If you are on the hunt for an unforgettable, flavor-packed dish to enjoy any time, these Peri-Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce Recipe are guaranteed to become an instant favorite. Juicy chicken chunks marinated to perfection with vibrant peri-peri spices, grilled to that irresistible char, then generously brushed with a silky, garlicky butter sauce that elevates every bite. This dish is a celebration of bold flavors and comforting textures that will have you coming back for more each time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Sometimes the simplest ingredients make the most dazzling meals, and this Peri-Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce Recipe is no exception. Every element plays a key role – from the smoky spice of paprika to the richness of butter – working together harmoniously to create an unforgettable taste and texture experience.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (1 ½ pounds, cut into chunks): Thighs offer juiciness, while breasts keep it lean; both work wonderfully for skewers.
- Peri-peri sauce (3 tablespoons for marinade, 1 tablespoon for butter sauce): This fiery, tangy sauce is the heart of the dish, infusing it with vibrant heat and flavor.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps tenderize the chicken while adding a subtle fruity richness and aiding the marinade’s infusion.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon for marinade, juice of ½ lemon for sauce): Adds brightness and balance, cutting through the spice with zesty freshness.
- Garlic (2 cloves minced for marinade, 1 clove minced for sauce): Garlic’s aromatic warmth intensifies the overall flavor profile beautifully.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Brings a gentle smokiness that deepens the savory notes of the chicken.
- Salt (½ teaspoon in marinade, pinch in sauce): Essential for enhancing and pulling the flavors together.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds just a touch of heat and complexity.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Creates the luscious base for the velvety butter sauce that finishes the dish.
- Metal or soaked wooden skewers: For threading and grilling the chicken evenly without burning.
- Chopped parsley or cilantro (optional garnish): Adds a fresh, herbal brightness that contrasts nicely with the spicy marinade.
- Lemon wedges for serving: An extra squeeze of citrus awakens the palate and complements the richness.
How to Make Peri-Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together peri-peri sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces into this vibrant marinade, making sure each one is coated generously. Cover the bowl and chill the chicken for at least an hour – or for best results, overnight. This step is where all those bold flavors really soak into the meat, prepping it for the grill.
Step 2: Thread the Chicken onto Skewers
Once marinated, take your metal or wooden skewers and carefully thread the chicken chunks onto them. Make sure the pieces are not too tightly packed so that heat can circulate evenly during grilling, ensuring juicy, cooked-through morsels with a smoky char.
Step 3: Grill the Skewers
Preheat your grill or a grill pan on the stovetop to medium-high heat. Cook the chicken skewers for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally to develop that gorgeous, slightly charred exterior. The key is to cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), so your chicken is safe, tender, and packed with juicy flavor.
Step 4: Prepare the Butter Sauce
While the chicken grills, melt the butter gently in a small saucepan over low heat. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds – enough to release its aroma without browning. Add in peri-peri sauce, fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of salt, letting the mixture simmer for a minute or two. This sauce combines buttery richness with a lively, spicy kick that perfectly complements the smoky chicken.
Step 5: Brush and Garnish
When your skewers are cooked to perfection, generously brush them with the warm butter sauce for that glossy, flavor-packed finish. If you like, sprinkle over chopped parsley or cilantro to add a fresh, colorful touch. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for an added zing.
How to Serve Peri-Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can truly elevate your Peri-Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce Recipe. Freshly chopped parsley or cilantro brings a bright, herbal contrast that lightens each bite, while a wedge of lemon on the side offers a burst of citrus to refresh the palate and balance the spicy richness.
Side Dishes
This dish loves company. Serving your skewers alongside fluffy rice, warm flatbreads, or char-grilled vegetables creates a well-rounded meal both in flavor and texture. The sides help mellow out the heat of the peri-peri while keeping the experience hearty and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a striking presentation, arrange the skewers on a rustic wooden board drizzled with extra butter sauce. Scatter some roasted peppers, grilled corn, or even a vibrant salad alongside to make it pop. You could also slide the chicken off the skewers and pile it onto a pita or flatbread with dollops of creamy yogurt and fresh salad for a mouthwatering wrap that’s perfect for lunches or casual dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra skewers, no worries – place the cooled chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to meld even more in the fridge, making leftovers just as delicious as day one.
Freezing
This Peri-Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce Recipe also freezes well. Wrap the cooked skewers tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months, perfect for an easy, flavorful meal anytime you need a quick fix.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the skewers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, use a grill pan to revive that lovely char while reheating. Be sure to brush with a little more butter sauce to keep things luscious and moist.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat. Just be careful not to overcook to keep them juicy. Thighs are naturally more forgiving due to their fat content, but both are delicious with this recipe.
How spicy is the peri-peri sauce in this recipe?
The heat level depends on the peri-peri sauce you use. You can easily adjust the spice by choosing mild, medium, or hot peri-peri sauce based on your preference. The butter sauce also helps mellow the spice, creating a nice balance.
Can I make the marinade and butter sauce from scratch?
Definitely! Making your own peri-peri sauce from ingredients like chili peppers, garlic, lemon, and herbs will add a fresh twist. Homemade sauces allow you to control the heat and flavor profile for a truly personalized dish.
Is it necessary to soak wooden skewers before grilling?
Yes, soaking wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes prevents them from burning on the grill, helping maintain safety and ease during cooking. Metal skewers do not require soaking but get hot quickly, so handle with care.
What sides pair best with Peri-Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce Recipe?
Classic sides include rice, grilled vegetables, or flatbreads. For a fresh contrast, a crisp salad or cucumber-yogurt dip complements the spicy and buttery flavors beautifully, rounding out the meal perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Peri-Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce Recipe is a dazzling combination of spice, smokiness, and buttery goodness that you simply have to try. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make yet impressive on the plate—perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings alike. Once you experience how these flavors come together, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. So grab those skewers and start grilling your way to pure deliciousness!
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Peri-Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus at least 1 hour marinating time)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Portuguese / African-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Peri-Peri Chicken Skewers with a rich butter sauce offer a quick and flavorful meal inspired by Portuguese and African cuisines. Juicy chicken thighs marinated in spicy peri-peri sauce are grilled to perfection and finished with a buttery, garlicky sauce, making them perfect for a vibrant main course.
Ingredients
For the chicken & marinade:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- 3 tablespoons peri-peri sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the butter sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon peri-peri sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Pinch of salt
Other:
- Metal or soaked wooden skewers
- Chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade and marinate chicken: In a bowl, combine peri-peri sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken chunks and toss everything to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to penetrate, or marinate overnight for deeper flavor.
- Assemble the skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto metal or soaked wooden skewers, ensuring the pieces are evenly spaced for uniform cooking.
- Grill the chicken skewers: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are nicely charred and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- Prepare the butter sauce: While the chicken cooks, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook briefly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the peri-peri sauce, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Let the sauce simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes, then remove from heat to keep warm.
- Finish and serve: Once the chicken skewers are cooked, brush them generously with the warm butter sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro if desired. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the chicken.
Notes
- These skewers pair wonderfully with rice, flatbreads, or grilled vegetables.
- Adjust the heat level by choosing mild or hot peri-peri sauce based on your preference.
- For a smoky depth of flavor, use a charcoal grill instead of a gas or electric grill.
