Tamarind-Glazed Chicken Skewers

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

Marinated chicken skewers with a sweet-sour tamarind glaze, grilled to perfection for a zesty flavor burst. This thai-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes pairs chicken thighs, tamarind paste, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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: 30 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Thai-Inspired cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix tamarind paste, lime juice, soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar, and olive oil until well combined. Add chicken cubes and marinate for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Thread chicken and bell pepper pieces onto skewers. Heat a grill to medium-high. Brush skewers with remaining marinade and grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or until chicken is fully cooked and charred.
  3. Step 3: Serve immediately, optionally with a side of rice or crusty bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tamarind-Glazed Chicken Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (30 min prep + 25 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 Tamarind-Glazed Chicken Skewers?

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 chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tamarind-Glazed Chicken Skewers?

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 Tamarind-Glazed Chicken Skewers 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 Tamarind-Glazed Chicken Skewers?

Thai-Inspired 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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