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Nigerian Suya Spiced Chicken Skewers

Flavor explosion in every bite. Imagine soft, juicy chicken covered in a bunch of tasty spices, all on a stick. They have a rich, smoky, and kind of nutty taste because of the special suya spice mix.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Nigerian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ pounds of chicken breast no bones or skin, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons of suya spice blend yaji
  • 1 tablespoon of ground ginger
  • 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon of onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • ½ teaspoon of black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • Wooden or metal skewers

Instructions
 

  • Make the Marinade: In a big bowl, put the suya spice blend, ground ginger, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and vegetable oil. Mix it all up really well until it looks like a paste.
  • Marinate the Chicken: Put the chicken pieces in the bowl with the marinade. Use your hands or a spoon to make sure all the chicken is covered in the spice mix. Rub the spices in!
  • Chill Out: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and put it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. The longer it sits, the tastier it will be. Two hours is good, or even overnight if you can.
  • Skewer the Chicken: After the chicken has marinated, put the pieces on the skewers. Don't pack them too tight; leave a little space so they cook evenly.
  • Cooking on the Grill: Heat up your grill to medium-high heat. Put the skewers on the grill and cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side. They're done when the chicken is cooked all the way through and a little bit charred. The inside of the chicken should be 165°F (74°C).
  • Cooking in the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Put some parchment paper on a baking sheet. Put the skewers on the sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and a little brown. Check the inside temperature – it should be 165°F (74°C).
  • Rest and Eat: When they're done, take the skewers off the grill or out of the oven and let them sit for a few minutes. This makes the chicken juicier.