Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce

Get ready to add some sizzle to your dinner with Peri Peri Chicken Skewers—because this dish is all about bold flavors, a little kick, and a lot of “wow!” The chicken is marinated in a vibrant, spicy peri peri sauce that’s tangy, smoky, and just the right amount of heat. Then, it’s grilled to perfection and drizzled with a rich, velvety butter sauce that brings everything together in the most delicious way. Trust me, you won’t want to put your fork down.

Whether you’re cooking for a summer BBQ, a casual weeknight, or just craving something packed with flavor, these skewers are sure to impress. It’s a dish that’s simple to make, fun to eat, and totally customizable depending on your spice tolerance. So grab those skewers and get ready to fire up the grill!

Why You’ll Love Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce

Flavor Explosion: From the zesty peri peri marinade to the rich butter sauce, each bite is a punch of spice, tang, and smoothness that keeps you coming back for more.

Grilled Goodness: The chicken gets perfectly charred on the outside, keeping it juicy and tender on the inside. It’s grilled food at its finest.

Quick & Easy: Marinate the chicken, skewer it, grill it, and drizzle on that butter sauce. Dinner is ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights or a quick gathering.

Customizable Heat: Adjust the spiciness to your preference by either going light on the peri peri sauce or cranking up the heat.

Perfect for Meal Prep or Parties: These skewers are ideal for feeding a crowd or packing for lunches throughout the week. Plus, they’re perfect for a backyard BBQ or family dinner!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these mouthwatering peri peri chicken skewers:

Chicken Thighs: Tender, juicy, and full of flavor. You can also use chicken breast if you prefer, but thighs are where the juiciness is at.

Peri Peri Sauce: The star of the marinade! You can find it in most stores, or make your own with a blend of chili, garlic, lemon, and herbs.

Lemon Juice & Zest: Fresh and zesty, it brightens up the marinade and balances the heat.

Garlic: You can never have too much garlic. It adds that irresistible savory kick.

Olive Oil: Helps the marinade cling to the chicken and keeps it tender during grilling.

Butter: The magic ingredient for the sauce—rich, smooth, and indulgent.

Fresh Herbs (like parsley): For garnish and a pop of color.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine peri peri sauce, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, and olive oil. Add the chicken thighs (cut into chunks) and mix everything together. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours if you’ve got the time. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it gets.

2. Skewer the Chicken

Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers. You can alternate with vegetables like bell peppers or onions if you like. This is your canvas—have fun with it!

3. Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char. If you’re using a grill pan, you can cook in batches to avoid crowding.

4. Make the Butter Sauce

While the chicken is grilling, melt butter in a small pan over low heat. Add more peri peri sauce (if you want a spicier kick) and whisk to combine. Let it warm up so it’s ready to drizzle over the skewers once they’re off the grill.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Once the skewers are cooked, drizzle with the butter sauce, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot. These are great served with a side of rice, a fresh salad, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
Total Fat: 23g

• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 95mg
  Sodium: 450mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 4g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 2g
  Protein: 30g
  Vitamin A: 5%
  Vitamin C: 10%
  Calcium: 4%
  Iron: 10%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marinating Time: 30 minutes (or longer)
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes

How to Serve Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with Butter Sauce

With Rice or Couscous: Pair the skewers with some fluffy rice or couscous to soak up the extra sauce. You could also try a creamy mashed potato or even roasted potatoes for a hearty side.

With a Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy dressing balances out the rich chicken. A Greek salad would be fantastic here.

As an Appetizer: Serve the skewers as party appetizers with some cool tzatziki or a creamy dip on the side.

On a Sandwich or Wrap: Shred the grilled chicken and make a quick wrap with lettuce, cucumber, and a drizzle of peri peri butter sauce.

Additional Tips

Control the Spice: You can tone down the heat by reducing the amount of peri peri sauce or using a milder version. If you love heat, don’t be afraid to add extra chili flakes or hot sauce to the butter sauce!

Make It Ahead: Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor. This also makes dinner prep a breeze.

Grill Alternatives: If you don’t have a grill, you can also broil the skewers in the oven or use a stovetop grill pan.

Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for tofu, paneer, or vegetable skewers for a plant-based option. Just marinate and grill as you would with the chicken.

Leftovers: Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They’re great for sandwiches or salads the next day.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make the peri peri sauce from scratch?

A1: Yes! You can make your own by blending fresh chili, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, and a few spices like cumin and oregano.

Q2: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

A2: Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine, though they tend to be a bit leaner, so they may dry out a little faster. Keep an eye on them while grilling.

Q3: Can I bake the chicken skewers instead of grilling them?

A3: Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Q4: How can I make this dish milder for kids?

A4: Use a mild peri peri sauce and skip the chili flakes in the butter sauce. You can also serve it with a cool yogurt dip to tame the heat.

Q5: Can I use wooden skewers?

A5: Yes! Just soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.

Q6: What’s the best way to store leftovers?

A6: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Q7: Can I add vegetables to the skewers?

A7: Absolutely! Bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes all work beautifully on these skewers.

Q8: Can I make the peri peri sauce ahead of time?

A8: Yes! You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Q9: How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

A9: The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). You can also cut into a piece of chicken to ensure it’s no longer pink inside.

Q10: Can I use a different type of protein?

A10: Yes, you can use lamb, beef, or even shrimp in place of the chicken for a different flavor.

Conclusion

These Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce are a fun and flavorful way to spice up your meals. Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or just treating yourself to a delicious dinner, these skewers are sure to impress. With the perfect balance of heat, tang, and richness from the butter sauce, this dish is a must-try for any spice lover! Enjoy the sizzle, and don’t forget to share with your favorite people (or keep it all to yourself—no judgment).

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