Grilled Jollof-Spiced Chicken with Tomato Pepper Sauce

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

Juicy grilled chicken marinated in classic West African Jollof spices paired with a vibrant, smoky tomato and pepper sauce. This African-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 40 minutes, pairs Chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, Tomato paste, Red bell pepper, chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 African cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1.5 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper with 2 tbsp vegetable oil. Add 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the chicken thighs for 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through and juices run clear, with a nice char developing.
  3. Step 3: While chicken grills, heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium sliced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 medium chopped red bell pepper and 2 large chopped tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and the sauce thickens.
  5. Step 5: Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the grilled chicken topped with the warm tomato pepper sauce and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 with Tomato Pepper 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 with Tomato Pepper 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 with Tomato Pepper 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 with Tomato Pepper 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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