Description
Kuku Paka is a delicious East African coconut chicken curry with roots in Kenyan and Tanzanian Swahili cuisine. The dish features grilled or simmered chicken in a fragrant coconut milk sauce, infused with warm spices and a hint of lime. Serve it with rice, chapati, or naan for an irresistible meal!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 1 1/2 lbs bone-in chicken (thighs, drumsticks, or a mix)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Curry Sauce:
- 1 tbsp butter or oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (adjust for spice)
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 medium tomato, pureed or finely chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 green chili, sliced (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
1. Marinate & Cook the Chicken:
- In a bowl, mix lemon juice, olive oil, turmeric, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Rub this marinade onto the chicken and let it sit for 15-30 minutes.
- Grill or pan-sear over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown. (It will finish cooking in the curry.)
2. Make the Curry Sauce:
- Heat butter or oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Sauté onions until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add garlic and ginger, cooking for another 30 seconds.
- Stir in coriander, cumin, turmeric, and chili powder, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add tomato puree and cook until slightly thickened (3-5 minutes).
3. Simmer the Chicken:
- Add coconut milk, chicken broth, and the grilled chicken to the pot.
- Let simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is tender.
- Stir in green chili, cilantro, and lemon juice. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
4. Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve warm with steamed rice, chapati, or naan.
- Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges.
Notes
- Swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or vegetables for a different version.
- Add potatoes or bell peppers for extra heartiness.
- For a smoky twist, grill the chicken before adding it to the sauce.
Nutrition
- Calories: ~400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg