Chicken Suya

❤️ Why you'll love it

If you're looking for a unique dish to add to your weekly dinner rotation, you can't go wrong with this chicken suya recipe. Sometimes called Nigerian chicken skewers, it's one of the most popular street foods in Nigeria and is also popular at parties, BBQs, and gatherings.

While traditional suya is made with grilled beef, this Nigerian chicken suya offers a lighter, lower-calorie option that still delivers all the flavor. Plus, this recipe couldn't be easier to make; all you need are chicken thighs, suya spice, and peanut oil. Marinate the chicken and pop it in the oven. So easy!

Chicken suya is known for its bold, spicy flavor, thanks to the suya spice blend, which typically includes ground peanuts, paprika, cayenne pepper, ginger, garlic, and other spices. If you want a recipe that packs a punch, this is it.

One of the best things about this Nigerian chicken skewers recipe is that it's highly versatile. You can serve it as an appetizer, main dish, or snack. It pairs well with a variety of sides, such as rice, salads, grilled or steamed vegetables, or flatbreads like naan or pita.

Equipment Used

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This spicy chicken recipe does not require any special equipment but you will need skewers to put the chicken on. I like to use this metal skewers but you can use bamboo skewers. If using bamboo skewers, make sure you soak the sticks for 20-30 minutes before using so they don't burn.

🧾 Ingredients Used

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Because chicken thighs have more fat content, you'll get the best flavor from this cut of meat.
• Suya spice: My suya spice recipe, made with peanuts and a blend of other spices, will add tons of flavor to the chicken.
• Peanut oil: If you don't have peanut oil on hand, you can also use olive or avocado oil.

🔪 How To Make Nigerian Chicken Suya

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
2. Wash the chicken thighs and pat them dry. Slice the thighs into thin strips and place them in a large bowl. Add the suya spice and peanut oil to the bowl, then mix everything together.
3. Thread the chicken thighs on the skewers.
4. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray and lay the chicken strips on it. Bake for 20 minutes, turning halfway through.
5. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken's internal temperature reaches at least 165°F. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

Make Suya on the Grill

You can make this recipe on the grill if you want to! Just set your grill to medium-high heat, then grill the chicken for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway.

Use a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature of the chicken is at least 165°F.

🥫 Storing and Reheating

Allow the chicken suya to cool to room temperature before storing it. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the chicken soggy.

Wrap the chicken suya in aluminum foil or put it in an airtight container or Ziplock bag. Put a paper towel inside to absorb excess moisture and prevent sogginess. Store the wrapped or sealed chicken in the refrigerator. It should last for 3-4 days.

You can freeze this chicken suya for easy meal prep or frozen meals. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

To reheat chicken suya, bake in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until thoroughly warmed. You can also reheat with a bit of oil on the stovetop. You can reheat the chicken suya in the microwave, but it's not the best method and can make the chicken chewy.

💭 Recipe Tips

• Marination Time: Allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours, or preferably overnight. This helps the flavors penetrate the meat deeply.
• Size: Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces to ensure it cooks at the same rate. Using smaller pieces also helps the marinade absorb better.
• Even Spacing: Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers with a little space between each piece. This will help the chicken cook evenly and develop a nice crust.

💭 Recipe Variations

• Grilling: If you want to cook outside instead of turning on the oven, grill these chicken skewers. 
• Extra Heat: Add more cayenne or ground chili peppers to the suya spice mix for an extra spicy kick. You can also use hot paprika or a pinch of ground habanero for more intensity.
• Less Heat: To make the suya spice mix milder, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper. You can also substitute smoked paprika for a smoky yet less spicy flavor.
• Vegetable Suya: Skewer vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and onions. Marinate in the suya spice mix and grill or roast until tender and slightly charred.
• Nut-Free Spice Mix: Replace the ground peanuts in the suya spice mix with ground sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, or pumpkin seeds. These alternatives will provide a similar texture and richness without the peanuts.
• Herbal Twist: For a unique flavor twist, add fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or cilantro to the suya spice mix. These herbs can complement the spices and add freshness to the dish.
• Fish or Shrimp Suya: Marinate fish fillets (like tilapia or snapper) or shrimp with the suya spice mix. Grill or bake until cooked through.

🍽️ What can I eat this recipe with?

Serve the grilled chicken suya over a bed of fresh greens, like spinach, arugula, or mixed lettuce. Add toppings like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, avocado, and red onions. Drizzle with a light vinaigrette or yogurt dressing.

Use the chicken suya as a filling for low-carb wraps. Add toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and a drizzle of spicy mayo or yogurt sauce. Wrap in low-carb tortillas or lettuce wraps for a delicious meal on the go.

You can also serve this chicken with roasted vegetables and cauliflower rice for a delicious, low-carb dinner that the entire family will love.

👩‍🍳 Frequently asked questions