Koklo Meme (Togolese Grilled Chicken)
Koklo Meme is a popular Togolese dish of grilled chicken marinated in a flavorful blend of spices, ginger, garlic, and often a touch of chili for heat. It's known for its smoky aroma and tender, juicy meat.
🧂 Ingredients
- 8 pieces Chicken pieces(thighs and legs with skin and bone recommended)
- 2 tbsp Ginger root(grated)
- 8 Garlic cloves(crushed)
- 2 tbsp Red palm oil(melted if solid)
- Salt(to taste)
- Black pepper(to taste)
- Cayenne pepper(to taste, optional)
- 1 large Onion(cut into thick rings)
- 2 Tomatoes(cut into wedges, for serving)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a mixing bowl, combine the grated ginger, crushed garlic, melted red palm oil, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). This is your marinade.
- 2
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and rub to ensure they are well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight for best flavor.
- 3
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F or 200°C).
- 4
Grill the chicken pieces for about 15-17 minutes per side, or until the skins are nicely charred and the juices run clear. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for breasts and 190°F (88°C) for thighs and legs.
- 5
During the last few minutes of grilling, add the onion rings to the grill to soften and char slightly. Be careful not to burn them.
- 6
Serve the grilled chicken hot with the grilled onion rings and fresh tomato wedges.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using chicken thighs and legs with skin and bone will result in a more flavorful and juicy chicken.
- ✓Marinating the chicken overnight allows the flavors to penetrate deeply.
- ✓Red palm oil gives the chicken its characteristic West African flavor and helps achieve a nice char.
🔄 Variations
- Grill chicken breasts instead of thighs and legs.
- Add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to grill alongside the chicken.