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East African Kuku Paka Recipe

The Best East African Kuku Paka Recipe! Chicken pieces are marinated with spices, grilled, and served with a fragrant coconut sauce.
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Course: Dinner
Cuisine: African
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Marination: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Calories: 410kcal
Author: Anne Carter
Servings: 4

Equipment

Ingredients

MARINADE

  • 1 Kg Chicken bone-in or boneless, cut into pieces
  • 1 tablespoon Ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
  • ½ teaspoon Chili Powder
  • 1 Lemon Juice

TO MAKE THE COCONUT SAUCE

  • Large Onion finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp Oil
  • 2 Tomatoes grated or blended
  • 1 tbsp Ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 tsp Cumin Powder
  • 1 tsp Coriander Powder
  • 1 tsp Turmeric
  • 2 cup Coconut Milk
  • 1 Green Chili
  • Cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  • Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
    In a mixing bowl, combine chicken, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, chili powder, lemon juice, and salt.
    Let it rest for at least 30 minutes or longer if you have time. The spices will soak in, the meat softens, and the flavor deepens.
    Marinate the Chicken
  • Step 2: Grill for Depth
    Heat a grill or grill pan and sear the marinated chicken until lightly charred on both sides.
    You’re not cooking it through yet, just giving it that smoky edge that defines Kuku Paka.
  • Step 3: Build the Curry Base
    In a large pot, heat oil or ghee. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook until fragrant.
    Add turmeric, cumin, and coriander powder the aroma should bloom instantly.
    Build the Curry Base
  • Step 4: Add Tomatoes
    Pour in the grated or blended tomatoes and cook until the oil begins to separate that’s when the magic starts.
    Add Tomatoes
  • Step 5: Make It Creamy
    Add the grilled chicken to the pot and pour in coconut milk.
    Stir gently, letting the sauce coat the chicken completely. Drop in the green chili.
    Make It Creamy more
  • Step 6: Simmer and Serve
    Cover and let it simmer on low heat for 15–20 minutes. The sauce thickens, the flavors merge, and the chicken turns tender.

Notes

Useful Tips for Kuku Paka

  1. Meat Choices: You can use other cuts of meat, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  2. Marinating: Don’t skip marinating! It tenderizes the meat and infuses it with flavor.
  3. Grill Temperature: Use a charcoal or electric grill on medium heat. High heat might cook the outside too quickly, leaving the inside undercooked.
  4. Check Doneness: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) with clear juices for safe and delicious results. 
 

Nutrition

Calories: 410kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 32g | Cholesterol: 126mg | Sodium: 620mg | Potassium: 625mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 419IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 4mg