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East African Kuku Paka (Coconut Chicken)


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  • Author: Chef sara
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Gluten Free

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

  1. Marinate the Chicken: Clean chicken with lemon juice. Cut and slit pieces. Mix with all marinade ingredients. Marinate for 30 minutes or overnight.

  2. Grill the Chicken: Preheat grill to medium heat. Grill chicken for about 25 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes. Set aside.

  3. 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.

  4. 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