Description
A rich and flavorful East African coconut chicken dish made with grilled marinated chicken and a spiced, creamy coconut sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
1 medium-sized chicken, skinless and bone-in or cut of choice
1 ½ tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
½ tsp turmeric powder
1 ½ tbsp lemon juice
Juice of half a lemon (to clean chicken)
1 tbsp garlic, minced
1 tbsp ginger, minced
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp cumin powder
½ tsp red chili powder (optional)
For the Coconut Sauce:
2 tbsp oil (olive, coconut, or preferred)
1 medium onion, finely diced
1 large bell pepper, chopped
½ tsp turmeric powder
½ tsp garlic, minced
½ tsp ginger, minced
1 ½ tbsp lemon juice
⅓ cup tomato paste
½ tsp salt
1 ½ cups canned coconut milk
½ tsp cumin powder
Instructions
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Marinate the Chicken: Clean chicken with lemon juice. Cut and slit pieces. Mix with all marinade ingredients. Marinate for 30 minutes or overnight.
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Grill the Chicken: Preheat grill to medium heat. Grill chicken for about 25 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes. Set aside.
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Make the Sauce: In a pan, sauté onions. Add tomato paste, garlic, ginger, turmeric, cumin, salt, lemon juice, and coconut milk. Simmer for 10 minutes. Add bell peppers and cook for another 2–5 minutes.
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Serve: Plate grilled chicken and pour sauce on top. Garnish with coriander or sliced chili.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, marinate overnight.
- You can use boneless chicken for quicker cooking.
- Adjust chili levels to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling + Stovetop
- Cuisine: East African