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East African Kuku Paka Recipe

East African Kuku Paka Recipe

4.7 from 8 reviews

A flavorful and aromatic East African Kuku Paka recipe featuring marinated grilled chicken smothered in a creamy coconut sauce. This dish is a harmonious blend of spices and textures, perfect for a special dinner or gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

MARINADE

  • 1 full medium-sized chicken skinless and bone-in or your preferred cut, such as the breast
  • 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil or favorite cooking oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice
  • juice of half a lemon to clean the chicken
  • 1 tablespoon finely minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon finely minced ginger
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin powder
  • ½ teaspoon red chili powder (optional)

TO MAKE THE COCONUT SAUCE

  • 2 tablespoons suitable cooking oil (olive oil, coconut oil, or your preferred choice)
  • 1 medium-sized onion, finely diced or julienne sliced
  • 1 large bell pepper, chopped
  • ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
  • ½ teaspoon ginger, finely minced or crushed
  • ½ teaspoon garlic, finely minced or crushed
  • 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice
  • ⅓ cup tomato paste
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ cups canned coconut milk
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin powder

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken Clean the chicken with lemon juice or pat it dry. Cut the chicken into pieces, remove excess fat, and make slits. In a bowl, mix chicken with lemon juice, garlic, ginger, spices, salt, and olive oil. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best flavor.
  2. Grill the Chicken Preheat the grill to medium heat. Let the chicken come to room temperature. Grease the chicken with oil and grill for 5 minutes on each side. Flip every 5 minutes until cooked through, about 25 minutes. Set aside and cover with foil.
  3. Make the Coconut Sauce Heat a pan over medium heat, add oil, and fry onions until soft. Stir in tomato paste, garlic, ginger, turmeric, cumin, salt, coconut milk, and lemon juice. Reduce heat, cover, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add bell pepper and coriander, cook for another 2-5 minutes.
  4. Serve Place grilled chicken on a plate, pour the hot coconut sauce over it.

Nutrition

Keywords: East African, Kuku Paka, Chicken, Coconut Sauce, Grilled Chicken