Braai-Grilled Chicken with Chakalaka Relish

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken thighs marinated in smoky spices, grilled until crisp, served with a vibrant vegetable relish. This south african-inspired grilling ready in about 75 minutes pairs chicken thighs, olive oil, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.2 (14 ratings) Prep: 45 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 South African cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced onion and 1/2 cup diced carrots, sautéing for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in 1/2 cup diced bell peppers and 2 minced garlic cloves, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 diced medium tomatoes, 1/4 cup canned tomatoes, 1/2 tsp chili powder, 1/4 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until vegetables are tender and sauce thickens.
  3. Step 3: In a bowl, combine 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Pat 1.5 lbs chicken thighs dry, then rub the spice mixture evenly over all sides.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high (375°F). Place chicken thighs skin-side down on grill and cook for 15 minutes. Flip and cook for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Step 5: Serve chicken hot with 1 cup prepared chakalaka relish spooned alongside.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Braai-Grilled Chicken with Chakalaka Relish take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (45 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Braai-Grilled Chicken with Chakalaka Relish?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Braai-Grilled Chicken with Chakalaka Relish?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Braai-Grilled Chicken with Chakalaka Relish for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Braai-Grilled Chicken with Chakalaka Relish?

South African grilling like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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