Kuku wa Kupaka (Coastal Coconut Chicken Curry)

We first had coastal coconut chicken curry, aka, Kuku Paka on a family trip to Mombasa — at a tiny beach shack with smoky grills and the scent of coconut in the air. My brother couldn’t stop dipping chapati in the sauce. I had it with coconut ric and enjoyed it to the very last bite!

This version of the recipe will bring that coastal warmth into your kitchen, without the need for charcoal grills or a trip to the coast — just your stove, some patience, and East African spice.

Rich coconut base with warming spice blend.

Serves: 4–6
Prep Time: 20 min | Cook Time: 45 min

Ingredients

For the chicken:

1 whole chicken, cut into pieces (or 1kg thighs/drumsticks)

1 tbsp garlic paste

1 tbsp ginger paste

1 tsp turmeric

1 tsp salt

1 tbsp lemon juice

For the sauce:

1 tbsp oil

1 large onion, finely chopped

2 tomatoes, blended or grated

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp coriander

½ tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)

1 cup coconut milk

2 green chilies, slit (optional)

Fresh dhania (coriander), chopped

Salt to taste

Instructions

Marinate the chicken
In a bowl, mix chicken with garlic, ginger, turmeric, salt, and lemon juice. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for extra flavor).

Grill or pan-sear the chicken
Traditional Kuku Paka is slightly smoky. You can grill the chicken until lightly charred or sear in a hot pan until golden on both sides. Set aside.

Make the sauce
In a sufuria, heat oil. Add onions and sauté until soft and golden. Add tomatoes and cook until the mixture thickens.

Add spices
Stir in cumin, coriander, chili powder. Let it cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.

Simmer with coconut milk
Pour in the coconut milk, stir well, and let it simmer gently.

Add the chicken
Return the grilled chicken to the pot. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes until fully cooked and flavors combine.

Finish & garnish
Add green chilies and sprinkle fresh coriander before serving.

Serving Tip:
Serve hot with chapati, rice, or even ugali. Perfect with a side of kachumbari!