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Kenya's Chicken in Coconut Sauce (Kuku wa kupaka)
Prep Time
2 hrs
Cook Time
50 mins
Total Time
2 hrs 50 mins
 
This Kenya's chicken in coconut sauce is quite complex with its flavour combination. It is sweet, spicy, smoky, tangy, it's just fantastic.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Kenya
Servings: 2 - 4
Author: Marianjules| BiscuitsandLadles
Ingredients
Chicken
  • 1/2 kg chicken
  • 1-2 green chilli
  • 2 coves garlic
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • salt
Coconut sauce
  • 1cup/ 240ml thick coconut milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon grounded cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon grounded coriander
  • 2 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 tomatoes chopped
  • 1/2 medium size onion chopped
  • 1- 2 clove garlic grated
  • 1 green chilli thinly chopped
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
Salt
  • Lemon juice and coriander leaves/ cilantro leaves to serve
Instructions
  1. Prepare the chicken by mixing all the ingredients under marinade and coat well onto the chicken. Marinate at least an hour or two, for an intense flavour overnight in the fridge.

  2. Light a charcoal grill or preheat an oven to 180°C/ 350°F. Lightly brush the chicken with oil, then place on  the grilling rack or the baking tray. Grill for 30 - 40 minutes, or until done.

  3. Meanwhile, put the 2 tablespoons of oil into a saucepan over medium heat. When it is hot, add the onion, frying for about 5 minutes or until the barely caramelised. Add the garlic, ginger and green chilli, stirring till fragrant. Add the tomato and cook until soft. Add the ground cumin, coriander and the turmeric, and about 1/4 teaspoon of salt, stirring all the while. Add any remaining marinade(optional).

  4. Mix in the coconut milk, lower the heat and stir occasionally till sauce thickens a bit. Place the chicken in the sauce to heat through, spooning the sauce over it. If the sauce is very thick, splash in water.  Cover and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the flavours have melded. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and then garnish with coriander or cilantro. Just before serving, splash in lemon juice OR Serve with lemons, mandazi and rice.


Recipe Notes

You can substitute turmeric for curry powder, omit or cut down on the grounded cumin and add the coriander accordingly. For homemade Coconut milk