If you’re craving a dish that bursts with flavor and combines spicy, tangy, and buttery goodness all in one bite, then the Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with Butter Sauce Recipe is your next go-to. This vibrant dish brings together juicy chicken chunks marinated in a bold peri peri blend, grilled to perfection, and finished with a luscious butter sauce that adds richness and depth. It’s a perfect balance of heat and creaminess that feels like a celebration on your plate every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s enhancing the spice, providing moisture, or adding that irresistible buttery finish.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (1 1/2 lbs): Choose thighs for extra juiciness or breasts for leaner bites, both cut into easy-to-grill chunks.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the marinade soak in, keeping the chicken tender and juicy.
- Peri peri sauce (3 tablespoons for marinade, plus 1 tablespoon for butter sauce): The star flavor that delivers the signature smoky and spicy kick.
- Lemon juice (2 tablespoons for marinade, plus juice of half a lemon for sauce): Adds a bright, tangy lift that complements the spicy notes beautifully.
- Garlic cloves (3 total, minced): Infuses the recipe with a fragrant garlic warmth that rounds out the spice.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds smokiness and color to the marinade.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Introduces an earthy depth that balances the heat.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors together.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Creates the rich, silky base for the sauce that perfectly coats the skewers.
- Honey (1 tablespoon, optional): Offers a subtle sweetness that mellows the spicy peri peri and adds complexity.
- Fresh cilantro (1 tablespoon, chopped, optional): Provides a fresh herbal contrast as a garnish, brightening the dish visually and flavor-wise.
How to Make Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with Butter Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining olive oil, peri peri sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss your bite-sized chicken pieces in this vibrant mixture until every chunk is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate the marinated chicken for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld deeply—this step is what infuses the chicken with that unmistakable peri peri magic.
Step 2: Prepare the Skewers
Thread the marinated chicken chunks onto skewers, making sure they’re spaced nicely to allow even cooking. If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for 20 minutes beforehand—this simple trick will keep them from burning when you fire up the grill.
Step 3: Grill the Skewers
Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high and place the skewers carefully on it. Grill each side for about 4 to 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and gleaming with slight char marks. For an extra burst of flavor, brush with additional peri peri sauce while grilling—it will give your skewers an irresistible glaze that’s visually and tastefully stunning.
Step 4: Make the Butter Sauce
While your chicken grills, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about 30 seconds, then stir in peri peri sauce, honey for a touch of sweetness, and the juice of half a lemon. Let the sauce simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes until it thickens slightly into a luscious finish ready to coat your skewers.
Step 5: Serve
Once the grilling is done, arrange your chicken skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle them generously with the warm peri peri butter sauce to ensure each bite is silky and bursting with spice. Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for that pop of green freshness. This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides to round out the meal.
How to Serve Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with Butter Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs are your best friend here. A sprinkle of chopped cilantro not only adds color but lifts the smoky, spicy flavors with its crisp, herbaceous notes. For an extra pop, thin slices of red chili or lemon wedges work wonderfully too.
Side Dishes
Keep it simple and complementary. Fluffy steamed rice, grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers, or even a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette will all pair perfectly with the heat and richness of these skewers. You might also love serving it with warm flatbreads for a casual, hand-held meal vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not turn these skewers into a party platter? Arrange the skewers alongside bowls of vibrant dips—think garlic yogurt or a cooling cucumber raita—and scatter chopped nuts or pomegranate seeds over the top for texture and color contrast. They also make fantastic finger foods for gatherings when served on a wooden board with lemon wedges.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, place the cooked chicken skewers in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days and retain much of their juicy flavor, making for a quick meal on busy days.
Freezing
You can freeze the grilled chicken skewers by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. For best quality, consume within 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring your Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with Butter Sauce Recipe back to life, reheat gently in a skillet over low-medium heat or warm in the oven to avoid drying out the chicken. Add a little extra butter sauce or a sprinkle of fresh herbs to refresh the flavors as you serve.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay juicier and are less likely to dry out during grilling, making them a fantastic choice, especially for this dish where moisture and flavor are key.
Is peri peri sauce very spicy?
Peri peri sauce has a medium heat level that is spicy but manageable for many palates. You can always adjust the quantity or opt for milder versions if you prefer less heat.
Can I make the butter sauce ahead of time?
You can prepare the butter sauce in advance, but it’s best to reheat it gently just before serving to keep it silky and delicious. Avoid high heat or microwaving to prevent the butter from separating.
What if I don’t have a grill—can I cook these skewers another way?
Definitely! A grill pan or even broiling in the oven works well. Just watch closely to get that nice char without overcooking.
Is there a good substitute for peri peri sauce?
If you can’t find peri peri sauce, a mix of sriracha or hot sauce with smoked paprika and a squeeze of lemon can mimic some of its smoky, spicy, and tangy qualities.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try the Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with Butter Sauce Recipe, it’s going to become one of your favorite go-to dishes. It’s vibrant, easy enough for a weeknight, and yet special enough to impress guests. The combination of smoky spice with buttery richness is downright addictive and always leaves you wanting more. So grab your skewers, fire up that grill, and prepare for a meal full of bold flavors and happy memories!
Print
Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with Butter Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Portuguese/African
Description
Delicious and spicy Peri Peri Chicken Skewers marinated in a tangy blend of peri peri sauce, garlic, and spices, grilled to perfection, and served with a flavorful buttery peri peri sauce. This recipe combines smoky grilled chicken with a rich, zesty butter sauce that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a flavorful barbecue treat.
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 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 deeply.
- 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. Optionally brush with extra peri peri sauce while grilling for added flavor.
- Make the butter sauce: While the chicken grills, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in peri peri sauce, honey if using, and lemon juice. Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Serve: Once the skewers are done, drizzle the warm peri peri butter sauce over them. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve immediately with sides like rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers in water prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier skewers or breasts for leaner meat.
- The honey in the butter sauce is optional but adds a nice balance to the spicy peri peri flavor.
- You can prepare the peri peri sauce homemade or purchase it from stores for convenience.
- For indoor cooking, use a grill pan on the stovetop if an outdoor grill is unavailable.
