Okay, friend—get ready to level up your grill game with these Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce. Think juicy, marinated chicken with that signature fiery peri peri kick, grilled to perfection on skewers, and then finished with a luscious, buttery sauce that’s pure magic. It’s smoky, spicy, rich, and just the right amount of indulgent. Whether you’re cooking indoors or firing up the BBQ, this recipe brings serious flavor and fun to the table.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
And let’s be honest—food on a stick is just better, right?
Why You’ll Love Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for a casual cookout or a fun weeknight meal. These skewers are easy to serve and pair beautifully with salads, rice, or flatbreads.
Budget-Friendly: You’ll find everything you need right in your kitchen or local grocery store—no fancy ingredients required to pack a punch of flavor.
Quick and Easy: Marinate, skewer, grill, and drizzle with buttery goodness. It’s that simple—and you won’t be stuck in the kitchen for hours.
Customizable: Like it hotter? Add more chili. Prefer mild? Dial it back. Want to go big on garlic or herbs? Go for it.
Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves food that’s interactive and flavorful. These skewers are fun to eat and guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients in Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce
Let’s talk about the flavor bomb that’s about to happen in your kitchen:
Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Tender, juicy, and perfect for skewering. Thighs give you extra richness, but breasts work beautifully too.
Peri Peri Sauce: The fiery, tangy, garlicky marinade that brings it all to life. Whether homemade or store-bought, it’s the star of the show.
Garlic: Because we love flavor. Lots of it.
Lemon Juice: For that zippy brightness that balances the heat.
Paprika & Chili Flakes: Add depth and a little extra fire (if you’re into that).
Salt & Pepper: Classic seasonings that help everything else shine.
Butter: For the dreamy sauce that melts over the hot chicken and takes things over the top.
Fresh Herbs (Parsley or Coriander): A burst of freshness to finish things off and make it pretty.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment:
If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using an oven, set it to broil or 425°F. Skillet? Heat it until it’s nice and hot.
Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, mix your chicken pieces with peri peri sauce, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes—or longer for a deeper flavor.
Skewer the Chicken:
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 15–20 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.
Grill or Bake:
Cook the skewers on the grill, in the oven, or on a skillet. Turn occasionally to get an even char on all sides. You’re looking for that smoky char and juicy interior—about 12–15 minutes total.
Make the Butter Sauce:
In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat and stir in a spoonful of peri peri sauce and a splash of lemon juice. Let it bubble for a minute, then remove from heat.
Brush and Drizzle:
Once the chicken is cooked, brush generously with the peri peri butter sauce while still hot. The butter melts right in and makes everything glossy and irresistible.
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve warm with your favorite sides, and don’t forget extra sauce on the side for dipping!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 510
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
How to Serve Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce
These skewers are a total showstopper, and they love a good sidekick:
Fresh Salads: A chilled cucumber and mint salad cools down the heat beautifully.
Crusty Bread: Mop up that butter sauce with warm, toasted bread or garlic naan.
Creamy Accompaniments: Yogurt-based dips or tzatziki bring balance and richness.
Vegetable Sides: Grilled corn, roasted potatoes, or a simple coleslaw make it a meal.
As a Standalone: Serve over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa and garnish with herbs and lemon wedges for that perfect plate.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Marinate the chicken the night before and refrigerate until ready to grill.
Spice It Up: Want it hotter? Add chili paste or extra hot sauce to the butter drizzle.
Dietary Adjustments: Use ghee or plant-based butter if you’re dairy-free.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop.
Double the Batch: These skewers disappear quickly—make a double batch and freeze the extra (before cooking) for a quick future meal.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use store-bought peri peri sauce?
A1: Absolutely! Just pick one with ingredients you love—some are spicier than others, so taste first.
Q2: Can I grill these on an indoor pan?
A2: Yep! A grill pan or even a heavy skillet works great.
Q3: How do I make this less spicy?
A3: Use a mild peri peri sauce and skip the chili flakes. You’ll still get flavor without the fire.
Q4: Can I bake instead of grill?
A4: Totally. Bake at 425°F for about 20 minutes or until fully cooked, then broil for a couple minutes to get some color.
Q5: Can I make this recipe with shrimp or tofu?
A5: Yes! Shrimp needs only 4–5 minutes to cook. For tofu, press it well first, then marinate and cook as usual.
Q6: What can I serve with this?
A6: Try it with rice, couscous, grilled veggies, or even a loaded pita wrap.
Q7: Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
A7: You sure can! Freeze it in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before cooking.
Q8: What kind of skewers should I use?
A8: Metal skewers are reusable and don’t burn, but wooden ones work if soaked in water beforehand.
Q9: How do I keep the chicken juicy?
A9: Don’t overcook it! Keep an eye on it while grilling and pull it once the juices run clear.
Q10: Is the butter sauce optional?
A10: Technically yes, but it’s highly recommended. It’s what makes the dish truly unforgettable!
And there you go—Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce that bring the heat, the flavor, and all the fun to your plate. This one’s definitely a game-changer, and I can’t wait for you to try it. Happy grilling, and don’t forget to pass the extra sauce!
Print
Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Stove-top
Description
These Peri Peri Chicken Skewers are marinated in a spicy, tangy blend of chili, garlic, and citrus, then grilled to perfection, delivering a smoky, bold flavor. Drizzled with a rich lemon butter sauce, the result is a delightful contrast of heat and creamy, zesty goodness in every bite. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a BBQ with a kick!
Ingredients
Peri Peri Chicken
-
1-1.5 lb chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
-
1 red poblano pepper (roasted)
-
2-3 long red chilis
-
1 small yellow onion (chopped)
-
4-6 fresh basil leaves
-
4-6 garlic cloves (large)
-
1 tsp garlic powder
-
1 tsp smoked paprika
-
1/2 tsp oregano
-
1/2 tsp dried parsley
-
1/2 tsp ground coriander
-
1/2 tsp black pepper
-
1/4 tsp white pepper
-
1/2 tsp sugar
-
1 tsp salt
-
1 whole lemon (juice of 1/4 cup)
-
1 tbsp white vinegar
-
2 tbsp water
-
3 tbsp avocado oil
-
Green onion (for garnish)
Butter Sauce
-
3-4 tbsp Peri Peri marinade (reserved)
-
1 tbsp Kewpie mayo
-
1 stick butter (room temperature)
-
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
-
1/4 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
-
Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
-
For the peri peri marinade: Heat a pan over high-medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Place the red poblano pepper in the pan, pressing it down to flatten. Cover with a lid and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until the skin is charred and the pepper softens.
-
Let the pepper cool for about 10 minutes, then peel off the burnt skin.
-
Add the roasted pepper to a food processor along with the red chilis, onion, garlic, fresh basil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, parsley, ground coriander, black pepper, white pepper, salt, and sugar. Add lemon juice, white vinegar, and water. Blend for 30–60 seconds. Slowly stream in the avocado oil while blending until the marinade is well combined.
-
Reserve 3–4 tbsp of the marinade for the butter sauce. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
-
Thread the marinated chicken onto metal skewers, ensuring they fit into your grill pan.
-
Preheat your grill pan over high-medium heat for 2–3 minutes. Grill the chicken skewers for about 8–10 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
-
For the butter sauce: Pour the reserved peri peri marinade into a pan over high-medium heat and simmer for 20–30 seconds. Reduce heat to medium, whisk in Kewpie mayo, and add the butter in small chunks, whisking quickly after each addition. Once the butter is fully melted and combined, stir in smoked paprika and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Drizzle the butter sauce over the grilled chicken skewers and garnish with chopped green onions.
Notes
-
Adjust the heat level of the marinade by adding more or fewer red chilis.
-
If you don’t have Kewpie mayo, you can substitute regular mayonnaise, but Kewpie adds a unique flavor.
-
Serve with rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 375 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg