BEST KUKU PAKA RECIPE

Craving a taste of East Africa without leaving your kitchen? Imagine tender chicken simmering in a rich, creamy coconut sauce, infused with aromatic spices that transport you to the sun-kissed shores of Kenya. This Kuku Paka recipe delivers that authentic flavor, and I promise, it’s easier to make than you think!

What You’ll Need: The Kuku Paka Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

For the Kuku Paka Sauce:

• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (13.5 oz) can full-fat coconut milk
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Serving Suggestions:

• Cooked rice or naan bread
• Lime wedges

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Make Kuku Paka!

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely.
2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant. This is where the magic starts!
4. Stir in the chopped green and red bell peppers and cook for 3-5 minutes until slightly softened.

Step 3: Bloom the Spices

1. Add the turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, chili powder, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the pot.
2. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant. This “blooming” process releases the oils and enhances the flavor of the spices.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

1. Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained), coconut milk, and chicken broth.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

1. Gently add the seasoned chicken pieces to the simmering sauce.
2. Stir to combine and make sure the chicken is submerged.
3. Cover the pot and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Finish and Serve

1. Stir in the lemon juice.
2. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remember, every palate is different!
3. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
4. Serve hot over cooked rice or with warm naan bread. Lime wedges are a great addition too!

Tips and Tricks for the BEST Kuku Paka

Spice It Up (or Down):

The chili powder and cayenne pepper are optional, so feel free to adjust the amount to your preferred level of spice. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with a smaller amount and taste as you go. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

Coconut Milk Matters:

Full-fat coconut milk will give you the richest and creamiest sauce. If you’re watching your fat intake, you can use light coconut milk, but the sauce may be a bit thinner. I personally think the full-fat version is worth it!

Don’t Rush the Simmer:

Allowing the sauce to simmer gently for at least 20 minutes allows the flavors to meld together and create a truly delicious dish. Patience is key!

Make it Ahead:

Kuku Paka is a great make-ahead dish! The flavors actually deepen and improve overnight. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Variations to Make it Your Own

Add Vegetables:

Feel free to add other vegetables to your Kuku Paka. Spinach, potatoes, or peas would all be delicious additions. Just add them along with the bell peppers and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Use Different Protein:

While this recipe is specifically for chicken, you could also use shrimp or tofu. If using shrimp, add it during the last 5 minutes of cooking to prevent it from becoming overcooked. If using tofu, press it well to remove excess water and add it along with the chicken.

Make it a Stew:

Add more chicken broth to create a more stew-like consistency. This is perfect for serving over rice or with crusty bread.

Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal

Rice is Right:

Kuku Paka is traditionally served with fluffy basmati rice. The rice soaks up all that delicious sauce! You can also use brown rice or quinoa for a healthier option.

Naan Bread for Dipping:

Warm naan bread is perfect for scooping up the Kuku Paka and sopping up the sauce. You can find naan bread at most grocery stores, or you can make your own!

Cooling Yogurt Raita:

A cooling yogurt raita (a yogurt-based condiment) can help balance the spice of the Kuku Paka. Simply mix plain yogurt with grated cucumber, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt.

Other Chicken Recipes You Might Love

If you’re a chicken lover like me, be sure to check out these other fantastic recipes!

• Try this Mexican Chicken for a flavor fiesta.
• For a seasonal treat, don’t miss the Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken.
• Craving something sweet and savory? The Honey Pepper Chicken is a must-try.
• If you love bold flavors, you can’t go wrong with Black Pepper Chicken.
• The Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a quick and easy crowd-pleaser.
• And for a classic that never fails, give Honey Garlic Chicken a try.

Why This Kuku Paka Recipe is the Best

I’ve tried countless Kuku Paka recipes, and this one is truly special. It captures the authentic flavors of East Africa while being easy enough for even beginner cooks to master. The key is using high-quality ingredients, blooming the spices properly, and allowing the sauce to simmer until it’s rich and flavorful. Plus, the variations and serving suggestions make it easy to customize the dish to your liking.

Ready to Cook?

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on some music, and let’s get cooking! I know you’re going to love this Kuku Paka recipe as much as I do. Enjoy!