Grilled Malagasy Kawitry Chicken with Citrus and Chili Glaze

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

Juicy grilled chicken glazed with a tangy and spicy citrus sauce inspired by the Malagasy Kawitry dance traditions. This ethiopian-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. 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: 16 min Serves 6 Ethiopian 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.

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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?

Ethiopian 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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