Overview
A classic West African grilled chicken skewer drenched in a savory, spicy peanut crust.
IMG_1459
Dinner
Featured
Chicken Suya
An authentic recipe for West African Chicken Suya, highlighting tender grilled chicken coated in a aromatic and fiery peanut spice blend.
Ready in
45 min
Makes 4 servings
Prep
30m
Cook
15m
Level
Medium
About this recipe
An authentic recipe for West African Chicken Suya, highlighting tender grilled chicken coated in a aromatic and fiery peanut spice blend.
A classic West African grilled chicken skewer drenched in a savory, spicy peanut crust.
Ingredients
Main
Suya Spice (Yaji)
Assembly
Garnish
Equipment
- Wooden or metal skewers Soaked if using wood
- Grill or oven broiler For cooking skewers
- Mixing bowl For spice blend
Instructions
-
Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
-
In a bowl, mix together the peanut powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ginger powder, crushed bouillon cube, and salt to form the Yaji spice blend.
-
Thread the thin chicken strips tightly onto the soaked skewers.
-
Brush the chicken skewers lightly with vegetable oil, then generously roll and coat them in the Yaji spice mixture, pressing it gently to adhere.
-
Preheat grill or oven broiler to high heat, and grill the chicken skewers for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and slightly charred.
15 min -
Serve hot garnished with extra Yaji spice, sliced red onions, and fresh tomatoes.
Nutrition
Calories
290
Protein
32g
Carbs
8g
Fat
14g
Fiber
2g
Sugar
3g
Sodium
520mg
Serving Size
1 serving
Cooking Timeline
Recipe Scorecard
Overall
9.3
/10
Expert
4.9
95% conf.
Expert Review
Verdict
An explosion of bold, smoky, and nutty flavors that brings authentic West African street food straight to your kitchen.
Pros
- Incredible smoky flavor
- Bold spice blend
- Quick cooking time
Cons
- Can be very spicy for sensitive palates
AI Insights
Summary
An authentic recipe for West African Chicken Suya, highlighting tender grilled chicken coated in a aromatic and fiery peanut spice blend.
Tips
- Press the peanut spice firmly onto the chicken strips so it forms a rich crust while grilling
- Serve with extra Yaji spice on the side for those who prefer an extra kick of heat
- Pair with fresh sliced onions and tomatoes to balance the robust, spicy flavors
Substitutions
- Chicken breast → Beef sirloin or lamb pieces
- Peanut powder → Finely ground roasted peanuts
Storage
Best enjoyed fresh off the grill. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
Pairing
- Sliced raw red onions and fresh tomatoes
- Cold bottled soft drink or iced lemonade
AI Cooking Assistant
Ask about substitutions, timing, or technique for this recipe.
FAQ
What gives Chicken Suya its distinct flavor?
The signature flavor comes from Yaji, a spicy peanut-based rub packed with chili, ginger, and garlic.
Can I make Suya spice without peanut powder?
Peanut powder is essential for authentic Suya, but finely ground roasted peanuts can be used as a substitute.
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4.9 expert rating
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