If you’ve ever wished for a juicy, flavorful sandwich that transports you straight to the heart of upstate New York, you’re in for a treat with this Homemade Chicken Spiedies (Marinated Chicken Skewer Sandwich) Recipe. Tender chunks of marinated chicken thighs soak up a vibrant blend of herbs, garlic, and tangy red wine vinegar, then get perfectly grilled and nestled into soft, gluten-free ciabatta bread alongside sweet, caramelized onions. It is a dish that bursts with sunshine on your taste buds, offering an irresistibly satisfying meal that feels both special and delightfully homemade.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows seven white bowls arranged on a white marbled surface, each containing different ingredients. At the bottom center is a bowl filled with raw chicken pieces in pale pink tones, showing smooth and moist texture. Above it, slightly to the left, is a bowl with thinly sliced white onions, layered loosely with a soft and slightly translucent look. To the right of the onions are three large dried bay leaves in a small white bowl, with a matte, slightly textured surface. Below that, a small bowl holds a few whole peeled garlic cloves, smooth and white with a soft sheen. In the top right corner, a bowl contains a dark reddish-brown liquid with a smooth surface, possibly a sauce. To the left of it is a bowl with a bright yellow liquid, glossy and opaque. Finally, in the top left corner, a small bowl holds a mix of dry spices in light beige, black, and green colors with a powdery texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Using simple, yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients ensures your chicken spiedies will be bright, tender, and packed with flavor. Each item contributes essential elements—from the tang of lemon juice and red wine vinegar to the herbal warmth of oregano and the gentle sweetness of caramelized onions. Here’s everything you need to bring this classic sandwich to your table:

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts): Thighs are juicier and more forgiving, perfect for marinating.
1 sweet onion, sliced into half-moon slices: These will transform into luscious caramelized onions that complement the chicken.
6 cloves garlic, smashed: Adds aromatic depth to the marinade and grilling.
½ cup avocado oil: A mild, healthy oil that helps marry all the marinade flavors.
Juice of 1 lemon: Infuses bright acidity to balance the richness of the chicken.
¾ cup red wine vinegar: The signature tang that gives spiedies their iconic zip.
½ teaspoon onion powder: Intensifies the onion flavor in the marinade.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the garlic presence with a subtle background note.
2 teaspoons dried oregano: Brings a warm, herbal earthiness that complements the meat beautifully.
3 bay leaves: Slow-release flavor that adds a savory, slightly floral essence.
1 teaspoon salt: Brings out all the flavors and seasons the chicken perfectly.
¼ teaspoon pepper: Provides just a hint of gentle heat.
Gluten-free ciabatta: Soft yet sturdy bread to cradle the chicken and onions without falling apart.

How to Make Homemade Chicken Spiedies (Marinated Chicken Skewer Sandwich) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Aromatics

Begin by placing your chicken pieces into an airtight container or a sealable plastic bag. Add the sliced sweet onions and smashed garlic cloves straight into the mix. This combination will infuse the chicken with layers of flavor right from the start.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Marinade

In a bowl, vigorously whisk together avocado oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, red wine vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. This marinade is the heart and soul of your spiedies, blending acidity, herbs, and spices to tenderize and flavor the chicken fantastically.

Step 3: Marinate Overnight

Pour this glorious marinade over your chicken, onion, and garlic mixture, seal the container, and pop it in the fridge. Here’s the secret: letting the chicken soak overnight for at least 8 hours allows the meat to tenderize and fully absorb every delicious note from the marinade.

Step 4: Prepare Your Skewers and Grill Pan

Before cooking, soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent them from burning. Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat and lightly spray it with avocado or olive oil spray—this ensures your chicken will cook evenly without sticking.

Step 5: Thread and Cook the Chicken Skewers

Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers. Place them on the hot grill pan, cooking on each side for 4 to 5 minutes until they develop a beautiful, golden char and are cooked through. This grilling step locks in juices and contributes to those signature caramelized edges.

Step 6: Caramelize the Onions

Once the chicken skewers are done, reduce the heat to medium and add the onions from the marinade to the pan. Cook them slowly for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and melt-in-your-mouth sweet. These caramelized onions take the sandwich to the next level of deliciousness.

Step 7: Assemble Your Sandwich

Slide the grilled chicken skewers out of the pan and onto your gluten-free ciabatta bun. Top generously with the warm caramelized onions and any additional toppings you love. Each bite delivers a perfect combo of smoky, tangy, and sweet flavors wrapped in a soft, hearty bun.

How to Serve Homemade Chicken Spiedies (Marinated Chicken Skewer Sandwich) Recipe

Five skewers of grilled chicken pieces sit in a beige grill pan with visible grill marks and some oil glistening around the meat. Each skewer has multiple pieces of light golden brown chicken with darker charred spots, showing a mix of smooth and slightly textured surfaces. The pan rests on a white marbled tiled surface. Around the pan, there are several small rectangular white sandwich breads with a soft, fluffy texture and light brown crust on top. The scene looks simple and fresh. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The best part about serving this Homemade Chicken Spiedies (Marinated Chicken Skewer Sandwich) Recipe is how it invites creativity. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil can add a fresh, vibrant pop. A dollop of tzatziki or a smear of pesto can complement the tangy marinade beautifully while keeping the sandwich moist and luxurious.

Side Dishes

This meal pairs wonderfully with simple sides that don’t compete but complement the bold flavors. Think crisp cucumber salad, a light arugula and cherry tomato salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette, or even sweet potato fries for a touch of indulgence. The spiedies themselves are so flavorful, lighter sides often make the best companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the shredded chicken and caramelized onions de-skewered in a bowl with all your favorite sandwich toppings as a DIY buffet. Alternatively, turn this dish into a festive party platter by slicing the ciabatta and serving each piece topped with chicken and onions, garnished with fresh greens and a drizzle of infused olive oil.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers from your Homemade Chicken Spiedies (Marinated Chicken Skewer Sandwich) Recipe, store the grilled chicken skewers and caramelized onions separately in airtight containers. Refrigerate them promptly, and they’ll keep well for up to 3 days, ready for a quick reheat or creative reuse.

Freezing

You can freeze the marinated, uncooked chicken for up to 2 months before grilling. Simply place the chicken, onions, and marinade in a freezer-safe bag, removing excess air. This lets you have a convenient meal ready to thaw and grill on busy days without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or use your oven to warm the chicken and onions slowly—this prevents drying out and keeps the chicken tender. Avoid microwaving directly on high, as it can toughen the meat. Warm the gluten-free bun separately for best texture before assembling your sandwich.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While thighs are preferred for their juiciness and forgiving texture during marination, boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well too. Just be mindful to not overcook them to prevent dryness.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

For the best flavor and tenderness, marinate the chicken overnight—about 8 to 12 hours. If you’re short on time, a minimum of 2 hours will still impart good flavor, but longer is better.

Are there vegetarian alternatives to this recipe?

You can try marinating and grilling firm tofu or seitan with the same marinade to create a vegetarian version that captures the spirit of this sandwich. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.

What can I use if I don’t have a grill pan?

A regular skillet or even an outdoor grill works perfectly. Cooking times may vary, so keep an eye on the skewers to ensure they cook through and develop a nice char.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The chicken and marinade are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to choose gluten-free ciabatta or your favorite gluten-free bread to keep the entire sandwich safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve got the lowdown on making this incredible Homemade Chicken Spiedies (Marinated Chicken Skewer Sandwich) Recipe, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and bring these vibrant flavors into your kitchen. It’s a wonderful way to impress friends or enjoy a comforting, homemade meal that’s bursting with big, fresh tastes. Trust me, once you try it, this is going to become a beloved favorite to make again and again.