Description
This Kuku Paka recipe is a creamy coconut chicken curry from the Swahili coast of East Africa. With influences from both African and Indian cuisines, it combines smoky grilled chicken with a rich coconut curry infused with garlic, ginger, chilies, and spices. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a global-inspired feast, it’s flavorful, satisfying, and ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1.5 lbs chicken (bone-in thighs or drumsticks recommended)
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Curry:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 green chilies, chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 1/4 cup water or broth
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh cilantro and lemon wedges, for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Mix chicken with yogurt, lemon juice, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- Sear or Grill: Heat a grill pan or skillet with oil. Sear chicken on all sides until browned, about 3–4 minutes per side.
- Prepare Curry Base: In a pan, sauté onion in oil until soft. Add garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Stir in paprika, cumin, and coriander; cook 1 minute.
- Simmer Chicken: Add coconut milk and water/broth, then return chicken to the pan. Simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes until chicken is tender.
- Finish & Serve: Season with salt, garnish with fresh cilantro and lemon wedges, and serve hot with rice or flatbread.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken for the richest flavor.
- Marinating overnight enhances the taste significantly.
- Char or grill chicken before simmering for authentic smoky flavor.
- Simmer gently to prevent coconut milk from curdling.
- Adjust spice level with more or fewer chilies to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop / Grilled
- Cuisine: East African
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Kuku Paka, East African Chicken Curry, Coconut Curry Chicken, Swahili Chicken Recipe, African Dishes