Description
Kuku Paka is a creamy and flavorful East African chicken curry that is rich in coconut milk and aromatic spices. This ultimate recipe delivers a truly satisfying dish that is perfect for a special dinner or gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken:
- 2 pounds bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks (skin removed)
Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
Sauce:
- 1 large tomato, chopped
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (plus more for garnish)
- 1 green chili, sliced (optional)
- Grilled lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet, sear the chicken until golden, then set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, sauté onions until golden, then add garlic and ginger.
- Add Spices: Stir in cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, and chili powder.
- Cook Tomatoes: Add chopped tomato and cook until softened.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in coconut milk and yogurt, then return chicken to the pan.
- Simmer: Simmer on low heat until chicken is cooked through and sauce is creamy.
- Finish: Stir in lemon juice, cilantro, and green chili. Simmer uncovered for additional flavor.
- Serve: Garnish with cilantro and serve hot.
Notes
- For a smoky flavor, grill the chicken before adding it to the sauce.
- Pairs beautifully with rice, naan, or chapati.
- Adjust chili powder and green chili to match your heat preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: East African, Indian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken portion with sauce
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
