Authentic Kenyan Kati Kati Chicken Recipe

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
1 tablespoon peanut oil
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
2 Scotch bonnet peppers, minced
2 medium onions, chopped
2 medium tomatoes, diced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons fish sauce
1 tablespoon thyme, dried
1 tablespoon rosemary, dried
1 tablespoon parsley, dried
2 bay leaves
1 cup chicken stock
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
2 tablespoons lemon juice

Steps and instructions

Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Heat the peanut oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan and sauté until fragrant.
Add the minced Scotch bonnet peppers and chopped onions to the pan. Sauté until the onions are translucent.
Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, fish sauce, thyme, rosemary, parsley, and bay leaves to the pan. Stir well to combine.
Add the seasoned chicken thighs to the pan. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides.
Pour the chicken stock into the pan. Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
Remove the bay leaves from the pan. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Squeeze the lemon juice over the chicken. Stir well to combine.
Serve the Kati Kati hot, with a side of rice or bread if desired.

Tools for making

Cutting board - Used for chopping and preparing ingredients.
Knife - Essential for cutting and slicing the chicken, vegetables, and herbs.
Large pan - Used for cooking the Kati Kati sauce and chicken.
Spatula - Helps to stir and flip the chicken while cooking.
Measuring spoons - Used to accurately measure the quantities of spices, oil, and lemon juice.
Wooden spoon - Helps to mix and stir the Kati Kati sauce.
Lemon squeezer - Optional tool to easily extract juice from a lemon.

Recipe variations

Use bone-in chicken thighs instead of boneless and skinless for added flavor.
Swap the chicken with beef or lamb for a different protein option.
Add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or peas for extra texture and nutrition.
Replace the peanut oil with olive oil or vegetable oil.
Experiment with different herbs and spices such as cumin, coriander, or turmeric to change the flavor profile.
Make it vegetarian by using tofu or tempeh instead of chicken and vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.
Add coconut milk for a creamy and rich variation.
Make it spicier by increasing the amount of Scotch bonnet peppers or adding hot sauce.
For a citrusy twist, substitute the lemon juice with lime juice.
Serve it with naan bread or couscous instead of rice for a different accompaniment.

Recipe overview

Discover the flavors of Central Africa with this Kati Kati recipe, a traditional Cameroonian dish. This dish brings together tender, boneless chicken thighs cooked in a rich tomato and pepper sauce with aromatic herbs and spices. The chicken soaks up all the flavors in the sauce and becomes incredibly juicy and flavorful. With a good kick from Scotch bonnet peppers and a tangy touch of lemon, this Kati Kati is bursting with flavor. Pair it with a side of rice or bread, and you've got a hearty, warming meal that's sure to impress. This recipe is straightforward to follow and well worth the effort. Get ready to bring a piece of Cameroon to your dining table!

Common questions

What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
Boneless and skinless chicken thighs work best for this recipe as they are tender and flavorful.
Can I use a different type of oil?
While peanut oil is traditionally used in this recipe for its nutty flavor, you can substitute it with any other neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil.
Is there a substitute for Scotch bonnet peppers?
If you can't find Scotch bonnet peppers, you can use habanero peppers as a substitute. However, be cautious as they are very spicy. Adjust the quantity according to your preferred level of heat.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh herbs instead of dried ones. Keep in mind that the quantity may vary. Typically, you would use three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried herbs in a recipe.
What can I serve with Kati Kati?
Kati Kati is traditionally served with rice or bread. You can also serve it with flatbread, naan, or roti.

Serving dishes and utensils

Cutting board - A sturdy surface for preparing ingredients and cutting the chicken.
Chef's knife - A sharp knife for chopping vegetables and deboning chicken thighs.
Large pan - A spacious pan for sautéing the ingredients and cooking the chicken.
Wooden spoon - A utensil for stirring and mixing the ingredients in the pan.
Measuring spoons - Accurate utensils for measuring the spices, oil, and lemon juice.
Spatula - A tool for flipping and turning the chicken while browning.
Lid - A cover for the pan to simmer the chicken in the sauce.
Serving platter - A dish for presenting the cooked Kati Kati.

Origin stories

Kati Kati is a beloved dish that finds its roots in the heart of Cameroon, a country renowned for its rich and diverse culinary traditions. The name Kati Kati roughly translates to "it's hot" in the local parlance, and it is this heat, both of the cooking process and of the spices used, that gives the dish its signature taste. The dish is traditionally cooked in a pot over an open fire, and it is the smoky flavor imparted by this method of cooking that distinguishes it from other chicken dishes. The use of Scotch bonnet peppers, one of the hottest chilies in the world, further adds to the heat of the dish. Despite its fiery reputation, Kati Kati is not just about the heat. Each ingredient used, from the aromatic herbs to the tangy lemon juice, plays its part in creating a dish that is as balanced as it is flavorful. This is a dish that truly captures the spirit of Cameroonian cuisine, where food is not just a means of sustenance, but a celebration of life, community, and the abundant natural bounty of the land.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.