Grilled Iraqi-Inspired Chicken with Tamarind Glaze

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

Juicy grilled chicken marinated in tangy tamarind and warm Iraqi spices, finished with a sticky, flavorful glaze. This middle eastern-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs tamarind paste, olive oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 6 Middle Eastern cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3 tbsp tamarind paste, 2 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp ground paprika, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs to the marinade, tossing to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade, reserving excess marinade.
  4. Step 4: Grill chicken skin-side down for 6-7 minutes until skin is crisp and charred, then flip and grill for another 6-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Step 5: While chicken cooks, mix reserved marinade with 2 tbsp honey in a small saucepan and heat over low heat for 3-4 minutes until thickened to a glaze.
  6. Step 6: Brush the honey-tamarind glaze over grilled chicken during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
  7. Step 7: Serve hot with lemon wedges for squeezing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Iraqi-Inspired Chicken with Tamarind Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Iraqi-Inspired Chicken with Tamarind Glaze?

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 tamarind paste from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Iraqi-Inspired Chicken with Tamarind Glaze?

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 Iraqi-Inspired Chicken with Tamarind Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Iraqi-Inspired Chicken with Tamarind Glaze?

Middle Eastern 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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