Grilled Senegalese-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Tamarind Glaze
Juicy chicken skewers marinated in a fragrant Senegalese spice blend, finished with a tangy tamarind glaze for a perfect balance of smoky and sour flavors. This african-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs ground coriander, ground cumin, paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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
- 1.5 lbs, cut into 1.5-inch pieces boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 1.5 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp tamarind paste
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 8, soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 tsp ground coriander, 1.5 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1.5 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.
- Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs cut chicken thigh pieces to the marinade and toss until fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 4 hours.
- Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread marinated chicken pieces evenly onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
- Step 4: In a small saucepan, combine 3 tbsp tamarind paste, 2 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp water, and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring for 3-4 minutes until thickened slightly to a glaze consistency. Remove from heat.
- Step 5: Grill chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, brushing occasionally with the tamarind glaze, until chicken is cooked through and edges are slightly charred.
- Step 6: Serve hot with remaining glaze on the side.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Senegalese-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Tamarind Glaze 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 Senegalese-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Tamarind 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 ground coriander from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Senegalese-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Tamarind 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 Senegalese-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Tamarind 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 Senegalese-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Tamarind 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.
