This Grilled Chicken with Sweet Onions and Jollof Spaghetti is a flavorful, vibrant dish that brings together savory grilled chicken, caramelized sweet onions, and a rich, spiced Jollof-style spaghetti. With its blend of spices, a hint of sweetness from the onions, and the comforting taste of perfectly cooked pasta, this meal offers a perfect balance of flavors that will satisfy any appetite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful and aromatic: The spices in both the grilled chicken and Jollof spaghetti give this dish a rich, deep flavor, while the caramelized onions add a touch of sweetness.
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 45 minutes, this dish makes a great option for both busy weeknights and weekend dinners.
- Versatile: You can substitute the chicken with other proteins, such as fish or beef, and adjust the level of spiciness according to your preferences.
- Balanced meal: The grilled chicken offers protein, while the Jollof spaghetti provides carbs and flavor, creating a well-rounded dish.
- Customizable: Add extra vegetables to the Jollof spaghetti or top the grilled chicken with a spicy sauce if you prefer more heat.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the grilled chicken:
- 4 chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lemon juice (for marinating)
For the caramelized onions:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional for extra caramelization)
- Salt, to taste
For the Jollof spaghetti:
- 1/2 lb spaghetti (or your choice of pasta)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
directions
- Marinate the chicken: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, thyme, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Coat the chicken pieces with the marinade and let them sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the chicken: Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 6–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Set aside.
- Caramelize the onions: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10–12 minutes until they become soft and golden. If desired, add sugar to enhance the caramelization. Season with salt and set aside.
- Prepare the Jollof spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Once done, drain and set aside.
- Make the Jollof sauce: In a large pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the turmeric, thyme, and paprika, then add the tomato paste and cook for 2–3 minutes, letting it darken slightly.
- Finish the sauce: Add chicken broth (or water), salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, then toss in the cooked spaghetti. Stir to coat the spaghetti with the Jollof sauce, cooking for an additional 2–3 minutes until everything is well combined.
- Serve: Plate the grilled chicken, top with the caramelized onions, and serve with the Jollof spaghetti. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Servings and timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: Approximately 400 kcal per serving
Variations
- Protein options: Substitute the chicken with fish fillets, shrimp, or even grilled vegetables for a lighter or vegetarian alternative.
- Heat level: Adjust the heat by adding chili powder, cayenne pepper, or fresh chilies to the Jollof sauce or chicken marinade.
- Add vegetables: Include bell peppers, carrots, or peas in the Jollof spaghetti for added color and nutrition.
- Spicy sauce: Drizzle with a spicy peri-peri or hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Herb variations: Try fresh cilantro or basil in place of parsley for a different herbal note.
- Vegetarian version: Replace the chicken with roasted or grilled vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian dish.
storage/reheating
Storage:
Store any leftover chicken, Jollof spaghetti, and caramelized onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing:
Both the chicken and Jollof spaghetti freeze well. Allow the dish to cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 1–2 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Reheating:
To reheat, warm the chicken in the oven or on a grill pan, and heat the Jollof spaghetti in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if necessary to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts work well for this recipe. Keep in mind that they will cook faster, so be careful not to overcook them.
Can I make the Jollof spaghetti ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Jollof spaghetti in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat it on the stove before serving.
What other sides can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs well with a simple side salad, steamed vegetables, or fried plantains for an additional Caribbean or West African flair.
Can I use other types of pasta for the Jollof spaghetti?
Yes, you can use any pasta you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or even rice if you prefer a gluten-free option.
How do I make the caramelized onions more flavorful?
You can add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of brown sugar to the onions while cooking for extra depth of flavor.
Can I add more spices to the chicken marinade?
Yes, feel free to adjust the spices according to your preferences. You can add cumin, coriander, or ginger for more complexity in the marinade.
Conclusion
Grilled Chicken with Sweet Onions and Jollof Spaghetti is a deliciously flavorful dish that brings together savory grilled chicken, sweet caramelized onions, and a spiced pasta, making it a perfect balance of flavors. Whether served for a family dinner, a special occasion, or a casual meal, this dish will undoubtedly become a favorite in your recipe collection.
PrintGrilled Chicken with Sweet Onions and Jollof Spaghetti
This flavorful dish features grilled chicken paired with caramelized sweet onions and served with a delicious Jollof-style spaghetti, offering a perfect blend of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Sautéing, Boiling
- Cuisine: African, West African
Ingredients
- For the grilled chicken:
- 4 chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lemon juice (for marinating)
- For the caramelized onions:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional for extra caramelization)
- Salt, to taste
- For the Jollof spaghetti:
- 1/2 lb spaghetti (or your choice of pasta)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, thyme, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Coat the chicken pieces with the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook the chicken: Preheat the grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked and golden brown. Set aside.
- Caramelize the onions: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes until they become soft and golden. If desired, add sugar to enhance the caramelization. Season with salt and set aside.
- Prepare the Jollof spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until softened. Stir in the turmeric, thyme, and paprika, then add the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, letting it darken slightly.
- Add chicken broth (or water), salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, then toss in the cooked spaghetti. Stir to coat the spaghetti with the Jollof sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined.
- Serve: Plate the grilled chicken, top with the caramelized onions, and serve with the Jollof spaghetti. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the grilled chicken before serving.
- To make this dish spicier, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped chili to the Jollof spaghetti sauce.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can swap the chicken thighs for skinless chicken breasts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg