Grilled Jollof-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Smoky Tomato Glaze
Tender grilled chicken marinated in classic African Jollof spices, glazed with a smoky tomato sauce for a flavorful bite. This african-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs tomato paste, large, chopped red bell pepper, medium, chopped onion 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 lb, cut into 1.5-inch cubes boneless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 large, chopped red bell pepper
- 1 medium, chopped onion
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp honey
- 8 wooden, soaked in water skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: In a blender, combine 3 tbsp tomato paste, 1 large chopped red bell pepper, 1 medium chopped onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger. Blend until smooth.
- Step 2: Transfer the blended mixture to a bowl and stir in 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp dried thyme, 3 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb cubed boneless chicken thighs to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Step 4: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
- Step 5: Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes, brushing with 1 tbsp honey during the last 3 minutes to develop a smoky-sweet glaze and ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Step 6: Remove from grill and let rest 5 minutes before serving. These skewers pair well with a side of jollof rice or fresh salad.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Jollof-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Smoky Tomato 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 Jollof-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Smoky Tomato 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 tomato paste from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Jollof-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Smoky Tomato 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 Jollof-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Smoky Tomato Glaze 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 Smoky Tomato Glaze?
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.
