
Fiery Chicken Skewers deliver an irresistible mix of sweet heat that'll make them the talk of your next get-together. Tender chicken thighs get soaked in spices, cooked till they're perfectly juicy, then drizzled with creamy, zesty sauce. They're a total hit at backyard cookouts or when you need something fast yet impressive for dinner at home.
What You'll Need
- Boneless Chicken Thighs (2 lb): Cut into chunks, they stay moist and pack tons of flavor when grilled.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Locks in moisture and prevents sticking during cooking.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Gives a nice smoky touch to your meat.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Brings out all the flavors in your chicken.
- Onion Powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a mild, sweet kick without chunks of onion.
- Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Packs garlicky goodness into every bite.
- Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the marinade.
- Mayonnaise (1 cup): Creates the rich, creamy foundation for your sauce.
- Sweet Chili Sauce (⅓ cup): Delivers that signature sticky sweetness with a hint of heat.
- Sriracha Sauce (2 tablespoons): Cranks up the spice level and adds depth.
- Fresh Lime Juice (2 tablespoons): Cuts through richness with zingy freshness.
- Lime Wedges: For squeezing over top just before eating.
- Chopped Parsley: Sprinkles color and freshness on your finished dish.
How To Make It
- Step 1: Season the Chicken
- Grab a big bowl and toss chicken pieces with olive oil, paprika, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Make sure every piece gets coated well. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can really sink in.
- Step 2: Load Your Skewers
- Push marinated chicken onto your skewers, leaving small gaps between pieces. This makes sure everything cooks evenly and handles easily.
- Step 3: Mix Your Sauce
- Combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and lime juice in a bowl, stirring until everything's smooth. Split it in half - save some for serving and use the rest while cooking.
- Step 4: Cook Those Skewers
- Get your grill or pan nice and hot on medium-high. Cook skewers about 6-8 minutes on the first side. Flip them over, brush with some sauce, and cook another 8 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F inside.
- Step 5: Finish and Enjoy
- Move your skewers to a plate, pour the remaining sauce on top, scatter parsley around, and arrange lime wedges on the side. Serve them while they're hot for the best sweet-spicy punch!
How To Serve and Store
- Perfect Pairings: These skewers taste amazing with fluffy rice or a fresh salad. They're also fantastic for parties as finger food.
- Keeping Leftovers: Pop any extras in a sealed container and keep in your fridge for up to 3 days. Warm them up on the grill or in your microwave before eating.
- Make Ahead: You can prep and freeze the seasoned chicken (before cooking) for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in your fridge before putting on skewers and grilling.
Expert Cooking Advice
- Overnight Magic: Many top chefs suggest letting the chicken sit in the marinade overnight in your fridge for flavors that go way deeper.
- Heat Management: Keep your grill at a steady medium-high heat so your chicken cooks through without drying out.
Mix It Up
- Swap The Protein: This works beautifully with jumbo shrimp or firm tofu chunks instead of chicken.
- Go Meatless: Thread chunky veggies like zucchini, bell peppers and mushrooms for a plant-based version.
- No Grill Needed: Pop these in your air fryer at 375°F for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking time.