Chicken Kuku Paka

Chicken Kuku Paka is the kind of dish that hits all the right notes—warm, creamy, slightly spicy, and full of soul. Whether you’re new to East African Kuku Paka or already love the sweet-and-savory magic of coconut-based stews, this recipe will have you licking your plate (and maybe the spoon too—no judgment here).

I first fell in love with this dish during a family dinner where my cousin-in-law from Mombasa brought it over in a giant Dutch oven. Let me tell you, there wasn’t a single bite left. Since then, it’s become my rainy day favorite—comforting enough to soothe any stress, but flavorful enough to impress guests when you want to show off a bit.

Plus, the real magic? You don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients—just a little marinating time and a deep love for bold, beautiful flavor

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Kuku Paka

Besides the fact that it tastes like something you’d order at an upscale Swahili coastal restaurant, this dish is surprisingly easy to pull off. Chicken Kuku Paka combines juicy grilled chicken with a rich, spiced coconut sauce that’s comforting and unique without being complicated.

This is a perfect recipe for:

• A cozy Sunday dinner
• A casual get-together (it looks fancy, but we’re not telling!)
• Something new when you’re tired of the same ol’ chicken recipes

And if you’ve got picky eaters? Trust me—one bite of that creamy coconut sauce, and they’ll be hooked.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Marinade:

• 1 whole medium chicken (skinless, bone-in, or your fave cut)
• Juice of ½ lemon (for cleaning the chicken)
• 1½ tbsp olive oil (or your go-to cooking oil)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• 1½ tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp finely minced garlic
• 1 tbsp finely minced ginger
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• ½ tsp red chili powder (optional, but recommended if you like a kick)

For the Coconut Sauce:

• 2 tbsp cooking oil (olive, coconut, or whatever you love)
• 1 medium onion (finely diced or sliced)
• 1 large bell pepper (chopped)
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• ½ tsp minced garlic
• ½ tsp minced ginger
• 1½ tbsp lemon juice
• ⅓ cup tomato paste
• ½ tsp salt
• 1½ cups canned coconut milk
• ½ tsp cumin powder

How to Make Chicken Kuku Paka

1. Marinate the Chicken

Start by giving your chicken a quick lemon rinse (optional, but it helps tone down any strong “raw” flavors). Pat it dry and cut it into your preferred pieces. I like to make a few shallow slits—this helps the marinade seep all the way through.

In a bowl, mix together lemon juice, garlic, ginger, olive oil, and all your spices. Add the chicken and give it a good rub-down. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—but overnight is even better. Trust me, the flavor payoff is worth the wait.

2. Grill the Chicken

When you’re ready to cook, let the chicken sit out for about 20 minutes to hit room temp. Fire up the grill (or stovetop grill pan if you’re indoors) to medium heat. Lightly grease the chicken and grill it for 5 minutes per side, flipping occasionally. Total cook time should be around 25 minutes until the chicken is perfectly charred and juicy inside. Set aside and cover with foil to keep it tender.

3. Make the Coconut Sauce

In a large skillet, heat your oil and sauté the onions until soft and golden. Stir in the tomato paste, garlic, ginger, turmeric, cumin, and salt. Once fragrant, pour in the coconut milk and lemon juice. Simmer on low for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add your bell peppers and cook for another 2–5 minutes, just until tender but still a little crisp. This step keeps the veggies vibrant and the sauce textured.

Tips for Flavorful Chicken Kuku Paka

• Grill it like you mean it: That smoky flavor is everything. If you can’t grill, broiling works too.
• Coconut milk matters: Go for full-fat coconut milk—your taste buds will thank you.
• Leftover magic: This dish actually tastes better the next day. The sauce gets deeper and richer after some fridge time.
• Don’t skip the lemon: It balances the richness and brings out all those spices.

My Kuku Paka Story

This dish has become a little culinary tradition in my house. Every time someone’s feeling under the weather, stressed from school, or just hangry after work, this is the dish I pull out. It’s cozy, nostalgic, and exotic all in one bowl. And the best part? My youngest—who usually gives side-eye to anything with “sauce”—actually asks for second helpings.

FAQs: Your Chicken Kuku Paka Questions Answered

A Taste of East Africa, Right in Your Kitchen

If you’re craving something comforting, flavorful, and just a little different from your usual weeknight chicken, Chicken Kuku Paka is your golden ticket. The juicy grilled chicken, paired with that dreamy coconut sauce, delivers all the soul and spice of East African Kuku Paka—with zero stress in the kitchen.

So go ahead—pour yourself a glass of something nice, pop on some good music, and let this dish bring a little Swahili coast sunshine into your home.

Let me know how your Kuku Paka turns out—I love seeing your delicious spins! And remember, the magic’s always in the chicken.

Explore More Chicken Magic: Recipes You’ll Love

If Chicken Kuku Paka made your heart (and belly) happy, I’ve got more flavor-packed dishes you’re going to adore. Here are a few delicious ways to continue your culinary adventure through bold, comforting, and globally inspired chicken recipes:

• Craving more creamy coconut goodness? You’ll love the One-Pan Coconut Lime Chicken—it’s zesty, simple, and packed with tropical flair.
• Want to spice things up with a different global twist? Check out this sweet and sticky Soy Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe for a quick weeknight winner.
• If you’re a fan of grilled flavor, the Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Stack brings sweet, smoky island vibes straight to your table.
• And if you’re just here for bold flavor and crispy texture, don’t miss my Crispy Poblano Chicken Tacos—they’re a crunchy dream with just the right kick.

There’s a whole world of chicken recipes waiting to be discovered, and I’m here to make it magical—one bite at a time!

Print