Grilled Ugali-Crusted Chicken Skewers with Pili Pili Sauce

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

Juicy chicken skewers marinated and grilled with a crispy coating of ugali flour, served with a spicy East African pili pili chili sauce. This african-inspired chicken ready in about 90 minutes blends cut into 1-inch cubes chicken breast, ugali cornmeal flour, plain yogurt into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 75 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 African cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb chicken breast cubes and marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
  3. Step 3: Spread 1 cup ugali cornmeal flour on a plate. Remove chicken pieces from the marinade, letting excess drip off, then coat each piece evenly with the ugali flour.
  4. Step 4: Thread the coated chicken cubes onto 8 wooden skewers.
  5. Step 5: Brush the grill grates with 1 tbsp olive oil to prevent sticking. Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the ugali coating is golden and crisp.
  6. Step 6: Meanwhile, blend 2 fresh pili pili chili peppers (or 1 tsp chili powder) with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro until smooth to make the pili pili sauce.
  7. Step 7: Serve the grilled chicken skewers hot, drizzled with pili pili sauce for a spicy kick.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Ugali-Crusted Chicken Skewers with Pili Pili Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 90 minutes (75 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Ugali-Crusted Chicken Skewers with Pili Pili Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Ugali-Crusted Chicken Skewers with Pili Pili 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 Ugali-Crusted Chicken Skewers with Pili Pili 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 Ugali-Crusted Chicken Skewers with Pili Pili 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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