Grilled Senegalese-Spiced Chicken with Peanut Sauce

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

Tender grilled chicken marinated in Senegalese spices served with a rich, creamy peanut sauce inspired by West African flavors. This African-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, ground cumin, ground coriander 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: 15 min Serves 4 African cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs with 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, 1 tsp kosher salt, 3 cloves minced garlic, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 2 tbsp olive oil. Toss to coat evenly, then marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  2. Step 2: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and edges are slightly charred.
  3. Step 3: While the chicken grills, prepare the peanut sauce by whisking together 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter, 1/2 cup coconut milk, 1 tbsp honey, 1/4 tsp red chili flakes, 1/4 cup water, and 1 tbsp olive oil in a small saucepan over low heat. Cook gently for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  4. Step 4: Serve grilled chicken topped with warm peanut sauce and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Senegalese-Spiced Chicken with Peanut Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 with Peanut 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 ground cumin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Senegalese-Spiced Chicken with Peanut 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 Senegalese-Spiced Chicken with Peanut 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 Senegalese-Spiced Chicken with Peanut 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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