Grilled African-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Focaccia

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

Tender chicken skewers marinated in a fragrant African spice blend, grilled to perfection and served with warm focaccia bread. This African-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 32 minutes, pairs chicken breast, olive oil, ground coriander for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 3, 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 12 min Serves 3 African cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp ground turmeric, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp lemongrass paste, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb of 1-inch cubed chicken breast to the marinade and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to absorb flavors.
  3. Step 3: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
  4. Step 4: Thread the marinated chicken cubes evenly onto the 6 soaked wooden skewers.
  5. Step 5: Grill the skewers for 4-5 minutes on each side, turning once, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
  6. Step 6: Serve the hot chicken skewers immediately with 6 oz of warmed focaccia bread on the side for dipping and soaking up the juices.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled African-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Focaccia take to make?

Total time is about 32 minutes (20 min prep + 12 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 Grilled African-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Focaccia?

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 breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled African-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Focaccia?

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 Grilled African-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Focaccia for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Grilled African-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Focaccia?

African chicken 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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