Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce Recipe
If you’re a fan of bold, smoky heat blended perfectly with a luscious, garlicky finish, you’re going to fall head over heels for these Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce. Moist, flame-grilled chicken gets a fiery kick from a Portuguese-inspired marinade, then is finished with a swoon-worthy buttery sauce that brings it all together. This dish packs excitement into every bite and is an absolute knockout for cookouts, weeknight dinners, or whenever you want to impress friends and family with a burst of flavor. Trust me, you’ll be making these skewers on repeat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s something magical about how a handful of everyday ingredients can come together to create show-stopping Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce. Each ingredient here plays an essential role: from lending heat and citrusy brightness to ensuring melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and a deliciously silky finish. Let’s break it down—these basics are anything but boring!
- Chicken Thighs: Juicy, tender, and perfect for soaking up every ounce of the marinade’s bold flavors.
- Olive Oil: Adds a silky texture to the marinade and helps keep the chicken beautifully moist.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens the dish with a zingy tartness, both in the marinade and butter sauce.
- White Vinegar: Brings a sharp tang that balances out the spicy and savory notes.
- Garlic: Provides that irresistible depth and aromatic punch—don’t hold back here!
- Smoked Paprika: Delivers deep smoky flavor and a vibrant, appetizing color.
- Cayenne Pepper: Adds that classic kick—adjust to your heat level for a customized spicy profile.
- Dried Oregano: Offers subtle herbal notes for another layer of Mediterranean magic.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for rounding out all other flavors to perfection.
- Skewers: Metal or soaked wooden skewers keep everything together and infuse gorgeous grill marks.
- Unsalted Butter (for sauce): The secret weapon for a luscious, restaurant-worthy finish.
- Peri Peri Sauce: Shop-bought or homemade—it brings authentic, fiery character to the butter sauce.
- Extra Garlic (for sauce): Enhances the sauce’s aroma and ties the whole dish together.
- Salt (to taste, for sauce): Just a small pinch to awaken all those saucy flavors.
How to Make Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce
Step 1: Mix Up the Flavor-Packed Marinade
Begin by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, white vinegar, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This marinade is truly the backbone of your Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce—the secret to getting every smoky, citrusy, spicy note tucked deeply into the chicken. Take a moment to inhale that aroma; it sets the stage for everything that follows!
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add your chunks of boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the bowl and toss them thoroughly in the marinade, making sure every piece gets beautifully coated. Cover and let the chicken soak up all those flavors in the fridge for at least an hour (or up to eight if time allows). The longer you marinate, the more intense and complex your Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce will taste.
Step 3: Prep Skewers and Fire Up the Grill
If you’re using wooden skewers, give them a quick soak in water for about 30 minutes—this keeps them from getting scorched on the grill. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto your skewers, packing them snugly for maximum juiciness. Meanwhile, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat so you’re ready for some sizzling action.
Step 4: Grill to Juicy Perfection
Place the skewers onto the hot grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally. You want gorgeous grill marks on the outside and succulent, fully cooked chicken inside. The combination of a smoky char and the bold peri peri marinade creates the wow factor at this stage—your kitchen (or backyard) will smell absolutely incredible!
Step 5: Make the Irresistible Butter Sauce
While your chicken grills, melt unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the extra clove of minced garlic and cook until fragrant—about one minute. Then, stir in peri peri sauce, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt, simmering gently for another minute until everything melds together. This warm, golden sauce turns your Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce into an indulgent masterpiece.
Step 6: Serve and Savor
Brush the skewers with your freshly made butter sauce right before serving, or offer the sauce on the side for fearless dipping. A sprinkle of chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon over the top adds a final flourish that’ll make you want to dig in immediately.
How to Serve Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce
Garnishes
Your Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce deserve a celebration-worthy presentation! Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of green or tuck some lemon wedges on the platter to let guests squeeze extra brightness over the skewers. You can even dust with a pinch more smoked paprika if you love that richly red look.
Side Dishes
These skewers are a flavor powerhouse and pair perfectly with sides that provide balance and comfort. Try serving them with fluffy steamed rice, grilled summer veggies, or warm flatbreads to soak up every last bit of buttery sauce. A chilled cucumber-tomato salad or a dollop of cooling yogurt works wonders next to the spicy, smoky chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
Bring on the wow factor by threading the chicken alternately with colorful peppers or onions, or serve your skewers upright in a tall glass for a modern twist. For parties, slice the chicken off the skewers and serve as bite-sized appetizers with individual ramekins of butter sauce for dipping—a real crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce, let the skewers cool before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. The chicken will stay juicy and flavorful for up to three days, and the butter sauce keeps beautifully in a separate covered jar or bowl.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these skewers! For best results, remove the chicken from the skewers and place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to two months. The butter sauce should be frozen separately in a tightly sealed container—just don’t forget to label everything.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the chicken in the fridge if frozen, then warm gently in a covered skillet or oven at low heat until just heated through. Warm the butter sauce separately either on the stovetop or in short microwave bursts, then drizzle over the hot chicken. Avoid high heat, which can dry out the chicken or separate the sauce.
FAQs
Is there a substitute for peri peri sauce in the butter sauce?
If you can’t find traditional peri peri sauce, you can blend together hot sauce, a little chili paste, lemon juice, and smoked paprika to mimic those tangy-spicy flavors. It won’t be exactly the same, but it’ll still wake up your butter sauce beautifully!
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce?
Chicken breasts can be used, but keep in mind they’re leaner and can dry out more quickly. Marinate thoroughly and grill just until cooked through to keep them as juicy as possible.
How spicy are these skewers?
With peri peri sauce and cayenne in the mix, these skewers have a lively heat! If you’re sensitive to spice, halve the cayenne and use a milder peri peri sauce. For big heat lovers, add extra or even fresh chopped chili to the marinade.
Can I cook these in the oven instead of on a grill?
Absolutely! Arrange skewered chicken on a foil-lined baking sheet and roast at 425°F (220°C) for about 18–20 minutes, turning once for even browning. You’ll still get irresistible flavor, though you may miss some of that signature char.
What if I don’t have skewers?
No skewers? No problem! Simply marinate the chicken pieces as directed, then grill or roast them in a single layer. Serve with plenty of sauce, and the magic of Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce remains intact.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend these Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce enough—they’re the kind of meal that guarantees empty plates and happy faces. Whether it’s a lively dinner party or a cozy weeknight treat, this recipe brings an irresistible mix of spicy, smoky, and buttery flavors to your table. Give this one a try, and I have a feeling it will soon become a regular star in your kitchen lineup!
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Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with a Butter Sauce are a delicious and spicy dish inspired by Portuguese flavors. Tender chicken pieces are marinated in a flavorful blend of spices, grilled to perfection, and served with a rich and tangy butter sauce.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut into chunks)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Wooden or metal skewers
For the Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon peri peri sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, paprika, cayenne, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add chicken, coat well, and marinate for 1-8 hours.
- Prepare Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers.
- Grill the Chicken: Grill skewers over medium-high heat for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Make the Butter Sauce: Melt butter, add garlic, peri peri sauce, lemon juice, and salt. Simmer briefly.
- Finish and Serve: Brush skewers with butter sauce and garnish with parsley or lemon wedges.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase cayenne or add fresh chili to the marinade.
- Great with rice, grilled veggies, or flatbreads.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Portuguese-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
