Grilled Chicken with Ghanaian Flavors

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the original Indonesian Ayam Bakar is transformed by incorporating Ghanaian flavors and ingredients. The traditional Indonesian marinade is replaced with a blend of Ghanaian spices, including ginger, garlic, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Additionally, groundnut paste and palm oil are added to enhance the dish's Ghanaian essence. The result is a unique fusion of Indonesian and Ghanaian cuisines, creating a tantalizing grilled chicken dish with a distinct flavor profile. We alse have the original recipe for Ayam bakar, so you can check it out.

• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
• 2 tablespoons ginger paste 2 tablespoons ginger paste
• 2 tablespoons garlic paste 2 tablespoons garlic paste
• 1 tablespoon paprika 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons groundnut paste 2 tablespoons groundnut paste
• 2 tablespoons palm oil 2 tablespoons palm oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 2g, 1g
• Protein: 40g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the ginger paste, garlic paste, paprika, cayenne pepper, groundnut paste, palm oil, soy sauce, honey, and salt.
2. 2.
   Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and mix well, ensuring each piece is coated evenly. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill. Cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice charred appearance.
5. 5.
   Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
6. 6.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with jollof rice or yam fries.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ginger — Use fresh ginger for the best flavor. Peel the ginger and grate it finely before adding it to the marinade.
• Garlic — Fresh garlic cloves are recommended for a stronger taste. Crush or mince the garlic cloves before adding them to the marinade.
• Groundnut paste — Look for natural groundnut paste without any added sugar or preservatives. If unavailable, you can substitute it with smooth peanut butter.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add more cayenne pepper to the marinade.
• Basting the chicken with the marinade while grilling will enhance the flavor and keep the meat moist.
• If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the marinade.
• Experiment with different Ghanaian spices and herbs to customize the flavor according to your preference.
• Make sure to preheat the grill properly to ensure even cooking and a nice char on the chicken.

Serving advice

Serve the Grilled Chicken with Ghanaian Flavors hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. Pair it with a side of jollof rice or yam fries to complete the meal. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a tangy twist.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled chicken pieces on a platter, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve alongside a mound of vibrant jollof rice or a pile of crispy yam fries. The colorful presentation will entice your guests and showcase the enticing fusion of Indonesian and Ghanaian flavors.