Description
Kuku Paka is a flavorful East African and Indian fusion dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy coconut curry sauce. This aromatic and mildly spicy dish is perfect for a cozy dinner with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3–4 lbs), cut into pieces or 2 lbs bone-in chicken thighs/drumsticks
Curry Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups coconut milk
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1–2 green chilies, slit
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Curry Sauce: Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until soft and golden, about 6–8 minutes.
- Sauté Aromatics: Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until softened, about 4 minutes.
- Add Spices: Stir in cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, paprika, and salt. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the spices are well blended.
- Cook Chicken: Add the chicken pieces and cook, turning occasionally, for about 8–10 minutes until lightly browned.
- Simmer: Stir in the coconut milk, yogurt, green chilies, and lemon juice. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes or until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Finish and Serve: Uncover and cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the sauce to reduce if needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
Notes
- Kuku Paka is excellent served with steamed rice, chapati, or naan.
- For a smokier flavor, grill or broil the chicken first before simmering in the sauce.
- Adjust the spice level to your liking by changing the amount of chili powder and green chilies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: East African, Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken piece with sauce
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
