Grilled Jollof-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Tomato-Pepper Glaze
Juicy grilled chicken marinated in classic West African Jollof spices, served with a tangy tomato and red pepper glaze. This African-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 82 minutes, pairs chicken breast, vegetable oil, tomato paste 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-inch cubes chicken breast
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 medium, roasted and pureed red bell pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 8, soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp vegetable oil, 3 tbsp tomato paste, 1 medium roasted and pureed red bell pepper, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the Jollof spice marinade.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb cubed chicken breast to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to absorb flavors.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine 1 tbsp honey and 1 tbsp lime juice over medium heat. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened, then set aside as glaze.
- Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated chicken cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
- Step 5: Grill the skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, basting with the honey-lime glaze in the last 2 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and edges have slight char.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with extra glaze on the side.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Jollof-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Tomato-Pepper Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 82 minutes (70 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 Tomato-Pepper 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 chicken breast from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Jollof-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Tomato-Pepper 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 Tomato-Pepper 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 Tomato-Pepper 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.
