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Juicy, tender grilled chicken, bursting with vibrant flavor. These Peruvian Grilled Chicken Skewers are a delicious fusion of South American and Asian cuisines!
Are you ready for an international culinary adventure? We're headed to Peru today, where the cuisine is an interesting fusion of Latin American, European and Asian - little bits and pieces of each, all thrown in a big pot and swirled around to produce some incredibly delicious eats. These Peruvian Grilled Chicken Skewers are the perfect example!
A delicious and unique combination of flavors!
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are marinated in (what might seem to be a crazy combination) herbs, spices and a few other wonderful ingredients: garlic, cumin, chili powder, crushed red pepper, smoked paprika, brown sugar, soy sauce, lime juice, fresh ginger and olive oil. Half of the mixture is used for the marinade and the other half as a basting sauce while the chicken is grilling.
I like to cut up the thighs and thread the meat on skewers, but if you're in a hurry, you could leave them whole and grill them without the skewers.
I usually serve these Peruvian Grilled Chicken Skewers with this Peruvian Green Sauce, although they're perfectly delicious 0n their own too!
Expect rave reviews!
The first time I served these Peruvian Grilled Chicken Skewers, our son, Nick made a comment that explains how delicious they are; he said, "Wow mom, this is one of the best things you've ever made!". But being a very considerate (smart and diplomatic too!) son, he added, "... and you make a lot of really good things!". I had to laugh - but also had to agree that these Peruvian Grilled Chicken Skewers are wonderful.
Want something special this weekend for dinner? Got friends coming for a picnic or party sometime soon? Tired of the same-old-same-old? Pick up some chicken thighs at the market next time you shop. Check the list of marinade and Peruvian Green Sauce (optional, buy SO good!) ingredients - you probably have most of them in the pantry or fridge, but jot down anything you're missing. You're in for a fabulous treat!
Someone might even say these Peruvian Grilled Chicken Skewers are, "The best thing you've ever made"!
Café Tips for making these Peruvian Grilled Chicken Skewers
- I really recommend using skinless, boneless chicken thighs for this recipe, as they don't dry out as easily as chicken breasts do. If however, you're a die-hard chicken breast lover, go ahead and use them for this recipe. Don't leave the breast skewers on the grill as long and get them nice and chilled before you start grilling in order to give the exterior a chance to brown a little before the inside gets done.
- This recipe calls for smoked paprika. Just like regular paprika, smoked paprika is made from pimiento peppers, but instead of just drying the peppers, they are also smoked over an oak fire before being ground into a fine powder. It's delicious and worth keeping in your spice cabinet. Smoked paprika can be found in the regular spice section of most larger groceries. I often pick it up at Trader Joe's. It can also be purchased online and be at your front door in two days.
- Smoked Paprika comes in two varieties, sweet and hot. If it's not labeled, it's usually the sweet variety. I prefer sweet paprika as the hot variety doesn't work in all recipes. You can always add a little heat with cayenne, chili powder or crushed red pepper.
- I love metal skewers vs. wood or bamboo skewers. It seems no matter how long you soak the wood/bamboo ones, they always tend to burn on the grill, especially if you're going for a nice char on the meat. These metal skewers are some of my favorites. They're not too long and have a nice flat surface, making it easy to thread the meat and turn the skewers. They're also the perfect size for serving a dinner plate.
P.S. Craving these flavor but don't have a grill? No worries! We also have a fabulous Peruvian Chicken recipe that can be made right on the stovetop!
Thought for the day:
May the God of HOPE
fill you with all joy and peace
as you trust in Him,
so that you may be filled with HOPE
by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13
What we're listening to for inspiration:
- 3 medium cloves garlic finely minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons finely minced fresh ginger
- 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
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Trim chicken of excess fat and cut into approximately 1-inch wide pieces. Set aside.
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Combine all marinade ingredients in a medium-size bowl and stir to mix. Add chicken to a large zip lock bag along with half of the marinade/sauce. Reserve the remaining marinade and set it aside.
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Massage the bag with the chicken to evenly coat the chicken with marinade. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours.
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Heat a gas grill to medium-high or start a medium-hot charcoal grill. Thread chicken onto skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes, so they don't catch on fire.)
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Clean grill surface and oil with spray or brush with a tongs and an oil-dipped paper towel. Place skewers on grill and cook, turning one-quarter turn every 3-4 minutes until golden, about 10-12 minutes. Brush with the remaining sauce, turning frequently until chicken is charred in spots. The exact timing will vary, depending on the temperature of your grill. Remove the chicken skewers from the grill, tent with foil and let rest for 5 minutes.
See Café Tips above in the post for more detailed instructions and tips
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Afra says
Super nice! I am sure I will be making these again and again. Marinated them overnight but otherwise stuck to the recipe. LOVED IT!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much, Afra! I'm super happy you enjoyed this chicken and I know marinating them overnight made them even more flavorful! Thanks for sharing your review!
Andrea Fayant says
This is my second time cooking these in the last couple of weeks, they are delicious, full of flavour and will be on our summer menu, huge hit. Next time going to make the green sauce, thank you for sharing the recipe
Chris Scheuer says
Thank you, Andrea, for taking the time to share your results 💕
Debbie says
Outstanding flavor! Did not make the green sauce this time as we live in the country and I didn't have some needed ingredients. Made the marinade exactly as written (I always keep fresh ginger frozen and limes for my cocktails). The thighs were some of the best we've had (and I always try various recipes for our boneless thighs). Can't wait to try this with an entire chicken. Thinking a smoked chicken would be fabulous with this marinade, too. Thanks so much!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much, Debbie! I'm so happy you enjoyed this chicken. It's one of our favorites too!
Mary Maruna says
I made this chicken with the green sauce for my family in June. It was a big hit with the entire family. My daughter said mom you need to make these again. So this weekend I'll be making it again. Thanks for the recipe, it's a winner!
Chris Scheuer says
Yay! So happy you enjoyed this recipe, Mary! It's one of our favorites too!
hannah says
Made this last night with cilantro lime rice....delicious. rave reviews from the wannabe food critics husband
Chris Scheuer says
Love that, Hannah! Thanks so much for sharing your results! 💕
Ana says
I made this recipe las week with the green sauce. Wow! This sauce is one of my favorites! I made rice with corn to go with it nd it was amazing! Used fresh basil and cilantro from my garden..love it. I will be making this again tomorrow for 4th of July for my friends and family.Thanks for sharing.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much, for sharing your results, Ana! I'm so happy you enjoyed it. Happy 4th of July!
Yamil says
What a delicious recipe!!! My 4 years old loved it and so did I. Thanks for sharing this. I will definitely try this again and maybe use another protein or veggies so exciting 👍🏻👍🏻
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks for sharing your review, Yamil! I'm so happy you enjoyed this recipe. It's one of our favorites too!
Stefanie R says
I made the marinade as instructed and added it to 2 lbs skinless chicken breast and 1 sliced zucchini. I grilled it on a pan instead of skewering it. It got rave reviews from my family. They asked me to add it to the “favorites” list. Thanks for the great recipe!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much, Stefanie! I'm so happy you enjoyed it!
Arnell Ruiz says
I will be serving this tomorrow for fourth of July bbq. You say to marinate for 4 hours, but can it be done overnight? Sounds delish! I think it will be a great addition to our hamburgers and hot dogs.
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Arnell, yes you can definitely marinade it overnight! Happy 4th!
Ana says
I will also be having these for 4th of July and had the same question. Thanks!
Liz says
Made the skewers tonight and served it with green sauce and green rice and a salad. Oh my goodness. So delicious! The chicken was just perfectly cooked, tasty and tender. The only reason my adult children didn’t lick the plates is because I raised them otherwise.
Chris Scheuer says
Haha! You're a good mama, Liz, but if they're anything like my kids, they might have licked their plates when I wasn't looking 😂! Thanks for taking the time to share your results!
Lexi says
Made a this today for dinner -- cooking for one! I cut up the chicken and out half in the in the marinade. The other half I grilled. It was so tasty and easy. I marinated the chicken and added bell pepper, mushrooms and cherry tomatoes to my skewers. I grilled for about 11 minutes and everything was cooked and juicy. I made an alternative green sauce recipe since I didn't have basil, but the sauce is a perfect match for these. I will definitely make again as it was tasty, easy, healthy and affordable w/ chicken thighs. Thank you!
Chris Scheuer says
It sounds like a wonderful dinner, Lexi! Thanks for sharing your results and adaptations!
Evelin says
I made this tonight, following the recipe exactly as written, in my newly acquired Ninja Foodi Grill for 12 minutes, flipping them over half way and it came out great and so easy!! Thank you for sharing with us. This one's a keeper 🙂
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much, Evelin, for sharing your results. I'm so happy you enjoyed them. We're serving this chicken tonight!
Mang says
My first time making this and for a party( me being ambitious). I followed the recipe using chicken breast with the advice on how to prepare it ( no chicken thighs at the Costco stores I visited). Pairing it with the Aji Verde sauce made it such a hit! Sadly, there were none left over as I still want some! I'm going to make it again and try it with chicken thighs!!! It was delish!!!
I've tried Peruvian food and have been wanting to go back to New York to the restaurant. This recipe was perfect. Now I can just make this at home!!! Thank you for sharing!!!
Chris Scheuer says
You're welcome, Mang! Thanks so much for sharing your results!
lisah says
This was amazing. The marinade has so much flavor. I didn't change a thing and it was perfect. Everyone loved it. Super easy, too! What's not to love? Thank you!
Chris Scheuer says
Awesome! Thanks so much, Lisah, for sharing your results. I'm so happy you enjoyed them!
Cata says
So good! And easy. Let's just put it this way: my kids asked me not to lose this recipe in the ton of recipes I have on Pinterest. This one is a keeper. Thank you!
Chris Scheuer says
Awesome! I love it, Cata. Thanks so much for sharing your results 💕
Amanda says
This was so so good! Loved the smokiness from the paprika. Was phenomenally paired with the green sauce. This is a definite keeper!!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much, Amanda, for sharing your results. So happy you enjoyed this chicken!
Kelly says
Sooo good! No leftovers and requests to have it again the same week!
Chris Scheuer says
Yay! Thanks for sharing your results, Kelly! I love that you love this recipe as much as we do!
Cam says
These were fantastic. Left in marinade for 4 hours. Green sauce also terrific. Served with grilled vegetables.
Chris Scheuer says
Yay, so happy you enjoyed it, Cam!
NITHA says
Loved this recipe also tried the green sauce, was looking for a perfect recipe that gives me a satisfaction and here it is,
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Nitha, for taking the time to share your results. I'm so happy you enjoyed this recipe!
Michelle says
BOMB-DIGGITY-BOMB!!!
These were delish with cilantro-lime rice!!
Chris Scheuer says
Haha! Love it, Michelle! Thanks for sharing your results.
Betty Ansell says
Can you bake or broil these in the oven? If so for how long on each side?
Can't wait to try this!
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Betty,
I haven't tried them in the oven, only on the grill, so I can't say for sure. Let us know if you try it!
Michael Richards says
This has become a staple meal in my home even with three picky kiddo eaters. I am prepping the chicken for tomorrow night right now, I will serve it with a Mexican red rice and all three kids will ask for seconds. Thanks for a great recipe.
Chris Scheuer says
That is so awesome, Michael! It's always wonderful to have a recipe that's loved by young and old alike!
Chris Scheuer says
That's so awesome, Michael. You are raising some adventuresome eaters. Kudos to you!
Becki says
I’ve made this 4 times and it is absolutely delicious!!! Chicken thighs are the best in this recipe because they stay moist. This is on my regular recipe rotation!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much, Becki! I'm so happy you've enjoyed this chicken. It's one of our favorites too!
Natalie says
Chris, the marinade is one of the best ones I ever came across. I used chicken thighs but cut it in bite size pieces. Cooked it on a flat griddle and served it with toothpicks as an appetizer for drinks.
I almost forgot, I also added about 5 pcs of candied ginger.
This was over the top
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks for sharing your results, Natalie. What a great idea to serve this as an appetizer!
Shelley says
This is going to be one of my family’s favorites. I got rave reviews... they liked the green sauce too.
Chris Scheuer says
So glad you liked the recipes Shelley - we are crazy about the green sauce too!
Alan says
I've made this twice, following the recipe exactly each time. Fabulous!
Chris Scheuer says
That makes my heart happy Alan! Enjoy!
McKenzie says
This chicken was SO good! I made it for my Chinese sister-in-law and brother-in-law that live in Russia (I was worried about pleasing their experienced palettes), and they couldn’t stop saying how good it was! And I didn’t even serve it with the sauce; I completely forgot... 😬 But it was super easy and delicious! But I would say that every single recipe I’ve made from CSF has been awesome! Thanks so much!
Chris Scheuer says
That is so awesome, McKenzie! I love that you have such an international family and they enjoyed this so much. Try the sauce next time, it's so yummy!
Thanks so much for your kind words too 🙂