Spicy Chicken Skewers: the quick, easy main dish recipe seasoned with paprika

No matter where you go in the world, you’re likely to find a recipe for meat on a skewer. In this recipe for Spicy Chicken Skewers, you make your own paprika seasoning by drying, then grinding red bell peppers. You then use it to season the skewered chicken breast and grill it until golden and cooked through.

It’s easy, tasty, and as will all skewer recipes, it’s a big crowd-pleaser. Serve this delicious main dish during a summer barbecue, potluck or a game day.

Spicy Chicken Skewers Ingredients

Chicken – we used chicken breast fillets in this recipe, but you can also use chicken thigh fillets (they are less likely to dry out).

Bell pepper – used to make the paprika seasoning.

Olive oil – used for grilling.

How To Make Spicy Chicken Skewers

Preheat the paprika seasoning ahead of time (you can do this the day before). Preheat the oven to 60°C/140°F. Slice bell pepper thinly, then layer it on an oven rack. Make sure that the slices are not overlapping. Dry the slices in the oven for about 4-6 hours until dry.

Once the peppers have dried completely, grind them in a coffee grinder until fine. Prepare the chicken breasts by slicing them into strips lengthwise.  Skewer the chicken breasts with wooden skewers, then use slice them again horizontally. Season the skewered chicken breasts with olive oil and season. Then grill until cooked through.

Tips

Feel free to add veggies to the skewers: sliced peppers, pineapple (for a sweet and spicy flavor), mushrooms, and zucchini will all work.

For Asian flavors, brush the chicken skewers with a mixture of soy sauce and honey, or use Gochujang paste.

To prevent the skewers from burning, you’ll need to soak them. Simply place them in boiling water for about half an hour before using them.

If you prefer, you can cook the chicken skewers in the oven. Cook under the oven’s grill or broiler for about 10 minutes, turning halfway.

What To Serve With Spicy Chicken Skewers

Serve the chicken skewers with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables. Serve leftovers in a salad, wrap, or sandwich.

How To Store Spicy Chicken Skewers

Store leftovers in the fridge (in an airtight container) for up to 4 days.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 60°C/140°F.

Slice bell pepper thinly.

Layer the pepper slices (without overlapping) on an oven rack.

Dry peppers out for 4-6 hours or until completely dry.

Blend bell peppers into powder using a coffee grinder.

Slice chicken breasts into strips. Skewer the chicken breasts with wooden skewers.

Slice the chicken breasts into pieces.

Drizzle the skewered chicken breasts with olive oil.

Season with salt, pepper, and homemade paprika.

Grill for 10-12 minutes or until cooked, flipping halfway through cooking. Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, it’s cooked through.

Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving it. Enjoy!