Grilled Chicken Poulet DG with Spicy Tomato Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken thighs served with a vibrant, spicy tomato sauce and caramelized plantains inspired by Cameroon's Poulet DG. This african-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes blends bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, minced garlic cloves, grated ginger into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 African cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated ginger, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp vegetable oil. Rub this marinade all over 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and marinate for at least 1 hour.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken thighs for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and skin is crisp.
  3. Step 3: While chicken grills, heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium sliced onion and 1 chopped red bell pepper, sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp tomato paste, 3 diced fresh tomatoes, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and flavors meld.
  5. Step 5: In another pan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat and fry 2 medium peeled and lengthwise sliced plantains for 3 minutes per side until golden and caramelized.
  6. Step 6: Serve grilled chicken topped with spicy tomato sauce alongside the caramelized plantains for a vibrant meal.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Chicken Poulet DG with Spicy Tomato Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Chicken Poulet DG with Spicy Tomato Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Chicken Poulet DG with Spicy Tomato 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 Chicken Poulet DG with Spicy Tomato 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 Chicken Poulet DG with Spicy Tomato 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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