Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce Recipe
If you’re in the mood for a spicy, succulent dish that’s an absolute showstopper for any grill night, look no further than Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce. Each tender chunk of chicken is infused with a bold, tangy peri peri marinade, then flame-grilled to golden perfection and brushed with a dreamy, garlicky butter sauce just before serving. The result? Smoky, juicy skewers layered with complex flavors and a touch of heat—ideal for impressing friends, satisfying weeknight cravings, or turning a backyard dinner into something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple but lets each ingredient shine. The key flavors, spices, and that irresistible butter sauce all come together for maximum taste with minimal fuss. Here’s everything you’ll need, with tips to make every element count!
- Chicken thighs: These stay wonderfully juicy when grilled, but chicken breast can be swapped in if preferred.
- Peri peri sauce: The star of the show! Go mild or hot depending on your spice preference—homemade or a good-quality store-bought sauce works wonders.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the marinade cling beautifully to every piece of chicken.
- Lemon juice: A fresh, citrusy kick that lifts all the flavors and adds brightness to both the marinade and the butter sauce.
- Garlic cloves: Minced garlic delivers a punch of aroma and depth in both the marinade and the sauce.
- Smoked paprika: For that irresistible smoky note and a lovely blush of color.
- Salt: Just enough to bring all the flavors together, never overpowering.
- Black pepper: A hint of sharpness that rounds out the spices.
- Wooden or metal skewers: If using wooden, don’t skip soaking them—this keeps them from burning on the grill.
- Unsalted butter: The base of that dreamy butter sauce; unsalted lets you control the seasoning.
How to Make Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining the chicken thighs, peri peri sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a big bowl. Toss everything really well so every chunk of chicken gets covered in the flavorful marinade. For the best possible flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least an hour (or even overnight if you can plan ahead). This is where the chicken soaks up all that fiery, aromatic goodness, so don’t rush!
Step 2: Prep the Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes while the chicken marinates. This prevents charring on the grill. If using metal skewers, just pull them out and you’re ready to thread. Once the chicken is marinated, thread the chunks onto your skewers—pack them snugly but don’t crowd them too tight, so each piece cooks evenly and gets those beautiful grill marks.
Step 3: Grill to Perfection
Heat up your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lay the skewers over the grates and listen for that glorious sizzle! Cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, turning just once, until the chicken is beautifully charred and fully cooked through—juicy on the inside with a gorgeous exterior. The aroma at this stage will have everyone hovering by the grill!
Step 4: Prepare the Butter Sauce
While the skewers are grilling, make the luscious butter sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until bubbling but not browned. Stir in the peri peri sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Let it gently simmer for a minute or two, just long enough for the garlic to mellow and flavors to meld. Take it off the heat—it’s ready to brush and serve!
Step 5: Brush and Serve
As soon as your Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce come off the grill, brush them generously with the warm, aromatic butter sauce. The sauce soaks into each morsel, adding gloss and extra zing. Serve the rest of the sauce alongside for dunking—trust me, your guests will want every last drop.
How to Serve Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce
Garnishes
Bring out the color and freshness by scattering chopped cilantro or flat-leaf parsley over the hot skewers right before serving. A few extra lemon wedges on the side let everyone add even more bright citrus flavor. You could even sprinkle a tiny pinch of extra smoked paprika for a vibrant finish!
Side Dishes
For a truly satisfying meal, pair your Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce with fluffy steamed rice, warm flatbreads, or a crisp, cooling salad. Creamy coleslaw or tangy cucumber yogurt will tame the heat, while buttery corn or roasted vegetables make for deliciously simple accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get playful, try serving these skewers on a big platter with little bowls of extra butter sauce for dipping. Or, lay the grilled chicken over a bed of herbed couscous and thread a skewer right through. For parties, slice the chicken off the skewers and tuck into sliders or wrap in pita for a crowd-pleasing twist on street food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftover Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce into an airtight container and keep them chilled in the refrigerator for up to three days. The chicken stays juicy and full of flavor, and the butter sauce can be stored separately in a small jar or covered bowl.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, simply freeze the cooked chicken skewers (without the sauce) in a well-sealed freezer bag or container for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to use. The butter sauce is best made fresh, but you can freeze it in a pinch—just warm it gently before serving.
Reheating
For the juiciest results, reheat the chicken skewers in a covered dish in the oven at 325°F until just warmed through, or pop them onto a hot grill for a few minutes to revive the charred edges. Warm the butter sauce gently in a small saucepan or in the microwave in short bursts, then brush over or drizzle before serving once again.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce?
Absolutely! Chicken breast is a fine option if you prefer leaner meat. Just be sure not to overcook it, as it can dry out more quickly than thighs. You might want to marinate it a bit longer and take care not to crowd the skewers for the juiciest results.
How spicy is the peri peri sauce in this recipe?
The heat entirely depends on the peri peri sauce you use. Go for mild for a subtle burn or amp up the heat with an extra hot blend. You’re completely in control—taste the sauce before marinating and adjust the quantity to your liking.
What can I substitute if I can’t find peri peri sauce?
If peri peri sauce isn’t available, you can use a mix of hot sauce (like sriracha), smoked paprika, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a touch more olive oil to make a quick homemade version. It won’t be exactly the same but will give you a similar fiery, tangy kick.
Is the butter sauce necessary, or can I serve the skewers without it?
The Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce are outstanding thanks to that final glossy, flavorful finish from the sauce. While you can serve the skewers without it, the butter sauce truly ties everything together, adding richness and even more complex flavor. Highly recommended!
Can the skewers be cooked indoors?
Yes, these skewers can be made indoors using a stove-top grill pan or even broiled in the oven. Just make sure your ventilation is good, as the smoky aromas are part of the magic! Cooking times will be similar—just keep an eye out for that perfect char on the outside.
Final Thoughts
These Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce are the kind of dish that turns a simple meal into a true event—spicy, buttery, and impossible to resist. Don’t be surprised if they become a go-to favorite every grilling season! Gather your friends, fire up the grill, and give this recipe a try—you’re in for some seriously happy tastebuds.
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Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These flavorful Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce are a delicious combination of spicy marinated chicken grilled to perfection and served with a rich buttery sauce. Perfect for summer grilling or any time you crave a taste of Portuguese and African-inspired cuisine.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
- 3 tablespoons peri peri sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Wooden or metal skewers
For the Butter Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon peri peri sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, peri peri sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Prepare Skewers: Thread marinated chicken onto skewers. Grill for 4–5 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- Make the Butter Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, stir in peri peri sauce, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. Simmer for 1–2 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Brush grilled chicken skewers with butter sauce before serving. Enjoy with extra sauce on the side.
Notes
- You can swap chicken thighs for chicken breast for a leaner option.
- Pair skewers with rice, flatbreads, or a salad for a complete meal.
- Adjust spice level by choosing mild or hot peri peri sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour marinating)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Portuguese, African-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
