Grilled African-Spiced Chicken with Peanut Sauce

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

Juicy chicken grilled with a blend of African spices, served with a creamy, nutty peanut dipping sauce. This African-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 55 minutes, pairs chicken thighs, ground cumin, 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 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.

Prep: 40 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 African cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp paprika, 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp olive oil to create a marinade.
  2. Step 2: Rub this spice mixture evenly over 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs, coating all sides, and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and cook the chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes per side until cooked through and juices run clear.
  4. Step 4: While chicken grills, whisk together 0.5 cup peanut butter, 0.25 cup coconut milk, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 minced garlic clove in a small saucepan over low heat.
  5. Step 5: Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and warmed through, about 3 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Serve the grilled chicken hot with the creamy peanut sauce drizzled on top or on the side for dipping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled African-Spiced Chicken with Peanut Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (40 min prep + 15 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 with Peanut Sauce?

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 Grilled African-Spiced Chicken with Peanut Sauce?

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 with Peanut Sauce 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 Grilled African-Spiced Chicken with Peanut Sauce?

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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