Grilled Jollof-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Peppers
Juicy chicken skewers marinated in rich, smoky Jollof-inspired spices, grilled to perfection alongside colorful bell peppers. This african-inspired chicken ready in about 87 minutes pairs tomato paste, onion powder, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds, cut into 1-inch cubes chicken breast
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 large, cut into 1-inch pieces red bell pepper
- 1 large, cut into 1-inch pieces yellow bell pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8, soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3 tbsp tomato paste, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, whisking thoroughly to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Add 1.5 pounds cubed chicken breast to the marinade, tossing to coat each piece evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to absorb flavors.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F.
- Step 4: Thread marinated chicken cubes alternately with 1 large red bell pepper pieces and 1 large yellow bell pepper pieces onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
- Step 5: Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred at edges.
- Step 6: Remove from grill and let rest for 3 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Jollof-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Peppers take to make?
Total time is about 87 minutes (75 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 with Peppers?
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 with Peppers?
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 with Peppers 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 with Peppers?
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.
