If there’s a dish that turns a regular dinner into a flavor fiesta, it’s got to be Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce. This dish brings together juicy, marinated chicken, spicy and tangy peri peri sauce, and a swoon-worthy buttery glaze that’ll leave your taste buds humming with happiness. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or firing up the grill pan inside, every skewer packs a bold punch perfect for sharing with friends or devouring solo when you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of basics make these skewers truly irresistible. Each ingredient is chosen for its role in building layers of heat, smokiness, and richness. Trust me, the secret lies in both the marinade and that glorious finishing sauce!
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless, and cut into chunks, chicken thighs stay tender and are forgiving on the grill for maximum juiciness.
- Peri Peri Sauce: This spicy, tangy condiment is the hero of the recipe—use your favorite store-bought or try a homemade version to dial up the flavor.
- Olive Oil: Helps the marinade seep into the chicken, ensuring each bite is luscious and never dry.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings a sharp and aromatic kick that balances the heat.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds smokiness and a deep color, turning every piece a delicious shade of red.
- Salt: Just enough to enhance all the bright, zesty flavors of the marinade.
- Black Pepper: For that subtle edge of heat behind the peri peri kick.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh citrus lifts the chicken and balances the intensity of the spices.
- Skewers: Wooden (pre-soaked to avoid burning) or metal, perfect for threading the chicken into neat, grill-ready portions.
- Unsalted Butter: The backbone of the butter sauce, giving the final glaze a rich, decadent finish.
- Extra Peri Peri Sauce: For stirring into the butter sauce, intensifying the punch and color.
- More Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and lifts the richness in the butter sauce.
- Fresh Parsley: Optional but highly recommended for a fresh, fragrant burst that makes each skewer pop.
How to Make Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large mixing bowl, combine peri peri sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Toss in the chicken thigh chunks and use your hands to coat them really well. The marinade is where all the flavor magic starts—giving the chicken time to soak up those spices ensures every bite is deeply seasoned. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or go all out and let it marinate overnight for even bolder flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Skewers
If you’re opting for wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes so they don’t char on the grill. Thread the marinated chicken chunks onto the skewers, packing them just close enough so they cook evenly but get those fantastic grill marks and charring on all sides.
Step 3: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once it’s nice and hot, lay down the chicken skewers, leaving a bit of space between each for the heat to circulate. Grill for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning every few minutes. You’re aiming for slightly charred edges and juicy centers. The aroma is irresistible—imagine a smoky, spicy sizzle wafting through your kitchen or backyard!
Step 4: Make the Butter Sauce
While your Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce are grilling, get started on the sauce. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter until smooth and creamy. Stir in the extra peri peri sauce and that splash of lemon juice. Let everything mingle and simmer gently for a minute or two—the sauce should be glossy and fragrant, with the butter giving a rich backdrop to the lively peri peri flavors.
Step 5: Brush and Serve
Take those hot, freshly grilled peri peri chicken skewers off the heat. Generously brush the warm butter sauce over each skewer, making sure every nook and cranny glistens. A sprinkle of fresh parsley over the top adds color and an herbal note. Don’t wait too long—these need to be enjoyed hot, preferably right away for maximum impact!
How to Serve Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce
Garnishes
When it comes to serving Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce, a final flourish of chopped parsley, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or even thinly sliced chilis can elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise. Lemon wedges on the side are a classic, bringing a fresh zing and encouraging everyone to customize their plate.
Side Dishes
Pair these skewers with fluffy white rice, warm flatbread, or a medley of grilled vegetables. For a crisp contrast, a simple cucumber and tomato salad works wonders. Roasted potatoes make for a heartier, comforting meal if you’re feeding a hungry crowd.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to go beyond the basics? Serve your Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce on a large platter sprinkled with pomegranate seeds and microgreens for a stunning dinner party centerpiece. Or wrap them in flatbreads with pickled onions and cucumber ribbons for a lively build-your-own experience. You could even slice them and toss into summery salads for a spicy upgrade!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To keep them tender, store any extra butter sauce separately and drizzle it on just before reheating or serving cold.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze, remove the skewers and arrange the chicken chunks in a single layer on a tray to freeze quickly, then pack them into freezer bags. They’ll keep their zippy flavor and texture for up to two months. For best results, freeze the butter sauce in a separate airtight container.
Reheating
To reheat, place the skewers (or chicken pieces) on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until hot through. Warm the butter sauce gently on the stove or in the microwave before brushing it on for that just-grilled taste. Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep everything juicy.
FAQs
How spicy are Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce?
The spice level all depends on your peri peri sauce. If you prefer a milder kick, just use less sauce in both the marinade and butter glaze or opt for a mild version. For heat lovers, double up or use an extra-hot peri peri blend!
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Just be mindful that breast meat can dry out more quickly than thighs, so watch your grill time closely. Chicken thighs are more forgiving, but either cut will soak up those delicious peri peri and butter flavors.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No problem—you can use a grill pan on your stovetop or even bake the skewers on a rack in a hot oven. Broiling at the end will give you those charred edges, perfect for capturing the true spirit of Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce.
Is there a dairy-free option for the butter sauce?
Certainly! Swap out the butter for a quality plant-based butter or even a neutral oil. You’ll still get a tasty glaze, with all the bright peri peri punch but none of the dairy.
How far ahead can I marinate the chicken?
You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead for the deepest flavor. Even an hour makes a difference, but an overnight soak really lets all those spices and aromatics work their magic!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a show-stopping meal, stop right here and fire up a batch of Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce! It’s a dish that’s impossibly juicy, boldly flavored, and ridiculously easy to make—perfect for impressing guests or spicing up your weeknight dinners. Give this recipe a try and watch it quickly become a favorite in your home, just like it is in mine!
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Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour marinating time)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Portuguese, African-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce are a flavorful and spicy dish that is perfect for grilling. The tender chicken is marinated in a zesty peri peri sauce, then grilled to perfection and served with a rich butter sauce.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
- 3 tablespoons peri peri sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)
For the Butter Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon peri peri sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For Garnish:
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine peri peri sauce, olive oil, garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Add chicken chunks and toss to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers. Grill for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally until cooked through.
- Make the Butter Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in peri peri sauce and lemon juice. Simmer for 1–2 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Brush warm butter sauce over grilled chicken skewers. Garnish with parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust peri peri sauce amount for preferred spice level.
- Great with rice, flatbread, or grilled vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
