More Spiedies

I've given a spiedie recipe on here before, but you could always use another, right? For those unfamiliar with spiedies (for shame!), here's a brief introduction. And for those who like even briefer introductions, spiedies are similar to marinated chicken kebabs, only they're marinated for a longer period of time and, if you're a spiedie purist, eaten in a certain manner.


Ingredients:

boneless, skinless, chicken breast, cubed (about 4?)

1 cup oil (I use canola)
4 tbsp. lemon juice (or more)
1/3- 1/2 cup white, apple cider, or red wine vinegar, depending on your taste
1/3 cup minced onion
1 tsp. sea salt
1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper
pinch of sugar
sprinkle of cayenne
1 and 1/2- 3 tsp. fresh, finely chopped oregano
2-3 tbsp. fresh, torn basil
1 tbsp. fresh, chopped parsley
2-3 tsp. fresh, finely chopped rosemary
5 cloves fresh, finely minced or pressed garlic

a shake of ground thyme or some fresh, chopped thyme if you have it (I didn't)

*My amounts always vary. Use more or less of the above spices depending on your tastes, and since marinades usually have a one-to-one ratio of acid (vinegar/lemon) to oil, I sometimes increase the vinegar and lemon juice slightly, to taste.

**Dried spices may be substituted, of course, and I do so in winter. Rule of thumb: 1 tsp. of dried spice equals 1 tbsp. of fresh.

Mix all ingredients together, add cubed, raw chicken, and marinate for a minimum of two days. Spiedies are generally marinated for 3 days or even up to a week, though I think my record was 6 days. It's hard to not grill them when you know they're in the fridge...

When ready to cook, either grill on skewers or broil in the oven until cooked and lightly browned but not dry. Serve over salad, as the meat course in your meal, or, if you're a purist, wrapped up in a slice of soft Italian bread. Drizzle with fresh marinade, if desired. (I sometimes boil the leftover marinade to cook any bacteria and use that for drizzling.)