Spiedie Sandwich
This iconic sandwich from Binghamton, New York features tender cubes of chicken marinated for over a day in a zesty, herb-infused vinaigrette. Grilled to smoky perfection and served in a soft Italian roll, it's a simple yet unforgettable taste of American regional cuisine.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 12 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Marinade & Marinate Chicken (24-48 hours)
- b.In a large non-reactive bowl or a large zip-top bag, whisk together the vegetable oil, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes until well combined.
- c.Add the cubed chicken to the marinade. Stir or seal the bag and toss until every piece of chicken is thoroughly coated.
- d.Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for a minimum of 24 hours. For the most tender and flavorful results, marinate for up to 48 hours. Turn the bag or stir the chicken occasionally to ensure even marination.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Skewer the Chicken (5 minutes)
- b.If you are using wooden or bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before use to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- c.Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Discard the leftover marinade.
- d.Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers. Leave a small gap (about 1/4 inch) between each piece to promote even cooking and charring.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Grill the Spiedies (10-12 minutes)
- b.Preheat your grill to a medium-high heat, around 400-450°F (200-230°C). Clean and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- c.Place the chicken skewers on the hot grill. Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning the skewers every 2-3 minutes to cook all sides evenly.
- d.The spiedies are done when the chicken is lightly charred, opaque throughout, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble the Sandwiches (5 minutes)
- b.Slice the Italian rolls lengthwise down the middle, but not all the way through, creating a hinge.
- c.To serve, take a warm roll and wrap it around a skewer of freshly grilled chicken.
- d.Firmly grip the chicken through the bread and pull the skewer out, leaving the tender meat nestled inside the roll.
- e.Repeat with the remaining skewers and rolls. Serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1The 24-hour marination is not a suggestion, it's the secret to authentic spiedie flavor and tenderness. Do not skip this step!
- 2For extra flavor, lightly toast the inside of the rolls on the grill for 30-60 seconds before assembling.
- 3Ensure chicken cubes are uniform in size (around 1-inch) for consistent cooking.
- 4If you don't have a grill, you can cook the skewers on a preheated grill pan over medium-high heat or under a broiler, turning frequently.
- 5While traditionally served plain, you can drizzle a little extra spiedie marinade (a fresh, unused batch) over the meat for more flavor.
Adapt it for your goals.
Meat Variations
Traditionally, spiedies can also be made with pork, lamb, or even venison. Use 1-inch cubes of pork loin or lamb leg and follow the same marination and grilling process.
Vegetarian SpiediesVegetarian Spiedies
For a vegetarian option, use firm tofu (pressed well to remove moisture), large chunks of portobello mushrooms, or a mix of bell peppers and onions. Marinate for at least 4 hours before grilling.
Spiedie SaladSpiedie Salad
For a lighter meal, skip the bread and serve the grilled spiedie meat over a bed of fresh greens with a simple vinaigrette.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Chicken breast is a fantastic source of high-quality lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue, supporting immune function, and maintaining a healthy metabolism.
Provides Sustained Energy
The carbohydrates from the Italian roll provide a ready source of energy for your body and brain, making this a satisfying and fueling meal.
Rich in Antioxidants
Herbs like oregano and basil, along with garlic, are packed with antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
Frequently asked questions
A single Spiedie Sandwich made with this recipe contains approximately 500-550 calories, depending on the size of the roll and the amount of oil absorbed by the chicken.