If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold, smoky, and tangy flavors, you’ve got to try this Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce Recipe. It combines tender chicken pieces marinated in fiery peri peri spices, grilled to perfection, and then drenched in a luscious butter sauce that adds a silky richness you won’t believe. This recipe is a total crowd-pleaser and perfect for any occasion when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you make these skewers, they’ll become a go-to favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this dish sing, the ingredients are straightforward but packed with punch. Each one plays a key role, whether it’s boosting the smoky heat, adding a vibrant zest, or creating the perfect buttery finish that ties it all together.
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Cut into bite-sized chunks for even marinating and grilling.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps keep the chicken moist and carries the flavors deep into the meat.
- 3 tablespoons peri peri sauce: The star of the show—choose your favorite brand or homemade for authentic heat and flavor.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Adds a fresh, tangy brightness that awakens the marinade.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses a warm, aromatic undertone throughout the dish.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Gives a subtle smokiness and vibrant color.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Brings earthiness and depth to the spice mix.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to balance and enhance all the spices.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates a rich, smooth sauce that complements the spicy chicken.
- 1 tablespoon peri peri sauce: Added into the butter sauce to continue that spicy thread.
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional): A touch of sweetness to mellow out the heat and add complexity.
- 1 garlic clove, minced: For the butter sauce, to keep the flavor consistent and bold.
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional): Bright, fresh garnish that adds a lovely herbal note.
- Juice of half a lemon: Final zing in the butter sauce to lift all the flavors together.
How to Make Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by mixing olive oil, peri peri sauce, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss the chicken chunks well in this vibrant marinade, cover, and let them rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This waiting time allows the chicken to soak up those intense flavors and become wonderfully tender.
Step 2: Prepare the Skewers
Once marinated, thread the chicken pieces onto skewers. If you’re using wooden skewers, don’t forget to soak them in water for about 20 minutes beforehand to keep them from burning on the grill. This simple prep step ensures that your skewers come out looking as good as they taste.
Step 3: Grill the Skewers
Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Grill the skewers for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until the chicken is cooked through and beautifully charred on the edges. For extra oomph, brush a little more peri peri sauce onto the chicken as it cooks—this creates layers of flavor and a seriously crave-worthy glaze.
Step 4: Make the Butter Sauce
While the chicken is grilling, melt unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in peri peri sauce, honey if you like a hint of sweetness, and fresh lemon juice. Let this blend simmer for a minute or two until it slightly thickens, creating a silky, spicy butter sauce that’s simply irresistible.
Step 5: Serve the Chicken Skewers
Drizzle the warm peri peri butter sauce generously over your grilled chicken skewers. Garnish with fresh cilantro if you wish, and get ready for a flavor explosion that’s tender, spicy, buttery, and utterly delicious.
How to Serve Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro adds a pop of green and a refreshing burst of herbal brightness that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the butter sauce. You can also add lemon wedges on the side for those who want an extra tangy kick.
Side Dishes
Complement your skewers with simple, fresh sides like fluffy white rice, grilled veggies such as bell peppers and zucchini, or a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette. These sides balance the heat and buttery decadence while keeping your meal light and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken skewers over a bed of couscous or even use them to top off a hearty flatbread or pita with some tzatziki for a cross-cultural fusion feast. You can also arrange the skewers on a platter with dipping bowls of extra peri peri sauce and the butter sauce on the side, so guests can customize their flavor experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), store the skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the butter sauce separate in a small jar to maintain its silky texture.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze cooked and cooled chicken skewers in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag for up to 2 months. The butter sauce freezes less well due to the butter, so it’s best to prepare fresh sauce when you thaw and reheat the chicken.
Reheating
Reheat the skewers gently in an oven or on a grill pan to keep the chicken juicy and avoid drying it out. Warm the butter sauce separately on low heat and drizzle it over just before serving to maintain its luscious consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually a fantastic choice because they tend to stay juicier and more flavorful, especially when grilled. Just be sure to cut them into even pieces so they cook uniformly.
How spicy is the peri peri sauce used in this recipe?
Peri peri sauce can range from mild to very hot depending on the brand or homemade recipe you choose. You can adjust the amount based on your heat tolerance—start with less if you’re sensitive and add more to taste.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken for the full 2 hours?
Marinating for at least 30 minutes gives the chicken a good flavor boost, but if you have the time, allowing it to marinate longer enhances the depth of flavor and tenderness. Overnight marinating can work wonders too!
Can I make this recipe without a grill?
Yes, you can cook these skewers under a broiler or on a grill pan indoors. Just keep an eye on them as cooking times can be shorter and you want to get that nice char without burning.
What’s the best way to prevent the wooden skewers from burning?
Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes before threading your chicken. This simple trick keeps them moist and significantly less likely to catch fire while grilling.
Final Thoughts
This Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce Recipe is an absolute delight to make and even more delightful to eat. The combination of spicy, smoky chicken with a rich, buttery sauce makes for a plate full of bold flavors and textures. If you’re ready to wow your friends or simply treat yourself, don’t hesitate to give this recipe a go—you might just find your new favorite!
Print
Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (including marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Portuguese-African Fusion
Description
These Peri Peri Chicken Skewers are marinated in a zesty blend of peri peri sauce, lemon juice, and spices, then grilled to perfection and served with a flavorful buttery peri peri sauce. This recipe offers a perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and savory flavors, ideal for a delicious and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for outdoor grilling or a quick stovetop fix.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons peri peri sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon peri peri sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional for a touch of sweetness)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)
- Juice of half a lemon
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine the olive oil, peri peri sauce, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken chunks and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto wooden or metal skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes beforehand to prevent burning during grilling.
- Grill the skewers: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for about 4–5 minutes per side or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred on the edges. Brush with a little extra peri peri sauce while grilling if desired for extra flavor.
- Make the butter sauce: While the chicken is grilling, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the peri peri sauce, honey (if using), and lemon juice. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Serve: Once the skewers are done, drizzle the warm peri peri butter sauce over the chicken skewers. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with your favorite side dish like rice, grilled vegetables, or a light salad.
Notes
- For extra smoky flavor, use a charcoal grill if possible.
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents burning on the grill.
- Adjust the amount of peri peri sauce to control the spice level.
- Honey in the butter sauce can be omitted for a less sweet, more spicy sauce.
- Chicken thighs will yield juicier skewers compared to chicken breasts.
- Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
