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Flavorful Nigerian Suya Spiced Chicken Skewers Recipe Easy Homemade Peanut Yaji

Nigerian Suya Chicken Skewers - featured image
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These Nigerian Suya Spiced Chicken Skewers feature a bold, smoky, and spicy peanut yaji dry rub that delivers authentic West African street food flavor right at home. Perfectly juicy chicken thighs are marinated and grilled to perfection for a crowd-pleasing dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil (or peanut oil for authentic flavor)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup roasted peanuts, finely ground
  • 2 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tbsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp ground coriander (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • Optional for serving: sliced red onions, fresh tomatoes, flatbread or steamed rice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Peanut Yaji Spice Mix: In a food processor, pulse the roasted peanuts until finely ground but not a paste. Add smoked paprika, cayenne, ground ginger, garlic powder, onion powder, coriander, cloves, brown sugar, and salt. Pulse a few more times to combine evenly. Set aside.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix vegetable oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat thoroughly. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of the peanut yaji spice mix over the chicken and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (30 minutes minimum, overnight best).
  3. Prepare the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving space between pieces for even cooking.
  4. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C). Brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking.
  5. Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, turning carefully with tongs. Total grilling time is about 12-15 minutes until charred outside and juicy inside.
  6. Final Touch: Remove the skewers and sprinkle a little extra peanut yaji spice on top for an extra kick. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If you don’t have a grill, broil the skewers in the oven or cook on a stovetop grill pan, turning frequently to avoid burning. Soak wooden skewers before use to prevent burning. Let skewers rest 5 minutes after grilling to redistribute juices. Wiping grill grates with half a peeled onion before heating helps prevent sticking and adds subtle flavor. Keep a spray bottle of water nearby to control flare-ups.

Nutrition

Keywords: Nigerian suya, chicken skewers, peanut yaji, West African street food, grilled chicken, spicy chicken, smoky chicken, easy marinade

Find it online: https://gleamgulp.com/flavorful-nigerian-suya-spiced-chicken-skewers-recipe-easy-homemade-peanut-yaji/