Grilled Jollof-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Tomato-Peanut Sauce

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

Tender grilled chicken skewers marinated in classic West African Jollof spices, served with a rich tomato and peanut dipping sauce. This African-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs tomato paste, smoked paprika, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 African cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1.5 lbs of boneless chicken thigh cubes with 3 tablespoons tomato paste, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon grated ginger, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Mix well to coat each piece evenly.
  2. Step 2: Cover and marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to develop deep flavors.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
  4. Step 4: Grill the chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until the edges are slightly charred and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Step 5: While the chicken cooks, combine 1/2 cup roasted peanut butter, 1 cup diced canned tomatoes, 1 tablespoon honey, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1/4 cup water, and 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes in a small saucepan. Heat gently over medium-low heat, stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Serve the grilled chicken skewers hot alongside the warm tomato-peanut sauce for dipping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Jollof-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Tomato-Peanut Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Tomato-Peanut Sauce?

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 Tomato-Peanut Sauce?

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 Tomato-Peanut Sauce 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 Tomato-Peanut Sauce?

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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