Peri Peri Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe | Spicy & Juicy Dinner
I vividly remember the first time I made Peri Peri Grilled Chicken Skewers. The tantalizing aroma of spices and grilled chicken wafting through my kitchen was pure magic. These skewers are a perfect balance of smoky, fiery, and tangy flavors, and making them feels like a fun and satisfying adventure.
They’re now a go-to for everything from lazy weekend dinners to lively barbecues with friends! Every time I serve these, I get that gratifying wave of compliments, so much so that I find myself smiling and thinking, “Didn’t I just knock this out of the park?” If you enjoy salmon dishes with a smoky twist, you might also enjoy the smoked salmon bowl for another bold, flavorful meal.
If you’re someone who loves bold flavors but doesn’t want to labor endlessly over a recipe, you’ve found your next kitchen win! You can even explore the smoked salmon crostini for an elegant appetizer version that’s quick to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Spicy, smoky, and packed with flavor, these Peri Peri Grilled Chicken Skewers are a must-try! Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or whipping up a quick dinner, this easy recipe delivers bold taste with minimal effort.
Bursting with Flavor
These skewers pack a flavor punch! Between the spicy Peri Peri marinade, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil, each bite is an exciting blend of tangy heat and mouthwatering zest. Plus, the char from the grill adds a smoky depth that’s simply irresistible.
Easy to Prepare
You don’t need ninja-level cooking skills here. The marinade comes together with just a few ingredients, and the rest is as easy as threading chicken onto skewers and grilling. It’s simple cooking with spectacular results.
Versatile for Any Occasion
These skewers are perfect for every occasion. Hosting a barbecue? Done. Want something fun and flavorful for dinner? Check. Whether served on their own, with sides, or added to wraps, you’ll always find a way to enjoy this dish.
Adjusts to Your Spice Tolerance
Not everyone loves the same level of heat, and that’s the beauty of this recipe. You can tone down the spice or turn it up depending on your tastes or the crowd you’re serving. Customization is key!
Packed With Protein and Nutrients
Apart from being downright delicious, Peri Peri Grilled Chicken Skewers are a healthy choice packed with protein. Plus, you can pair them with salads or veggies to create a balanced meal.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- Chicken (thighs or breast)
- Peri Peri sauce
- Garlic cloves
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
Variations
Want to mix things up? Here are a few variations to make this recipe your own!
- For Less Heat: Use mild chili sauce instead of Peri Peri sauce.
- Flavor Enhancements: Add smoked paprika or a pinch of ground cumin to the marinade.
- Sugar-Free Option: Make sure your Peri Peri sauce has no added sugar or make your own at home.
- Herbal Touch: Chop up some fresh cilantro or mint and mix it into the marinade for a unique herbal flavor.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Grill: For cooking the skewers to perfection.
- Bowl: To prepare the marinade.
- Skewers: To hold the chicken (soak wooden ones in water to prevent burning).
- Tongs: For flipping the skewers while grilling.
How to Make Peri Peri Grilled Chicken Skewers?
This recipe takes just a few simple steps, and the result is downright delicious. Here’s how you’ll make these flavor-packed skewers.
Step 1: Make the Marinade
Combine Peri Peri sauce, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Stir it all together until you have a smooth marinade.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces. Add them to the bowl of marinade, and toss well to ensure every piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour, but overnight is even better for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Thread Onto Skewers
Once marinated, thread the chicken pieces onto skewers. Whether you’re using wooden or metal skewers, make sure to leave a bit of space between the chicken pieces for even cooking.
Step 4: Grill the Skewers
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for about 6-8 minutes per side, flipping occasionally and basting them with extra Peri Peri sauce for even more flavor. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken is fully cooked and slightly charred.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once off the grill, transfer to a plate or serving tray. Watch as everyone digs in!
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Always marinate the chicken ahead of time to deep-flavorize those pieces.
- If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes before using them. This helps prevent burning.
- Don’t overcrowd the grill; give each skewer space for even cooking.
- Not a fan of Peri Peri? Swap it with your favorite hot or mild sauce!
How to Serve Peri Peri Grilled Chicken Skewers?
Presentation counts! Serve these skewers on a vibrant platter garnished with lemon wedges and fresh cilantro. They pair beautifully with cool, creamy sides like coleslaw or cucumber salad.
You can also serve them over a bed of rice or with warm pita bread and tzatziki sauce for a delicious, well-rounded meal. For a salmon-based variation, you might try the smoked salmon crostini as an elegant appetizer alongside the skewers.
Nutritional Information
Each serving roughly contains the following nutrients (based on general estimates):
- Calories: 195
- Protein: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fat: 8g
Make Ahead and Storage
When life gets busy, this recipe offers flexible storage options!
Refrigeration
Marinate the chicken up to a day ahead or store cooked skewers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to enjoy fresh flavors.
Freezing
The raw marinated chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. If freezing after cooking, be sure to wrap it tightly to maintain freshness for about 1-2 months.
Peri Peri Grilled Chicken Skewers are a delightful and versatile recipe that brings fiery flavor to your plate without much fuss. Fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and prepare to wow your taste buds!
Peri Peri Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Combine Peri Peri sauce, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Stir it all together until you have a smooth marinade.
- Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces. Add them to the bowl of marinade, and toss well to ensure every piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour, but overnight is even better for maximum flavor.
- Once marinated, thread the chicken pieces onto skewers. Whether you’re using wooden or metal skewers, make sure to leave a bit of space between the chicken pieces for even cooking.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for about 6-8 minutes per side, flipping occasionally and basting them with extra Peri Peri sauce for even more flavor. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken is fully cooked and slightly charred.
- Once off the grill, transfer to a plate or serving tray. Watch as everyone digs in!
Notes
- Always marinate the chicken ahead of time to deep-flavorize those pieces.
- If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes before using them. This helps prevent burning.
- Don’t overcrowd the grill; give each skewer space for even cooking.
- Not a fan of Peri Peri? Swap it with your favorite hot or mild sauce!
