Grilled Suya Spiced Chicken Skewers

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken cubes marinated in a fiery peanut-based spice blend, grilled to perfection and served with a fresh lime wedge. This nigerian-inspired quick meals ready in about 40 minutes pairs chicken thighs, peanut butter, ground ginger for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (11 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Nigerian cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter, 1 tbsp ground ginger, 1 tbsp ground coriander, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 1/4 tsp salt until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb chicken cubes to the marinade and toss until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours).
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread chicken cubes onto soaked skewers, spacing them 1/2 inch apart.
  4. Step 4: Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and has charred edges (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
  5. Step 5: Let rest for 5 minutes, then serve with fresh lime wedges.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Suya Spiced Chicken Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (30 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Suya Spiced Chicken Skewers?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Suya Spiced Chicken Skewers?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Suya Spiced Chicken Skewers for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Suya Spiced Chicken Skewers?

Nigerian quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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