Grilled Spiced Senegalese Chicken with Tamarind Glaze

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

Tender chicken marinated in a vibrant blend of Senegalese spices and finished with a tangy tamarind glaze over the grill. This african-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, ground ginger, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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: 20 min Serves 4 African cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 tsp ground ginger, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp paprika, 1/2 tsp smoked chili powder, 4 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 6 bone-in chicken thighs to the marinade, coating them evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and skin is slightly charred.
  4. Step 4: While chicken grills, combine 2 tbsp tamarind paste, 1 tbsp honey, 1/4 cup water, and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice in a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Step 5: Brush the tamarind glaze over chicken pieces during the last 2 minutes of grilling to build a sticky, tangy coating.
  6. Step 6: Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Spiced Senegalese Chicken with Tamarind Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Spiced Senegalese Chicken 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 bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Spiced Senegalese Chicken 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 Spiced Senegalese Chicken 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 Spiced Senegalese Chicken 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.

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