Jinsi Ya Kupika KuKu Wa Kupaka

Kuku wa kupaka is basically Kienyeji chicken cooked in thick coconut sauce!

INGREDIENTS

1 Whole Kienyeji Chicken (free range chicken)
2 Tomatoes
1 Red Onion
1Teaspoon Whole Cumin Seeds
1 Star Anise Spice
4 Whole Cardamom
1 Tablespoon Curry Powder
1 Tablespoon Chicken Masala Spice
Salt to taste
2 Cups Coconut Milk

METHOD

Add onions to pan with 2 tablespoons oil. Fry until onions softened. Add the cumin, star anise and cardamom to pan, cook until spices start to sputter or split
Add the chopped tomatoes. Fry until tomatoes turn paste like. Add the curry powder and chicken masala spice. Fry 3 minutes

Add the coconut milk

Simmer sauce 3 minutes until thickened

Add the pre boiled kienyeji chicken

Fry the chicken in the sauce 5 minutes

Pour into the chicken 1 cup water. Add in the ginger garlic paste

Cook until the gravy thickens

Serve over some rice, with chapati or ugali

KUKU WA KUPAKA

Recipe by Mulunga Alukwe

Prep time: 10 Minutes
Cook time: 30 Minutes
Total time: 40 Minutes
Yield: 3 Servings
Ingredients

• 1 Whole Kienyeji Chicken
• 2 Tomatoes
• 1 Red Onion
• 1 Teaspoon Whole Cumin
• 1 Star Anise
• 4 Whole Cradamom
• 1 Tablespoon Curry Powder
• 1 Tablespoon Chicken Marsala Spice
• Salt to taste
• 2 Cups Coconut Milk

Cooking Directions

1. Add onions to pan with 2 tablespoons oil. Fry until onions softened. Add the cumin, star anise and cardamom to pan, cook until spices start to sputter or split
2. Add the chopped tomatoes. Fry until tomatoes turn paste like
3. Add the curry powder and chicken masala spice. Fry 3 minutes
4. Add the coconut milk. Simmer sauce 3 minutes until thickened
5. Add the pre boiled kienyeji chicken. Fry the chicken in the sauce 5 minutes
6. Pour into the chicken 1 cup water. Add in the ginger garlic paste
7. Cook until the gravy thickens
8. Serve over some rice, with chapati or ugali

Kuku wa Kupaka – FAQs

1. What is Kuku wa Kupaka?

Kuku wa Kupaka is a popular Kenyan dish featuring grilled or roasted chicken coated with a rich, flavorful coconut-based sauce. "Kupaka" means "to coat," referring to the marinating and basting with coconut sauce.

2. What are the main ingredients?

The dish typically uses chicken pieces, coconut milk, tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, and a blend of spices like turmeric, chili, and coriander.

3. Is it spicy?

It can be mildly to moderately spicy depending on the amount of chili used. You can adjust the spice level to taste.

4. How is it traditionally cooked?

Traditionally, chicken is marinated and then grilled over charcoal or cooked in an oven, basted repeatedly with the coconut sauce to keep it moist and flavorful.

5. What can I serve with Kuku wa Kupaka?

It pairs well with steamed rice, chapati, ugali, or vegetable sides.

Nutrition Card – Approx. per serving (1 medium chicken leg with sauce)

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value (DV)	Notes
Calories	350–450 kcal	—	Depends on chicken cut and coconut milk
Protein	30–35 g	60–70%	High protein from chicken
Carbohydrates	8–12 g	3–4%	From tomatoes and onions
Fiber	1–2 g	4–8%	From vegetables and spices
Fat	20–30 g	30–45%	Mostly from coconut milk
Sodium	300–500 mg	13–21%	Varies with added salt and spices
Vitamin A	15–25%	From tomatoes and spices
Vitamin C	10–15%	From tomatoes and spices

Dietary Compatibility & Notes

Diet Type	Compatible?	Notes
Gluten-Free	✅ Yes	Naturally gluten-free if no cross-contamination
Dairy-Free	✅ Yes	No dairy used
Keto/Low-Carb	✅ Yes	Low in carbs, rich in fat and protein
Paleo	✅ Yes	Uses whole foods and coconut milk
Whole30	✅ Yes	Compliant if using approved ingredients
Vegan	❌ No	Contains chicken

Quick Tip:

Marinate chicken for at least 2 hours or overnight for deeper flavor. Basting with coconut sauce while grilling ensures juicy and aromatic chicken.

Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used. For precise nutritional information, consider using a nutrition calculator with exact ingredient measurements.

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