Chicken Suya

5 from 1 vote

Chicken suya is a spicy, smoky Nigerian favorite made with tender grilled chicken and a bold peanut seasoning that packs serious flavor. It’s perfect for summer cookouts, easy weeknight dinners, or whenever you want to impress without trying too hard.

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Total Time30

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Nigerian

Diet: Gluten Free

Servings:

Calories: 118kcal

Author: Tayo Oredola

Equipment

Metal Skewers

Ingredients

2 boneless skinless chicken thighs
4 tablespoon suya spice
2 tablespoon peanut oil

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425°F.
Wash & pat dry the chicken thighs. Slice the thighs into thin strips and place in a bowl.
2 boneless skinless chicken thighs
Add the suya spice and peanut oil & mix.
4 tablespoon suya spice, 2 tablespoon peanut oil
Thread the chicken thighs in the skewer.
Lightly oil a baking sheet & arrange the chicken thighs on it.
Bake for 20 mins, turning halfway.
Using a meat thermometer, make sure the internal temperature of the chicken is at least 165°F.

Make Suya on the Grill

Set your grill to medium-high heat.
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 165F.

Notes

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 help 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 while also helping it develop a nice crust.
Grilling: If you want to cook outside instead of turning on the oven, grill these chicken skewers instead of baking.
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.

Nutrition