great on their own as an appetizer or served with a side of rice, couscous, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Q: Can I make the appetizer sauce ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! In fact, making the sauce a day ahead allows the flavors to meld together even more, resulting in a more delicious sauce. Store it covered in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

The vibrant flavors and simple preparation of these Olive Garden Chicken Speidies make them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re reliving a cherished memory or discovering a new favorite dish, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. Feel free to experiment with variations and share your creations! Consider serving these speidies with a crisp Italian white wine for the full Olive Garden experience. Bon appétit!