Grilled Suya-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Chili-Peanut Sauce
Tender chicken skewers marinated in a smoky, spicy suya peanut rub, then grilled to perfection and served with a fiery chili-peanut dipping sauce. This african-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes blends cut into 1-inch cubes chicken breast, peanut butter, ground peanuts into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, cut into 1-inch cubes chicken breast
- 2 tbsp peanut butter
- 3 tbsp ground peanuts
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp ginger powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 small, finely chopped scotch bonnet pepper
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp honey
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, mix 3 tablespoons ground peanuts, 2 tablespoons peanut butter, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon salt to create the suya spice rub.
- Step 2: Toss 1 pound of chicken breast cubes in 2 tablespoons vegetable oil and then coat thoroughly with the suya spice rub. Cover and marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
- Step 3: Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers and preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
- Step 4: Grill the chicken skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes, until cooked through and slightly charred on edges.
- Step 5: Meanwhile, prepare the chili-peanut sauce by whisking together 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 finely chopped small scotch bonnet pepper, and 2 tablespoons peanut butter until smooth.
- Step 6: Serve the hot grilled skewers with the chili-peanut sauce for dipping.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Suya-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Chili-Peanut Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Grilled Suya-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Chili-Peanut Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Suya-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Chili-Peanut Sauce?
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 with Chili-Peanut Sauce 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 with Chili-Peanut Sauce?
African chicken 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.
