Grilled Jollof-Spiced Chicken Skewers

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Charred chicken skewers marinated in a fragrant blend inspired by West African Jollof spices, perfect for grilling season. This african-inspired chicken ready in about 27 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes chicken breast, tomato paste, medium, blended red bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 African cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a blender, combine 3 tbsp tomato paste, 1 blended medium red bell pepper, 1 finely chopped small onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated ginger. Blend until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Transfer the blend to a bowl and stir in 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp dried thyme, 2 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb chicken breast cubes to the marinade, tossing to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers evenly.
  5. Step 5: Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and has charred edges.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with a fresh salad or steamed rice.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Jollof-Spiced Chicken Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 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 Jollof-Spiced Chicken Skewers?

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 tomato paste from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Jollof-Spiced Chicken Skewers?

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 Jollof-Spiced Chicken Skewers 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 Jollof-Spiced Chicken Skewers?

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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