Grilled Jollof-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Smoky Tomato Glaze

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-23 · Updated 2026-06-23

Tender grilled chicken marinated in classic African Jollof spices, glazed with a smoky tomato sauce for a flavorful bite. This African-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs boneless chicken thighs, tomato paste, red bell pepper 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

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Instructions

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Step 4: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
5. 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.
6. 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.