Grilled Malagasy Kawitry Chicken with Citrus and Chili Glaze

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken glazed with a tangy and spicy citrus sauce inspired by the Malagasy Kawitry dance traditions. This african-inspired new year ready in about 31 minutes pairs chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on, orange juice, freshly squeezed, lime juice, freshly squeezed for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, 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.

★ 4.3 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 16 min Serves 6 African cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice, 2 tablespoons honey, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon red chili flakes, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper until well combined.
  2. Step 2: Place 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight to absorb flavors.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade, reserving the marinade for glazing.
  4. Step 4: Grill chicken thighs skin-side down for 6-8 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden. Flip and grill for another 6-8 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and chicken is cooked through.
  5. Step 5: While grilling, bring the reserved marinade to a boil in a small saucepan over medium heat and simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened slightly.
  6. Step 6: Brush the thickened citrus chili glaze onto the chicken during the last 2 minutes of grilling for a shiny, flavorful coat.
  7. Step 7: Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Malagasy Kawitry Chicken with Citrus and Chili Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 31 minutes (15 min prep + 16 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 Malagasy Kawitry Chicken with Citrus and Chili 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 lime juice, freshly squeezed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Malagasy Kawitry Chicken with Citrus and Chili 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 Malagasy Kawitry Chicken with Citrus and Chili Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Malagasy Kawitry Chicken with Citrus and Chili Glaze?

African new year 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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